Chapter 41Caldwill Enzo POV "THAT'S fucking insane—disgusting, horrible, and fucking ridiculous! Why the hell did I do that!?"I’d been banging my head on the steering wheel for a while now.“Damn!” I muttered in frustration.“Sir, maybe you want to break a bottle?” Ivan said.I didn’t even notice him.“Shut up,” I replied and got out of the car. I grabbed the Shakey’s pizza from the passenger seat and handed it to him. Right after that scene, I left and wandered around.“Sir, ma’am Marinel hasn’t come out of your room since earlier,” he informed me.I just nodded and headed inside the house. I went straight to my room, took a deep breath, and knocked. Why am I even knocking? This is my room.I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.I saw Marinel, still asleep.I quietly walked to the foot of the bed to check her feet. Thank God! They’re no longer swollen, and she’s okay now.I moved to her left side and just stared at her.Pain twisted in my chest. Why did destiny make thing
Chapter 42Marinel's POV AFTER GETTING OFF THE AIRPORT...A red van greeted us right outside. When it stopped in front of us and Caldwill opened the door, Andy appeared.“How was the flight?” Andy asked.“It was fine,” I replied and climbed inside the van. Caldwill followed, still silent, and sat next to me.“Floyd, let’s use the other exit. We need to pick someone else up,” Andy instructed the driver and moved to the back seat. I honestly wished Andy sat next to me instead, so I wouldn’t feel like drying up from being ignored. I had no choice but to stay silent.When we reached the other exit, the van stopped again. Andy opened the door, and I was truly surprised. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones going there—others were coming too.“They're volunteers from Dr. Ynes. Bro, can Nel sit on your lap so we can all fit?” Andy said.I was stunned by what he said. Even Caldwill looked uncertain as he glanced at me.“Come on,” he said, then wrapped his arms around my waist. I felt like I’
Chapter 1 Marinel’s POV"Ah!" I exclaimed."Miss, are you okay?" he called out to me.I stood up from where I fell. Stupid Marie! He bumped into me."Miss?" he asked again.I straightened myself up and brushed off the sand from my clothes. Then I looked up at him."I'm okay… abs… I mean, absolutely f-fine," I replied, giving him a smirk while admiring the beautiful view.Stupid! Wrong move! But...The view is really beautiful!"Miss, are you sure?" he asked with concern.I found myself gaping while shaking my head. Damn! He's so macho!"Sorry about that. I got to go," he said, excusing himself.I nodded absentmindedly. I just watched him walk towards the sea to go surfing. Wow! He's not just macho, he's sporty too."Idiot!" My friend suddenly tapped me on the head."Ouch! That hurts!" I complained, rubbing the spot where she hit me."You're busy staring at random guys. You should be focusing on the kids."I winced at her tirade. I turned to face her and pointed to the guy who bumped i
Chapter 2Calvin 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
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 42Marinel's POV AFTER GETTING OFF THE AIRPORT...A red van greeted us right outside. When it stopped in front of us and Caldwill opened the door, Andy appeared.“How was the flight?” Andy asked.“It was fine,” I replied and climbed inside the van. Caldwill followed, still silent, and sat next to me.“Floyd, let’s use the other exit. We need to pick someone else up,” Andy instructed the driver and moved to the back seat. I honestly wished Andy sat next to me instead, so I wouldn’t feel like drying up from being ignored. I had no choice but to stay silent.When we reached the other exit, the van stopped again. Andy opened the door, and I was truly surprised. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones going there—others were coming too.“They're volunteers from Dr. Ynes. Bro, can Nel sit on your lap so we can all fit?” Andy said.I was stunned by what he said. Even Caldwill looked uncertain as he glanced at me.“Come on,” he said, then wrapped his arms around my waist. I felt like I’
Chapter 41Caldwill Enzo POV "THAT'S fucking insane—disgusting, horrible, and fucking ridiculous! Why the hell did I do that!?"I’d been banging my head on the steering wheel for a while now.“Damn!” I muttered in frustration.“Sir, maybe you want to break a bottle?” Ivan said.I didn’t even notice him.“Shut up,” I replied and got out of the car. I grabbed the Shakey’s pizza from the passenger seat and handed it to him. Right after that scene, I left and wandered around.“Sir, ma’am Marinel hasn’t come out of your room since earlier,” he informed me.I just nodded and headed inside the house. I went straight to my room, took a deep breath, and knocked. Why am I even knocking? This is my room.I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.I saw Marinel, still asleep.I quietly walked to the foot of the bed to check her feet. Thank God! They’re no longer swollen, and she’s okay now.I moved to her left side and just stared at her.Pain twisted in my chest. Why did destiny make thing
