chapter 7

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 fastened her seatbelt.

“How was your day?” I asked as I started the engine.

“Good. How about you? What did you do during the days you were gone?”

I glanced at her and couldn’t help but smile at how cute she looked, even though she refused to meet my gaze.

“At my age, I’m busy with work, business, and—”

“You already have a lot of money. You don’t need to work,” she interrupted.

I laughed softly and shook my head.

“Yes, but I still need to prepare for my future family,” I replied with a small smile.

“Are you going to get married? Who?”

She turned to look at me, and my smile widened at her reaction.

“Sit properly,” I said, noticing her skirt riding up slightly.

She fixed it, clearly annoyed.

“Soon,” I continued. “For now, I need her to grow. I’ll wait until I can finally ask her to marry me.”

I said it seriously while keeping my eyes on the road. After that, she fell quiet.

“Is what you said earlier true?” she asked after a moment.

I frowned slightly at the question.

“I said a lot of things. Which one?” I asked.

She frowned at me. “You’re so annoying!”

I chuckled softly, amused by her irritation. Then I remembered what she meant.

“I’m already happy if you’re with me on my birthday,” I answered.

She gave a small smile. “Okay,” she said simply.

I focused on the road again, continuing to drive.

“Where are we going?” she asked after a while.

I glanced at her briefly before answering. “I actually have somewhere to go, and I was planning to bring you with me.”

“Really?” she said quickly, not even letting me finish.

I laughed, and she smiled in return. I gently placed my hand on top of her head, but she immediately pushed it away.

“Don’t do that again.”

“Why?” I asked, still smiling.

“I’m not a kid anymore. Soon, I’ll be eighteen.”

“No, you’re still a kid but a beautiful one,” I said lightly.

“Yes, I’m more beautiful than the other girl,” she replied confidently.

I nodded, glancing at her briefly before returning my eyes to the road.

We were heading to the opening of a restobar owned by one of my business friends. The timing was perfect, it was already late afternoon. Leo had been calling me repeatedly earlier.

When we arrived, I noticed Elaine looking around, clearly taking in the place. It seemed like she liked it. There were beautiful plants everywhere, and the ground was covered in colorful stones that added to the ambiance.

“Ryke!”

Leo walked toward us, his face full of excitement.

“Sorry, bro. I missed your ribbon-cutting,” I said with a laugh as we greeted each other.

“No problem. You’re here now. Anyway, who’s this beautiful lady with you?”

I glanced at Elaine. She simply smiled and nodded politely.

“Elaine, my friend. Leo,” I introduced them.

“My pleasure. Wait, is she your niece? Did you just pick her up from school?”

I smiled and shook my head. Elaine looked at me curiously.

They shook hands, but I noticed Leo held her hand a little longer than necessary. I quickly guided Elaine forward, and Leo gave me a strange look.

“It’s nicer inside,” I said, placing a gentle hand on Elaine’s back.

“That’s right. It’s better inside, Elaine. You can order anything you like. We have plenty of good drinks—”

“She doesn’t drink,” I cut in quickly.

They both turned to look at me.

“Alright, we also have special juices. Come on inside.”

I nodded and led Elaine in. There were only a few customers inside. A band was set up at the center, and the singer’s voice was smooth and captivating. Leo brought us to a table near the front, and we sat beside each other before he excused himself.

“Anne?” Elaine said suddenly.

I followed her gaze toward the singer.

“Do you know her?” I asked.

“Yes, she’s my cousin. She lives near us,” Elaine replied.

I noticed the singer spot Elaine and wave at her with a bright smile.

“Wow, your cousin is our singer tonight,” Leo said as he returned with a waiter carrying drinks.

“Yes, she sings really well, but I didn’t know she performed in places like this,” Elaine said.

“She’ll come over after her set. Just sit and relax for now.”

I let Elaine sit on the inner side so she wouldn’t attract too much attention, especially since she was still wearing her uniform.

“Are you okay here? If not, we can leave,” I said quietly.

