Chapter 2
Calvin Enzo POV"YEAH? What the? You should have told me that earlier," I replied irritably to my friend on the other line."Hurry up, bro. You might be late. You're still a transferee," he regretfully replied.
"Alright! I'll just fix my stuff. Update me. I'll be there in a minute. I swear!" I replied.
I quickly moved to organize all my belongings. Tsk! I just got back from the beach. I really need a break but how would I? I totally forgot that today is my first day at school. I grabbed my bag and stepped outside.
"Ah!" my housekeeper suddenly shrieked.
"What the heck is wrong with you?!" I asked, scowling.
Her voice was so high-pitched. It hurt my ears.
"Are you really going to school like that? Topless?" I rolled my eyes.
"I've got my shirt in my bag. I am really in a hurry. You know what to do," I replied.
I quickly entered the elevator. I immediately grabbed my shirt and changed into it.
"Shit! Thirty minutes left," I murmured.
When I reached the parking area, I quickly got into my car. I sighed and got out again to retrieve the gifts scattered on my car's bumper. How can I live a simple life!? It's always like this. I'm not a model or an artist, but I have many fans. Or let's just say, admirers. I just sighed and set the gifts aside. Then, I started my car and headed to my new school.
"DUDE! Glad you made it," Andrez greeted me. He's my best friend.
"Yeah. Let's go," I urged.
"What are those schedules she had?" I asked Andrez.
"Woah! Chill, bro. We'll get there eventually," he reassured me.
I tapped him on the shoulder and followed him as we walked into the university. Andrez and I even bumped into each other while entering the classroom.
"Mr. Flores, you are late again. And guys, our new student transferee, Mr. Villaraza, welcome," the professor announced.
I chuckled softly and subtly waved to my new classmates.
My professor even smirked while looking at me.
"Dude! Let's transfer to another class. Prof looks like he's gonna strip us," Andy whispered to me.
I like calling him Andy.
"Really?" I smirked.
We both took seats at the back. I glanced at my schedule and smacked Andy. I wanted to divert his attention from his flirting with that girl.
"What the heck!? Dude, she's making a move," Andy joked.
"I'll take that schedule," I said quietly.
He handed me the paper and I snatched it.
"Dude! Your Ms. World just passed by," Andy called out, so I immediately looked outside.
"Moana..." I mumbled.
I stood up quickly but Andy held me back.
"Do you want a first warning, dude? Let it wait," he advised.
Reluctantly, I returned to my seat. Tss! I really wanted to see her, to hug her, to caress everything about her. Moana Gomez is my girlfriend. Wrong! She's now my ex-girlfriend. She broke up with me last week just because of some rumor that I'm having an affair with a ghost! I don't even know where that came from. But that rumor ruined my life.
"Ms. Magtalas. You're late again," the professor called out.
We all turned to the door.
"Oops! Sorry, Prof. I had an exam in the lab and as I promised, I got it perfect," she explained, showing her test paper.
She's funny. She also looked familiar to me.
"Hmp! This kid. Alright, take your seat," the professor said.
She sat in front of me.
ALL the time, I was just playing with my pencil and then looking at my wristwatch. I was excited to see her. When the bell rang, I immediately stood up and walked out of the classroom. I waited for her in the hallway, playing with my pencil again. And there she goes... I quickly blocked her path.
"Babe, let's talk," I pleaded.
"What else are we going to talk about? We're done, right? Stop stalking me," she said.
"Moana, please?" I begged.
She pulled me and led me to a secluded place. Then, she slapped me.
"We're over! Can't you understand? Stay away from me," then she walked away.
Shit! I punched the air in frustration. This is freaking bad!
"Dude!" Andy called out to me.
"Just don't talk to me right now!" I said, annoyed. I walked out.
I sat down under a tree and Andy sat beside me.
"Dude? Why do you keep chasing after Ms. World?" he asked, puzzled and concerned.
"Simple as that. I love her," I replied.
"Is it really worth it? There are plenty of girls chasing after you, but you choose to act like an idiot over Ms. World," Andy said again.
I blew out a sigh. I know I sound stupid, but as long as I love her, I won't give up.
"Andy, please? I need your help," I said seriously.
He sighed and pulled his hair.
"Come on, man! Ugh! If you weren't my friend, I'd throw away your stupidity," he said.
I punched him.
