chapter 3

ELAINE POV

 “I-I mean, y-yeah. I’m waiting for the right time,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. 

I quickly turned my gaze to the window, pressing my forehead against the cool glass. Outside, the streetlights blurred past in golden streaks, reflecting off the car’s polished surface. My chest felt tight, my mind racing.

Damn it, Elaine!

“Good. Just focus on your studies first,” Ninong said in his calm, steady voice. There was an easy confidence in him that made me want to shrink and straighten at the same time.

“Yeah, I will,” I murmured, glancing at him for the briefest second before looking away again, cheeks burning.

The streets passed quietly beneath the tires, and even in the stillness, I could feel the weight of him beside me. He wasn’t saying much, but his presence filled the car, like an invisible tension pulling at the air around us.

“Where do we go from here?” he asked.

I swallowed and tried to steady my voice. “Go straight, then turn left, then right. There’s a white house at the first corner, that’s it.”

“Okay.”

I felt his eyes flick toward me, though I refused to meet them directly. I kept my gaze on the road, counting the streetlights, trying not to think about the warmth of him so near.

Before I knew it, we had arrived. The car slowed, the engine’s low rumble fading. I grabbed my phone, my fingers trembling slightly, and dialled Cheska.

I glanced at Ninong. He stood outside the car, leaning casually with a cigarette in hand, smoke curling lazily around him. Even in the soft light, he looked effortlessly cool, almost untouchable. Almost forty years, and yet he moved and held himself as if he had all the time in the world to be in control of everything.

“Hey, Elaine. Are you there?” Cheska’s voice came through.

“I’m here. Come outside,” I said, my pulse quickening.

“Oh my gosh, really?”

“Yeah, but I won’t stay long. I’ll go home right away. I’m with someone,” I added, trying to sound casual.

“With someone? Who?”

“Just come out. I have a gift for your brother. Why is there no guard here?” I asked, glancing at Ninong again.

“He’s on a day-off. Wait a bit.”

I ended the call and looked back at him. “Can you wait for a bit?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll stay here,” he said simply. Even that small reassurance made my chest feel lighter.

Cheska finally appeared, waving enthusiastically. I handed her the gift, and she hugged me tightly, laughing. “Where’s the one you’re with?” she teased.

“I’ll tell you later. Let’s go inside. I need to go back right away,” I said. Cheska just smiled, clearly enjoying my flustered reaction.

We walked through the backyard together, the hum of conversation and faint thump of music washing over us. The pool glistened under the garden lights, reflecting the subtle chaos of the small party. Enzo was there, laughing with his friends, tall and confident, effortlessly commanding attention.

“Where’s Hannah?” I asked.

“She already went home. She’s not feeling well,” Cheska replied.

I nodded, scanning the group, then spotted Enzo. “Kuya!” Cheska called.

He approached, towering and athletic, a grin spreading across his face. “Hey, Elaine. Thank you for coming. Come join us,” he said warmly.

“I’ll leave soon. I just came to greet you. Happy birthday and here’s my gift,” I said, handing him a small paper bag.

“That’s sad, you’re leaving already,” he said.

“Uh, yeah. I’m with someone, so I just stopped by. I’m really sorry,” I said softly.

“It’s okay. Thanks for this,” he replied, lifting the gift before turning away.

Cheska leaned closer and whispered, “He’s been waiting for you.”

My stomach tightened. My pulse raced.

When I turned to leave, Enzo grabbed my arm. “Please stay, even for a while,” he said.

I tried to step back, but his grip was firm. My balance wavered, and for a moment, I almost stumbled but then a hand gripped my shoulder, steady and protective.

“Kid, go inside,” Ninong said firmly, his eyes locked on Enzo. The authority in his voice was undeniable, commanding respect without shouting.

“Who’s this guy?” Enzo asked, pulling slightly back but still holding onto me.

“Cheska, we’re leaving,” I said quickly, my voice a mix of irritation and relief. Enzo was clearly drunk, and the situation was tense.

“Okay, see you tomorrow,” Cheska said softly.

I nodded, exhaling slowly as I slid into the car. Ninong remained quiet, thoughtful, not starting the engine immediately.

“Any problem?” I asked hesitantly.

He exhaled, a deep, measured sigh. “What if I wasn’t there?” His words were calm, but there was a weight behind them that made my stomach twist.

I froze, uncertain what to say, caught off guard by the intensity beneath his calm exterior.

“Forget it,” he said softly, starting the car. The engine purred quietly, but the lingering tension seemed to hang between us like a living thing.

***

We got back home, and the two of us quietly went up to the third floor where Mom and Dad were. The hallway was dimly lit, the soft hum of the air conditioner mixing with the faint thump of music from downstairs. My footsteps felt unusually loud against the polished wood floor, making me acutely aware of every movement.

When we arrived, Dad was singing along to the music from the speaker, his voice off-key but cheerful. Mom wasn’t there, maybe she had gone downstairs. I didn’t notice her before we came up.

“Ryke, you’re here with my daughter. Ellen made some good finger foods so we can enjoy drinking more,” Dad said, gesturing to the small table that already held an array of appetizers.

“Dad, you’re drinking?” I said, surprised. He usually only has one shot before stopping, yet tonight he seemed more relaxed.

“Well, your Ninong is here, so I feel like drinking more. Right, Ryke?” Dad winked.

I simply nodded, and Ninong smiled faintly, settling into the chair across from me, his presence commanding yet calm.

“Elaine, go to sleep. It’s late, and you still have school tomorrow,” Dad said.