“No, it’s fine. It would be rude to leave early, and my cousin is here,” she replied with a smile.

“Just enjoy. Here, try this, it’s a new drink. It’s really good,” Leo said.

“I want to try that too,” Elaine said eagerly.

“No, you can drink later,” I stopped her.

“Hays! Why? My dad already allows me to drink,” she complained, pouting.

“We’re not in your house,” I replied calmly.

She frowned, clearly displeased.

I decided to let her be and poured myself a drink.

“This is boring. Am I just going to watch you?” she said.

“Good,” I answered with a teasing smile.

She raised an eyebrow at me.

“Here, this one only has a little alcohol. It’s fine for you, Elaine,” Leo insisted.

I looked at him, but before I could say anything, Elaine had already taken the glass and smiled at me.

There was nothing I could do, she had already taken a sip.

ELAINE 

I laughed to myself, amused that he thought I couldn’t drink. Why doesn’t he want me to?

“Thanks, Leo. You’re the best,” I said, glancing at Ryke. His face had already turned serious.

“You’re welcome, Elaine,” Leo replied.

I simply smiled at him. He was tall but Ryke was still taller. Leo was handsome, but Ryke was more striking. Still, there was something about Leo that made him seem like a womanizer.

“Look, your cousin. I think she’s done singing.”

I turned toward Anne. That’s what I call her, she doesn’t like being called Ate. She’s twenty-five and almost done with college. I had no idea she performed in places like this.

She was smiling as she walked toward us, but suddenly, a man blocked her path. I couldn’t see his face, and Anne was small, so she disappeared behind him. At first, I thought it was nothing but then he tried to touch her.

I quickly stood up.

“Stay here. I’ll go,” Ryke said firmly.

He stopped me before I could move. Leo rushed over as well, and Ryke immediately faced the man bothering Anne.

Ryke grabbed the man’s wrist, his grip firm. The man looked shocked. I thought it would turn into a scene, but instead, he backed off. He looked drunk. Two guards quickly approached, grabbed him, and dragged him outside.

I stepped closer.

“Anne, are you okay?” I asked.

But I froze when I saw the way Anne was looking at Ryke. There was something different in her eyes and it made my chest tighten with jealousy.

“He’s drunk. Just causing trouble,” Ryke said calmly.

“Sorry, Anne. He’s already been taken outside,” Leo added.

Still, I couldn’t stop watching Anne. When she noticed me, she quickly looked away from Ryke, almost shy.

“Let’s go back and sit,” Ryke said.

We returned to our table. Leo and Anne sat together, while Ryke sat across from her.

“Elaine, I’m really happy to see you here. And thank you earlier,” Anne said with a smile.

Ryke only nodded, but I felt irritation building inside me because of the way she kept looking at him.

“That guy was crazy. Good thing Ryke was here, like some kind of hero, like Robin,” Leo joked, laughing.

“So your name is Ryke. Thank you again,” Anne said sweetly.

“It’s fine. He’s gone now. You should go back to singing, I want music,” I said flatly.

They all looked at me.

“Anne just sat down, and you already want her to leave?” Leo laughed.

I shot him an annoyed look but didn’t respond.

“I didn’t know you go to places like this, Elaine,” Anne said.

I looked at her. Her voice sounded gentle but somehow, it didn’t feel sincere.

“Yes, I can go anywhere. I’m with Ryke,” I replied. Ryke remained silent.

“W-What is he to you?” Anne asked.

“Why?” I shot back.

She looked surprised, then forced a smile.

“Better drink that, Elaine. You too, Ryke,” Leo said, trying to ease the tension.

“Okay, I’ll leave you for a while. I need to go to the CR, then I’ll sing again later. See you next time,” Anne said.

Next time? No. I know you like my godfather. Never.

Annoyed, I grabbed my drink and finished it in one go. I could feel Ryke’s gaze on me, but I ignored it.

“How was your return?” Leo asked.

“It’s fine. Nothing new,” Ryke answered shortly.