Chapter 40 Caldwill Enzo POV"WHY didn’t Calvin go through surgery? Why didn’t he get chemotherapy?" I was surprised by her question and frowned, but I quickly recovered and let out a heavy sigh."Because he didn’t want to. Aside from that, his condition was already too severe at that time. His liver and kidneys weren’t responding anymore. His lungs were infected too, that’s why he often had trouble breathing. But my brother was hardheaded and I couldn’t control that." I heard her sniff."Marinel," I called. She shook her head."You know what? He even joked that methotrexate was his vitamins. He even told me he had two months left." I saw her shoulders tremble. I knew she was crying even if she tried to hide it. Even though her face was covered by a book, I could still hear her soft sobs. And it hurt me—seeing her like this, still unable to move on from the past. I’m still grieving too, but not the way she is. She’s still in so much pain, and that pains me too.I stood up straight an
Chapter 39Marinel’s POV I KEPT peeking outside my room while rubbing my stomach. I didn’t eat properly earlier at Veronica’s apartment. How could I when she irritated me to no end? I rolled my eyes and finally stepped out of my room. I glanced at the clock and, as if the universe hated me, it was already 1 a.m. sharp. I headed straight to the kitchen after going down the stairs. But I think I made the wrong move—Caldwill was in the kitchen. His back was to me, and he was only wearing pajama pants. I couldn’t help but gulp as my eyes traced his back. His strong and well-built frame was seriously heating up some unidentified hormones in me. What the hell! I slapped my own cheek and slowly turned to leave."Are you hungry?" he asked. I shut my eyes tightly and turned back to him."Huh? No! Just thirsty. That’s right!" I cringed at my own stupidity. You idiot, Nel!"Sit," he said curtly while pointing to the high chair. The kitchen was styled like a mini bar."Huh? No need!" I refused,
Chapter 38Marinel's POV EVENTUALLY, I finished getting ready. I wore a blue fitted dress with a slit on the thigh. I paired it with blue high heels and a set of white gold jewelry. I left my hair down and only applied a bit of lipstick. I’m not used to dressing up like this, but I had to in order to look presentable. Caldwill once bullied me because of how I dressed, so I don’t want to experience that kind of mockery from others again.When I saw myself in the mirror, I felt like I wanted to date the reflection I saw."Damn, I look good!" I said in amazement.I glanced at my watch and saw I was right on time. I stepped out of the guest room and headed to my room to grab my small purse.Once I was done, I left the house without saying a word. Just as I stepped outside, a taxi stopped in front of me. The driver rolled down the window and peeked out."Ma’am, are you Marinel Villaraza?" he asked, checking a paper in his hand.I was stunned. Nica really went all in! She actually pretende
Chapter 37Caldwill Enzo POV“WHAT did I do wrong?” I turned to Ivan with my hands on my hips.“I might say, sir, she’s not the type of woman who’s into these kinds of stuff,” he replied.I couldn’t help but get annoyed by her attitude earlier.“Just buy it all, Ivan, and put them somewhere safe,” I ordered, then headed up the stairs.I stopped in front of Marinel’s room.Should I knock?Damn! Why can’t I decide!I shook my head and knocked without thinking twice. The door opened, and I noticed she had been crying based on her red and puffy eyes. Guilt suddenly crept in. She was about to shut the door again, but I quickly pushed it open. She was surprised when I entered the room. She was about to say something, but I pulled her into my arms before she could. I let out a deep sigh.“I... I’m sorry,” I whispered.She slowly moved her arms and wrapped them around my waist. She started crying again. I could feel her sobs and her heavy breathing against my chest.Damn! It felt like my hear
Chapter 36Marinel's POV THE TRIP didn’t take long, and we soon arrived at SM Laguna. After he parked the car, he was the first to get out. I followed shortly after. I stood with my hands on my hips, staring at the mall entrance. What exactly are we doing here?Suddenly, Caldwill walked up to me and wrapped an arm around my waist. I gulped at his sudden closeness."Staring at it won’t make it melt," Caldwill said.I flinched as if I had been burned and immediately pushed his hand away from my waist. Come on, Nel! Your heart’s acting up again! I looked down, feeling like I’d just been slapped because my cheeks were burning hot."Let’s go..." he said as he guided and pulled me along.As we walked up to the second floor, I couldn’t help but glance at his hand holding mine. I probably looked weird, but every time he’s nice to me, it somehow makes me feel happy."Watch your step!" I heard Caldwill say.Before I could reply, he quickly grabbed me by the waist and lifted me slightly. That s
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