MasukANNE I sat inside the taxi, feeling both nervous and excited. I was on my way to the company where Ryke works. My heart still felt light from the call last night, Sir Leo had personally told me to come for an interview.When the taxi stopped, I stepped out and looked up at the tall building in front of me. It felt intimidating but also exciting.I walked inside and approached the information desk. I told them I had an interview. They asked for my name, gave me an ID, and handed me a pass card before directing me to the tenth floor.Inside the elevator, even with other people around, I couldn’t calm my nerves. My hands felt slightly cold, and my heart wouldn’t stop beating fast.When I arrived, I asked for Mr. Ferrero’s office and found it quickly. I stood in front of the door, took a deep breath, and raised my hand to knock but before I could, the door suddenly opened.A man stepped out. For a second, I thought it was Ryke.I quickly lowered my head politely.“There’s a beautiful lad
ELAINEI woke up early, feeling light and unusually happy as I stood in front of the mirror. I caught myself smiling while brushing my hair when my phone suddenly rang. My heart instantly lifted, it was Ryke. On a video call.I quickly answered. At first, all I saw was his bed, then the camera shifted, and there he was, fixing his necktie.Why are you so handsome?I couldn’t help but smile as I looked at him. He looked fresh, like he had just stepped out of the shower. Even through the screen, he seemed like he smelled good.“Morning,” he said with a soft smile.My chest fluttered.“Good morning,” I replied, smiling back.“Going to school?” he asked.I nodded, but suddenly looked away when the door opened. I quickly stood up and turned my phone so he wouldn’t be seen.It was Mom.“Yes, Mom?” I said, a little louder than usual so Ryke would hear and not suddenly speak.“I thought you were still asleep. You woke up early today,” Mom said, sounding surprised.“Huh? Umm, yes! I need to go
ANNEThe song ended, and I returned to the dressing room, fixing my things before heading home. As I stood in front of the mirror, brushing my hair, my thoughts suddenly drifted back to him.Ryke.I repeated his name silently, remembering his strikingly handsome face. No matter how much I tried to focus on something else, I couldn’t stop thinking about him.What is he to Elaine? Why did the way he acted earlier feel different?I let out a small breath, shaking the thoughts away. I picked up my small bag and stepped outside. Just then, I saw Sir Leo about to get into his car.“Bye, sir,” I called out with a polite smile.“Oh, it’s you,” he said, noticing me. “Come with me. Where are you headed?”“Huh? Sir, no, it’s okay,” I replied, still smiling.“Come on, don’t be shy.”For a moment, I hesitated. Then an idea crossed my mind and I agreed.A few minutes later, I was already inside his car. The quiet between us lingered for a while.“Elaine is your cousin?” he asked.I turned to him an
RYKE CARLOS Many times, I find myself wondering what I should do. I’ve tried countless times to push her out of my mind, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t forget her. I even stayed away for days just to avoid seeing her. I met Jessica because I planned to confess everything I felt, but when I was finally there, I couldn’t bring myself to say a word.Now, I couldn’t stop myself from hugging her after what she said. I could clearly see the truth in her teary, beautiful eyes. I know this is wrong but how? How am I supposed to ignore her?“Come on,” I said softly.I quickly wiped her tears away, and she gave me a small smile.“Why did you suddenly show up like this?” she asked.I smiled, amused by how she sounded like a sulking child. Well, she’s still young.“Do you want to go home now? Or do you want—”“I don’t want to go home yet,” she cut in quickly.I nodded and opened the car door for her. After she got in, I walked around to the driver’s side and noticed she had already fasten
ELAINE I lowered my gaze, unable to hold his eyes any longer. The weight of everything I felt pressed heavily against my chest, making it hard to breathe. But then a faint sound broke the silence, it came from the door.My head lifted almost immediately. We both turned toward it.Ryke stepped away from me without a word and walked toward the door, his expression unreadable. He tapped something on the small monitor mounted beside it, and the screen flickered to life. From where I stood, I could see a woman outside.My brows slowly furrowed.Who is that woman?Before I could even process it, Ryke opened the door. I stayed where I was, my body tense, waiting for her to step inside but instead, she closed the distance between them in a second and pressed her lips against his.My breath caught and everything seemed to stop.I turned away sharply, my chest tightening as if something inside me had been squeezed too hard. My fingers curled around the coat I was wearing, gripping the fabric s
RYKE CARLOS“Okay, I will only go with you.”For a moment, I couldn’t say anything after hearing Elaine’s answer. The words lingered in my mind, repeating over and over. I didn’t even understand myself anymore.Why was I acting like this toward my own goddaughter?Since last night, I haven't slept properly. My mind refused to rest. Every time I closed my eyes, the same moment replayed again and again. Her face so close to mine, the warmth of her breath, and the brief, accidental touch of our lips.I had already cursed myself countless times in my head. But no matter how hard I tried to push the memory away, I couldn’t forget it. And now, it feels even worse.I let out a slow, heavy sigh and leaned back slightly in the driver’s seat. My mind had been a mess since last night, and having her sitting right beside me wasn’t helping at all. If anything, it made everything more complicated.Her presence alone was enough to make my thoughts spiral.“Are we still going?” she suddenly asked.He