"A person wouldn't be called stupid if they didn't have a reason," I replied.
Andy stood up and started to dance and sing.
"Deep! Ay! Ay! Ay!"
I stood up in annoyance, pretending to hit him, but he dodged.
"Ow!" a girl exclaimed.
Damn! I quickly ran to Andy. That idiot kept backing up, and he accidentally bumped into the girl, messing up her hair.
"Oops! Sorry!" Andy apologized.
"You're so annoying," I said to Andy.
I bent down to help the girl pick up her books and also fixed her hair. I couldn't help but smile at her stunned reaction. She looks so stunned.
"So, it's you again," I said.
I helped her stand up.
"Um... Do we know each other?" she asked.
"Oh? You forgot. Remember at the beach where I bumped into you?" I replied.
"Oh, you... Handsome... Oops! Wrong! Uh... Yes, right! It was you. Um... Okay! I-I'll g-go first..." she stuttered and then ran off.
Andy nudged me.
"She's beautiful, dude. But a bit clumsy," he commented.
I chuckled. "It's not her fault! Come on."
I went back to the classroom to get my things. When I stepped out...
"Ouch!" she whimpered.
Luckily, I quickly caught her around the waist.
"Why so clumsy?" I said with a smile.
She pushed me slightly and picked up her scattered belongings.
"I'm really sorry!" she said.
I grabbed her hand and led her to the garden. It's nearby anyway.
"Hey! Wait! Where are you taking me?" she said.
"To the place where you and I can be alone?" I teased.
She blushed. She's so cute. I made her sit on a bench.
"Wait here. I'll get you some drinks. I'll be right back."
Chapter 3Marinel’s POVI nodded in disbelief. Oh my God! Is this really happening?"Idiot!" Veronica suddenly said to me, then lightly hit me on the head."What's up?" I grumbled."Well! I know you. Even from a distance, your mind wanders off to the planet Yekok! And then your habit of covering your face and kicking your feet, did you do something stupid or are you getting all giddy?" she ranted.She really is my best friend."I'll tell you later. Why are you here?" I changed the subject."Here's your lunch," she replied, handing me a paper bag."How kind!" I praised."Idiot! It's not free! Oh... My... Gee! Go over there! I've spotted a hot guy!" she suddenly exclaimed and quickly walked away.Such a flirt! Tsk! The university I attend is right next to the hospital where Veronica works. That's why she can visit me here at school anytime."Hey? Are you okay?" this guy, Adones, suddenly interrupted me."Adones! Oh! Uh? Yeah, sure," I replied, stumbling over my words."Here."He handed
Chapter 4Calvin Enzo POV"NEL!" I called out, but she was already too far away."She's gone, dude," Andy tapped my shoulder. I just sighed."You really owe her. You'll be in trouble with your parents if you fail, bro," Andy said."She shouldn't have done that. It's really my fault," I replied."And to tell you something, she's Ms. World's cousin. What a coincidence," Andy added."I know. Nel and I were together when Moana called her earlier," I said as we sat down on an empty bench."I have a nice idea since you really need this. Why don't you ask her for help to reconcile with Ms. World?" Andy suggested. I furrowed my brows."Is it going to work?" I hesitantly asked."Why don't you give it a try, dude? But one more thing, I'm out if whatever happens. I've advised you multiple times to stop this craziness of yours, but because you're my close friend, I'll support you. One thing for sure, it's really up to you," he said, his tone serious.I just frowned. "I'll think about it first."W
Chapter 5 Calvin Enzo POV I opened the car door for her and helped her get out. "See you at the school, Marinel. I really enjoyed the night with you," I said. And again, she stammered. "Huh? Y-yeah! T-thank you..." She's too pretty and cute. "See you tomorrow," I said with a smile before getting back in my car. I really did enjoy being with her, even if she was a little quiet and awkward. What about Ms. World? My brain interrupted. I sighed. Andy was right. Maybe Nel could really help me, but I changed my mind. It’s better to win Moana back on my own than ask someone else for help. When I got home, I grabbed a can of root beer and flopped down on the couch. I scrolled through my phone. "Babe," I said, calling her. "I'm busy, and stop calling me that!" Moana ended the call abruptly and left me hanging. What the hell!? Why is she so mad at me? I don’t even know why she broke up with me in the first place. My only guess is that it had something to do with those rumors. Bu