I stayed quiet, pulled out my phone, and snapped a picture of my drink. I sent it to our group chat with Cheska and Hannah. They immediately reacted—wow—followed by messages.

“Hey! Where is that?”

“You didn’t invite us!”

I just reacted with a laughing emoji.

“When are you going to get married? You’ll be left behind. I might get married before you,” Leo teased.

“It’s not in my plans yet. It will come,” Ryke replied.

“How old are you, Mr. Leo?” I asked.

Leo smiled. I noticed Ryke glancing at me.

“Thirty-three. Ready to settle down,” Leo said.

“That’s good. You’re ready but he’s not,” I added, pointing at Ryke.

Leo burst out laughing.

“Elaine is so cute. Wait, what are you two—”

“We’re friends. Very close, even if there’s a big age gap,” I said cheerfully.

“Really? How old are you?” Leo asked.

“She’s seventeen,” Ryke answered.

Leo’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Yes, but I’ll be eighteen next month,” I quickly added.

“Oh, almost a grown woman. Wait, your birthday is next month? Am I invited?” Leo asked.

“Yeah, sure,” I said casually.

Ryke took a long sip of his drink.

“I like Elaine, Ryke. She’s cool. But you don’t look that young,” Leo joked.

“Thank you. Do you think we look good toge—”

“Do you have water?” Ryke suddenly cut in.

“Water? Yeah. Cold?” Leo asked.

I turned to Ryke, annoyed that he interrupted me.

“Wait, I’ll leave you two for a moment,” Leo said before walking away.

Now it was just the two of us again. He stayed quiet, pouring himself another drink.

“Do you have a problem?” I asked.

“No,” he replied shortly.

I sat up straight and finished my drink again, frustration building inside me.

“Ryke, Jessica is here,” Leo said as he returned.

I looked up and froze. It was the same woman I had seen at Ryke’s condo before.

“Hi… oh, you’re here. I remember you,” she said.

My frown deepened as she casually sat beside Ryke. One annoying person had just left and now someone even worse had arrived.

“You finished your drink? I’ll get you more,” I said.

“No, that’s enough,” Ryke stopped me.

“No. Give me more. I want more. This isn’t even strong,” I insisted, ignoring him.

“Give her,” Ryke said.

I went quiet and stared at my phone.

“I knew you’d be here, Ryke. I couldn’t sleep after you suddenly left and—”

“We shouldn’t talk about that here,” Ryke cut her off, his tone sharp.

I looked at him. He sounded irritated.

“Okay, sorry. Anyway, you seem in a bad mood,” Jessica said.

“Why? Did you and Ryke spend time together?” I asked bluntly.

“Yes. Why? You look young. Why are you here? You’re still in uniform,” she replied.

Before I could respond, Ryke suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet.

“I’m taking you home,” he said.

“Why?” I protested, but he was already leading me toward the exit.

Once we were outside, he let go of my hand.

“Why are we going home? And why were you with Jessica? When was that?” I fired off questions, my irritation spilling over.

“Please, get in the car first,” he said.

I shook my head.

“Tell me first. I won’t get in,” I insisted.

He looked down and sighed, as if holding back his patience. I thought he would answer but instead, he suddenly lifted me and placed me inside the car.

“What the—!?” I gasped, shocked.

“We’re going home,” he said firmly.

“You didn’t answer my question,” I muttered, turning away.

“Do you really want to know? Do you want to know what we did?” he asked.

I froze. The anger in his voice made it hard to respond.

“Now, sit properly.”

“Do you like her?” I asked quietly, my voice trembling as I stared out the window.

I heard him sigh deeply.

“If I liked her, I wouldn’t have left. I wouldn’t be here with you right now.”

I turned to him, and my tears finally fell.

“Fuck! Stop crying. Come here.”

I didn’t listen. I just kept crying until he moved closer and pulled me into his arms.

“Stop,” he murmured. “This is the last time you cry in front of me. I don’t want to see you crying.”