I didn’t answer right away. My attention was on my phone, where a message from my teacher popped up: no class tomorrow. Relief and excitement washed over me. Friday, finally.

“Elaine?”

“Yes, Dad?” I answered, smiling.

“Go to sleep. You still have school—”

“We don’t have class tomorrow. My teacher just announced it,” I said happily, my voice tinged with excitement.

“Well, okay,” Dad said with a small smile.

I discreetly glanced at Ninong Ryke. He had been quiet since we got home, leaning back in his chair, eyes thoughtful. I perched on the edge of the sofa beside him, pretending to scroll through my phone, though I couldn’t stop sneaking glances at him.

“Good thing you’re here. I made sisig,” Mom said as she appeared, carrying a tray of food.

I jumped up, excitement bubbling. Sisig was my favorite.

“Mom, can I drink beer?” I asked, even though I already had a mental plan to sip a bit.

“No. You have school tomorrow, and you’re not 18 yet,” she answered firmly, though there was a soft edge to her voice.

“Mom, we don’t have class tomorrow. I’ll be 18 in three months. Please?” I said, smiling sweetly.

Mom hesitated and glanced at Dad.

“Okay, but not too much,” she finally relented.

“Oh my God! Thanks, Dad!” I exclaimed, hugging him tightly.

“Just make sure you keep focusing on your studies, especially your good grades. Be like your Ninong, he’s always top one,” Dad said, eyes crinkling in amusement.

“Wow! Really, Ninong?” I asked, eyes wide.

“There was just no competition,” he said lightly, a teasing grin forming. We all laughed.

“I used to carry you and put you to sleep before. Now you’re drinking with us,” Dad said, shaking his head fondly.

“Dad!” I murmured shyly.

“Kids these days are different. Drinking feels normal now,” Ninong added, a knowing look in his eyes. I couldn’t help but feel his words were partly directed at me.

“You’re right, Ryke. Kids today are really different. We’re lucky with our daughter because she still focuses on her studies,” Mom said.

“Yes, Mom,” I said proudly.

“Ryke, I already prepared your room. It’s near Elaine’s. You can leave tomorrow. It’s already late,” Mom said.

“Thank you. I’ll leave early tomorrow. I have something to do,” he replied.

I felt a warmth in my chest, knowing he would be sleeping so close, his room just next to mine.

“No problem, as long as you’re here,” Dad said.

I just smiled, listening to their chatter and laughing quietly at old memories. Even in casual moments like this, I realized how much my parents and Ninong Ryke truly cared about each other. One of the reasons Mom and Dad could run their business so well was because of him, I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that my Ninong was actually a billionaire.

“Hon, you’ve had too much to drink. Let’s continue next time so Ryke can rest,” Mom said, gently steering Dad toward the stairs.

“Next time, Henry,” Ninong replied, his voice calm and amused.

Mom helped Dad, and I joined in. Ninong chuckled softly.

“You can still drink a lot even now,” he said, glancing at me. I smiled, a little breathless from just watching him.

“I’ll help him,” Ninong added, his tone playful.

“That’s better. He’s heavy, and you’re taller than him,” Mom remarked.

I didn’t pay attention to Mom’s words. I was watching Ryke. Even after just a few minutes, the slight scent of his cologne lingered in the air around him. He moved with quiet strength, guiding Dad down the stairs. My chest fluttered as I followed them, ensuring Dad was safely settled in bed.

“Thank you. Elaine, accompany your Ninong to his room so he can rest,” Mom said.

“Okay, Mom,” I replied, checking the time on my phone. Eleven o’clock at night. The house was quiet now, except for the soft hum of the ceiling fan.

“Did you enjoy it?” I asked, walking beside him. He looked at me, slightly caught off guard.

“Yeah,” he answered, short and casual.

I frowned subtly at the curt reply as we approached his room.

“This is your room,” I said, smiling.

“Okay, thank you. I’ll go back upstairs. I left my phone,” he replied.

“Do you want me to go with you?” I asked.

“No, it’s okay. Go to sleep. It’s already late,” he said and walked away.

I sighed, my chest tightening.

I was about to head to my own room, but something inside me stopped me. My curiosity and nerves made me open the door to his room.

The space was simple yet elegant, a low sofa tucked against the wall, a small table, a flat-screen TV, and neatly stacked books. At the far end, the door to the shower room was closed.

Would he take a bath first?

I stepped further in, the soft carpet under my feet muffling my movements. The bed looked untouched, the sheets crisp and inviting. I brushed my hand over it and then, almost instinctively, lay down on my back, closing my eyes. The fabric was cool and smooth against my skin.

Then I heard the door creak open.

My eyes snapped open, and I froze, heart hammering in my chest.

Instead of moving, I stayed still, pretending to sleep.

Sh*t! Elaine, what are you doing?

I could hear his quiet footsteps, feel his presence inching closer. The bed shifted slightly as he sat down gently on the edge, the weight on both sides of me sinking the mattress just enough to remind me he was there.

The dim light from the bedside lamp barely illuminated the space, leaving most of him in shadow. My breath hitched.

I slowly opened my eyes. He was right in front of me now. His hands were planted on the bed on either side of me, close enough to feel the warmth radiating off his skin but leaving a narrow space between us.

I stared into his eyes, and he didn’t look away.

My pulse raced. My lips tingled as I realized how close we were.

“I know you’re not asleep,” he said softly, his voice low and calm, but it sent shivers down my spine.

Instead of answering, I lifted my head slightly, my hands finding his necktie. My fingers tightened as I pulled him closer.

Our lips met in a sudden, electric kiss that sent my heart soaring.