Chapter 6Marinel’s POVAFTER HOURS of organizing, Enzo and I slumped on the couch, totally exhausted.“Good thing I wore a tank top, it’s so hot,” he complained, lifting and lowering his shirt hem.Lord, bless this bread! That six-pack! I couldn’t help but gulp.“Nel?” he called.“Ah—oh?”Was that even a proper response? He laughed—like really laughed hard! I slapped his shoulder.“What’s so funny, huh?” I asked, annoyed.He brushed my hair back and tucked it behind my ear.“Because you’re cute,” he said with a grin.I backed away and scrambled.“H-ha-ha! It’s… really hot!” I stammered.I felt like I was in a drum contest—my heart was beating so fast, I’d never felt anything like it before.“Nel, can I have some water, please?”“S-sure.”Why am I stuttering? I got him water and handed it over.“Thanks for what you did earlier, even though I didn’t like it. I promise I’ll pay you back,” I said.Because really, what happened earlier was so embarrassing. He placed the empty glass on the
Chapter 7Marinel's POVWHEN I GOT HOME, Veronica greeted me with a look. I just rolled my eyes at her and waved at Enzo before his car finally disappeared from my view."You want some ice? Your eyes are melting," I teased Veronica."Ha-ha-ha!" she laughed sarcastically."What does it mean that he dropped you off, huh?" I sat on the sofa and took off my socks."We’re just friends. And besides, I’m helping him with my cousin. Turns out, Moana is his ex-girlfriend," I explained.She placed the bowl of jampong noodles on the table in front of me."Really? And you agreed to that? I mean, you’re okay with it?" I nodded."Come on, Marinel! That kind of setup always ends up a mess!" she ranted, popping chips into her mouth."Why would it be a mess? I just want to help. It’s like repaying the favor he did for us, right? And I’m totally fine with it. I don’t have any feelings for Enzo. Why would I say no?" I defended myself.She rolled her eyes at me."You don’t, huh? Well, I’m just saying—I d
Chapter 8Marinel's POV"Nel! Come on. Let’s try skateboarding," he invited.Now I was hesitant to approach him. I just wanted to go home. I’ve made so many stupid mistakes today."Nel?" he called again, stopping in front of me while on his skateboard. I gave him a look and focused on eating my ice cream. Where the hell did he borrow those?"Let me try," I said and snatched the skateboard, stepping onto it.It had been a long time since I last played. Maybe over a year. I had to sell my skateboard when I was short on rent.I did the trick I loved—walking on the board, switching feet back and forth."Whoa! I never thought you knew how to do that," Enzo exclaimed while riding a scooter beside me."It was my favorite pastime, but I sold my board last year," I replied.We stopped near a mini garden. We both got off our boards. I sat on an empty bench first, and he joined me. He looked deep in thought, sighing every now and then."Enzo?" I said to get his attention. He turned to me and smi
Chapter 9Marinel's POV AFTER a few minutes, our professor arrived. He handed out books and returned to the front."Okay guys, I need you to study what’s written in those textbooks because tomorrow, we’ll do a dry run on saving drowning victims—whether in the sea or a swimming pool. Those are just examples. Anyway, the person behind you, which is the second row, will be your partner. You’ll demonstrate it in pairs. So start practicing CPR," he explained.I froze at the word CPR. No way! Enzo’s behind me. I covered my face and stomped my foot. Can I skip this dry run?"Nel?" Enzo tapped me."What?" I replied, not really in the mood as I turned around."Let’s practice CPR," he said with a cheeky grin."Ha-ha-ha! Practice by yourself," I snapped.Oh my god! My precious lips!"Andy, go easy, okay?" I heard one of my classmates flirt."Sure. I got you," Andy replied flirtatiously. Enzo laughed behind me."Nel?" he called. I turned around."Are we good?" he asked, looking really cheerful.
