Chapter 5

The next day, I headed straight to the city’s most upscale mall, my mind already set on finding the perfect gift for Carlo. I wandered toward the men’s luxury section, browsing through racks of fine clothing until my gaze landed on a sharp, tailored American tuxedo. For a split second, I considered it until I remembered our walk-in closet back home was already lined with dozens just like it. He hardly needed another.

Moving on, my attention settled on the display of neckties. Each one was crafted from the finest, softest fabrics, designed by world-renowned fashion houses. After running my fingers over a few and checking their details, I picked out two that suited Carlo’s taste best.

As the saleslady was wrapping my purchase, someone suddenly gave my shoulder a light, playful pinch. I turned around in surprise and broke into a bright smile the moment I recognized the woman standing behind me.

It was Yuki Salbador, my oldest and dearest childhood friend.

Yuki came from one of the most powerful families in the country the legitimate heiress to the Salbador empire. Over the years, their business holdings had expanded across every industry, earning them the second spot in the national rankings right behind only my in-laws, the Cassians, who still held the undisputed top position. Five years ago, Yuki had moved to New York to pursue her studies, and since then, life had pulled us apart. She had been the only friend who ever truly accepted me for who I was, without caring about my family name or status. After she left, there was no one else I let get close until Carlo came along, and eventually became my husband.

I opened my arms wide and pulled her into a warm embrace, my voice rising with genuine excitement.

“Yuki! It’s really you!”

She hugged me back just as tightly, as if we were picking up right where we’d left off.

“I’ve missed you so much, Eylul,” she murmured softly.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, pulling back to look at me with a grin.

“Probably shopping for someone special?”

I nodded, smiling back. “Something like that.”

“Good choice, because I own this entire store,” she said casually, making my eyes widen in disbelief. This boutique where even a single accessory cost more than most people’s monthly salary was hers? I should not have been surprised, though. Yuki had always been born into comfort, loved unconditionally, and given everything she could ever want from the moment she took her first breath.

A quiet, familiar thought crossed my mind then. Unlike her, I had grown up as nothing more than a bargaining chip for my wealthy parents useful only as long as I served their interests, and easily cast aside the moment I no longer fit their plans. But I pushed the sadness away. At least now, I had Carlo.

“Tell me who did you end up marrying?” Yuki’s voice pulled me back to the present.

I glanced over at the glass counter, where my newly bought ties lay wrapped, and a soft, happy smile spread across my face.

“I’m here buying a gift for my husband. Today marks our third wedding anniversary and we’re also planning to renew our vows soon.”

Her eyes went round with surprise.

“Renew your vows already? That sounds wonderful!”

I waved it off lightly.

“It’s nothing much, just something he wanted to do.” I handed my black credit card to the saleslady to settle the bill.

“Well, speaking of having someone…” Yuki leaned in, her expression lighting up in a way I hadn’t seen in years. A warm, glowing happiness radiated from her.

For as long as I’d known her, Yuki had never lacked attention countless wealthy, eligible men had lined up just for a single chance to win her heart, and she’d turned every single one down without a second thought. To see her looking this bright and hopeful now meant only one thing.

We decided to move to a quiet café nearby, and spent nearly an hour catching up. She told me all about her time abroad, the growth of her family’s business, and everything she’d experienced since we last met. The lively, vibrant energy that had always defined her was right there, unchanged.

Then she reached into her shopping bag and pulled out a sleek velvet box. When she opened it, I found myself staring at one of the most beautiful neckties I had ever seen. It was far more exquisite and expensive-looking than the ones I’d just bought crafted from rare, premium silk, in a deep shade of dark maroon that shimmered softly in the light. Had I seen this one first, I would have bought it for Carlo in a heartbeat.

“Para kanino naman ito?” I asked, my eyes still fixed on the tie.

“For the man who finally stole my heart,” she replied, her voice brimming with warmth and affection. It was impossible to miss she was head over heels in love.

I cleared my throat, smiling genuinely.

“I’m so happy to hear that. You deserve someone good.”

“He is perfect,” she said confidently.

“My parents adore him, too and he’s already making a name for himself, rising fast in the world of business.”

“How did you two meet, anyway?” I asked, leaning back against my chair.

“He saved me when I was in trouble,” she said, her expression softening.

“And let me tell you he is as handsome as he is capable.”

After a pause, her tone shifted slightly, turning quieter and more serious.

“Eylul… just like before, if I ever need a hand, would you still be willing to help me?”

I didn’t know what kind of favor she might need, but she was my oldest friend. I couldn’t bring myself to say no—not right away. I gave her a warm, reassuring smile.

“If it’s within my power, of course I will.”

“Good,” she replied, her smile returning, though there was a faint glint in her eyes I couldn’t quite read. I wondered what kind of help she might ask for later but I trusted her, and hoped it would be nothing I couldn’t handle.

A moment later, her phone buzzed loudly inside her handbag. She pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and answered quickly.

“I’ll be there right away.”

She stood up, gathered her things, and waved casually as she started walking toward the door jist as bold and straightforward as the Yuki I’d always known.

“I’ll call you soon, honey!” she called out over her shoulder, before stepping out of the café and disappearing into the busy crowd.