Chapter 10Marinel's POV WE STAYED the night at the hotel. Enzo looked lifeless, with dull eyes. He just sat on the couch, deep in thought. I sat on the opposite couch."Enzo, that’s enough," I pleaded. He looked up at me."I love her," he said quietly.It felt like something stabbed me deep inside when he said that."Love? If she loved you back, she would’ve shown up, right? She doesn’t love you anymore! Don’t you get it?!" I shouted with pain in my voice."You don’t know what I felt! You don’t know anything!" he yelled back. I stood up."Yeah, you’re right! I don’t know anything about love. I don’t know how painful it is. But what I do know is this— you can’t force someone to love you again or bring back a love that’s clearly over," I said, grabbed my things, and left the suite.I ran to the elevator, and as soon as I got inside, the tears fell uncontrollably. I didn’t know why it affected me this much. Maybe I’m already in love with him. Is this what love feels like? I shook my he
Chapter 35Caldwill Enzo POVI RAN after Marinel, but I was too late—she was already inside her room. What did I do!? I was about to knock, but I chose to just leave her be. I massaged my temple and scratched the back of my neck. I was just joking around that time, but she suddenly cried, and I don’t even know the exact reason why she reacted that way. I don’t know if it was because of the joke or something else. But when I looked into her eyes… there was something.I had no choice but to go to my room and sit at the edge of my bed. I took my phone out of my pocket and called Andy.“Bro...” he answered, clearing his throat.“Come here,” I ordered.“Huh? Did you and Nel talk, Caldwill?” he asked.“Just come here...” I replied and ended the call.I threw myself onto the bed. Why do I feel so guilty? Damn it!I lay there for several minutes before deciding to get up and leave my room.“Sir, Andy is here, in the pool area,” Ivan informed me. I tapped his arm and headed down the stairs.“P
Chapter 34Caldwill Enzo POVI FEEL like punching a woman right now. Damn it! She’s been making me wait for so long! I told her to pack everything but here she is! Marinel’s luggage still isn't completely packed, she says."Are you done, Veronica? Because if not, I might just come back later," I said lazily.This woman is crazy! How is she supposed to finish packing when she keeps trying to act cute around me? And when she does manage to pack something, she throws in a little wiggle. Tss!I shook my head slightly."Just a moment, Caldwill, this is really the last one," she said.I stood up from where I was sitting and silently walked out. I whistled, and my driver immediately ran up to me."Get the stuff!" I ordered irritably.I marched straight to my car. Damn that woman! I wasted almost half an hour just waiting for her to finish!I got inside the car and noticed that my driver had already loaded Marinel's belongings."Hurry up, Damian. I’m already so late!" I said, feeling restless
Chapter 33Marinel's POV I WAS fuming and stormed my way to his garage.“Caldwill! Hey! Open this door!” I shouted while pounding on the car window. “What the hell!? Get down here! Hey!” I hit the car door again. Ugh! This isn’t right! Why does he even have to take care of me? I’m not a kid! And he won’t even get our marriage annulled!“Hey—” I stopped hitting the door when the window rolled down.“You know what, sunshine? You are really annoying.” He even winked at me before putting on his sunglasses and suddenly pinching the tip of my nose. He turned the steering wheel and drove off, disappearing from my sight. All I could do was close my mouth that had been hanging open just a moment ago.“You’re such an idiot, Nel! Ugh!”Frustrated, I yanked at my own hair before heading back inside the house. Left with no choice, I sat down on his fancy sofa and crossed my arms. We were so close! I almost pulled it off!“Ma’am...” I looked up. A housemaid appeared, carrying a glass of milk, a
Chapter 32Caldwill Enzo POVI HASTILY drove the car into the garage when we got back to my mansion. I got out first and didn’t even bother to open the door for her. Nah! Just a waste of time treating her like a princess. "Ouch!" I heard her yelp. I glanced at her briefly. She just bumped her head into a hanging flower pot. "So clumsy," I muttered irritably and headed straight inside the house. "Ivan!" I called out when I didn’t see him. "Sir," he answered, making me turn to look behind me. "Where have you been?!" I asked, irritated. I was not in the mood at all. "Sorry, sir. I was just checking if the maids had already prepared the guest room for your wife," he explained briefly. I just smirked and walked upstairs. But I paused and looked back down the stairs, frowning when I saw her talking to Ivan. "Marinel!" I called. She looked at me and immediately followed. "Will you quit moving like a turtle," I snapped, grabbing her left hand. She suddenly froze. "What!?" I snappe
Chapter 31Marinel's POV I COULDN’T stop crying when I got back to the apartment I was renting. It’s only now that everything Andy said about the marriage between me and Caldwill finally sank in. I couldn’t accept that they actually pulled this stunt. I was insulted by what Caldwill did, and even Nica—my best friend—kept it a secret from me. I didn’t have the slightest clue this would happen. It’s so painful to think… Why this way? I’m not that desperate to find someone to love me. They took away my right to choose who I would love.With a heavy heart, I pulled out the laptop from my drawer, along with the tape Andy gave me. I didn’t know what it contained, but I had to watch it. I inserted the tape and waited for it to play. I stared at the monitor for a few seconds, wiping my tears. My hand flew to cover my mouth when I saw Enzo’s room on the screen. I couldn’t hold back my tears again. He looked alive right in front of me. I missed him so much. The pain of losing him came rushing
Chapter 30Marinel's POV I SLAMMED myself onto my bed. Mrs. Pipay was at it again."Hey Nel! Pay your water bill! I’m about to get cut off because of you! And your rent too!" she nagged.I ignored her since I was still changing clothes. But I suddenly paused—Mrs. Pipay had gone quiet. Why did she suddenly stop? I shrugged it off and fixed my hair.Once I saw in the mirror that I looked presentable, I walked to the door and opened it without much interest. I frowned—Mrs. Pipay wasn’t outside my door."Hi handsome!" shrieked one of the tenants—someone I knew to be a flirt.I looked down the stairs and was shocked to see Caldwill being swarmed by our neighbors. From what I could tell, he was even chatting with that flirt. I immediately ran downstairs and got between them."Enzo... I mean, Caldwill, what are you doing here?" I asked, confused.He smirked and sneered at me."There you go, my sunshine! I've been waiting for you to come out," he said, pulling me close. I clung to his arm—hi
Chapter 29Marinel’s POVMY JAW dropped at what I heard from Enzo. Enzo has a twin? But Enzo never mentioned having a twin while he was still alive. Even Andy never mentioned anything like that. I didn't even see him attending Calvin Enzo's burial, only his parents but I didn't even get a chance to meet them as well.“You’re really his twin? As in, you’re not a ghost?” I asked again.I just wanted to make sure it was true that he was Enzo’s twin. I was overjoyed earlier when I saw him alive, but at the same time, I was filled with fear. My emotions were all over the place the moment I saw him, and that’s probably why I suddenly fainted. When I saw him, all the memories I had with Enzo came flooding back. The happy days we shared, and even the pain of his loss, all hit me at once. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at him. Even though his brows were furrowed, I couldn’t deny that they looked exactly alike. Even his stance was the same. His hair may have been longer, but it didn’t t
Chapter 28Marinel’s POVI QUICKLY got out of bed. I’m always so slow to get moving. I almost tripped in my hurry. After I finished everything, I immediately went out of the house because Mrs. Pipay was going to collect payment for my water and electricity bills again.I quickly called a taxi. "Stop!" When it stopped, I quickly got into the taxi, feeling like I was about to leave my soul behind. The driver was as handsome as the one I rode with the other day.He smiled widely at me. If before, I was worried about my bra breaking, now it seemed like even my underwear might rip. I grimaced as I gawked."Where to, Miss?" he asked, and I felt a shiver of excitement.He spoke with a British accent, clearly still learning how to speak Tagalog. I wiped the sweat off my forehead. It was dripping!"To the… cemetery… near Makati… the big one..." I stammered, unsure if I gave the correct address. Those deep, glowing eyes of his were distracting."Alright then..." he replied and quickly drove of
Chapter 27 Marinel's POV SEVERAL hours have passed, but I just can’t settle in my seat here inside the taxi. He’s been glancing at me through the rearview mirror for a while now. It feels like I'm on the hot seat. But wow! The driver is so handsome. He looks like a model, and he's tall too, judging by the muscles in his arms."We're here," he suddenly said."Huh? Oh, okay! How much is it?" I hurriedly fumbled in my pocket for money."It's free. Go on," he said, smiling as the door automatically opened."Free?" I asked, still surprised. He nodded and couldn’t stop smiling at me."Thank you so much," I shyly replied and got out of the taxi. The door shut, and he just smiled sweetly at me before driving away."Hey Nel! You're in a daze!""Ah! He's so handsome!" I squealed while pulling Amelia’s hair."Ouch! You really know how to pull hair! What’s so handsome about him?" she asked, annoyed, while trying to block my hand."The taxi driver I rode with! Amelia, he’s so handsome!" I said,