Tonight I will drink like there’s no tomorrow!
I'm glad that Mara, my best friend found herself a man who will love her for the rest of her life.
I can now leave this country with a peaceful mind because Jana is out of Mara and Andrew's life. I don't need to worry about Mara and her family anymore.
Leaving the country is always in my plan. My initial plan was to leave the country after Mara's wedding, but I can't find myself leaving her knowing Jana's existence in their lives. My instinct is telling me that Mara's marriage life will not be peaceful because of that girl.
Jana was Andrew's longtime girlfriend. They only broke up because Andrew need to fulfill his duty as Ottave's heir, and that is to marry my best friend, Mara. The break up was so smooth which doesn't make sense. How can you let go of the guy you love just like that? Why will you not fight for that love if you know that you are the girl that he truly loves? And they are in a relationship for years for God's sake!
I know that there is something fishy about this two, especially when Andrew suddenly announce her relationship with that girl, Jana. Few days before he announced their relationship, he rejected me and confessed to me that he is in love with my best friend, Mara.
I wanted to convince myself that Andrew only said that to me as his excuse to reject me, but I saw in his eyes how sincere he was when he told me that he loves my best friend so much.
My guts is telling me that they are hiding something. And I was right. Jana manipulated Andrew. She uses Andrew’s feelings for Mara to be close to her. But sorry, Jana, you will never win his heart. Andrew never looks at any other girls. His eyes and heart were already fixed on Mara.
Though, I can’t blame Jana for loving Andrew that much. Andrew is really a great catch, the same reason why I fell for him. However, her love for Andrew will never justify all her evil plans.
As I said, I also fell in love with Andrew. Honestly, I still am. I am trying my best to forget him. One of the main reason why I want to leave the country. I don't want to end up like Jana. She is making her love for Andrew her excuse to ruin someone else's marriage.
Mara is my best friend, and I love her so much. I want her to be happy. Even if it means that I need to let go of the only guy I ever love.
I like almost all handsome guys, but I never fell in love with them, except for Andrew. There is something in him that you can't help but to fall for him.
I never had a boyfriend because the only guy I love is in love with my best friend. I tried my best to fall for someone else, but I always failed. My feelings for them never prosper.
I thought to myself that maybe the guy that is destined for me is not here in the Philippines. I will go the US and apply in my dream company and at the same time I will move on and find my destiny.
Tomorrow afternoon is my flight to the US. Tonight is my last night here in the country. I want to enjoy myself here for the last time.
I was back from deep thinking when I heard a familiar voice.
“Hey, gorgeous!”
I rolled my eyes at him. Of all places, why is he here?! I hate this guy!
“Still a snob? I thought we're already close?” He said in a teasing tone.
“Can’t you see I want to be alone?!”
"I can see that. But how many drinks did you had? You look like a mess! Were you dumped by a guy or something?!" He said almost sounded like he was scolding me.
“So what if I look like a mess?! It’s none of your business! Just leave me alone!” I hissed.
“How can I leave you when you look like that? Aren't you aware of the possibility that someone might take advantage of you because of how you look like now?”
“So what?! What it is to you if I end up having sex with a stranger?!” I said in irritation.
He glared at me. He looks like he will murder someone. “Do you think I will allow that?”
I rolled my eyes. "As if I care.”
“Why do you hate me so much?” He asked.
“You are honestly asking me that?!”
He furrowed. “Yes, because as far as I know, I did nothing to you.”
I laugh bitterly. “You thought I would never found out how you bad mouth me to Mara and Andrew! You already ruined my life, and then you also want to ruin my friendship with Mara!”
He looks guilty. Serve you right!
“Fine, but I am not entirely wrong. You like my brother!” He accused me.
I smirked. “I don’t like your brother. I love him!”
He clenched his jaw. “Do you plan to ruin their marriage just like Jana?”
I shook my head. “Yes, I am in love with your brother. But I know that he is in love with my best friend. I will never do anything to hurt my best friend. I love her more than I love your brother.”
He look at me intently then he sighed. “I’m sorry for doubting you. I am just protective of Mara.”
I rolled my eyes. “Then why did you leave her? She was in love with you then.”
"You hate me because I left my family? You hate me because If I just stay, then Mara would have married me?! And then what? You think you will stand a chance now on Andrew?!" He said in low but dangerous voice.
“Yes! Mara is in love with you; she will be very glad to marry you! And if that had happened then I know that I will have a chance on Maru!” I told him with all honesty.
“You are crazy!”
“Crazy in love with your brother! I wanted to be Mrs. Ottave, you know!” I said, then laughed.
He looked at me intently. “I can still make you Mrs. Ottave.” He said in a seductive voice.
I smirked. “How?”
I know I sound crazy. I want to blame the alcohol for being brutally honest right now.
He went closer to me. His face is almost touching my lips. “Marry me.” He said in a whisper.
“But I want Maru Ottave,” I whispered back.
“I am Maru Ottave.” He said then he claimed my lips. Hearing him saying he is Maru Ottave lost all my consciousness. I found myself answering his kiss.
“Let’s leave this place and marry me.”
I’m getting lost from his kisses. I just nodded and followed him.
“Where are we going?” I asked him when we reached his car.
He gave me a quick kiss. “I told you already. I will make your dream come true. I will make you Mrs. Ottave tonight.”
I giggle after hearing that. After tonight I will be Mrs. Ottave!
Everything happened so fast. James asks Mr. Sotto, the Mayor of this city, to officiate our marriage. He was James’ friend.
The mayor officiates our sudden wedding. After the usual ceremony, he made us sign a document to make it official.
“Tonight, you are already Mrs. Ottave! You are now my wife!” He said after we reach his room.
After we sign the document, James brought me to his house. I didn't know he has his own house. I thought he was living in the Ottave mansion.
“I didn't know you have your own house. I thought you are staying at the Ottave mansion?” I can't help but ask.
“Why? Do you want to live there? We can live there if you want.”
I shook my head. “No. I was just asking.”
“Okay. But just tell me if you want to live there. Or I can give you a mansion as big as that. Anything for you, my wife.”
Then he started kissing me. I kiss him back with the same intensity. He began to remove my clothes. I feel so hot.
His kisses went down to my cheek, then to my jaw, and then to my neck. His right hand was squeezing my left boobs. I feel hotter from his touch and kisses. I wanted more.
I find myself touching his chest down to his abs. When I was about to reach his belt, his hand catches my hand.
“Not so fast, wife. Let me pleasure you first.”
I felt like a slave to him. I just let him do whatever he wants—making him the master of my body.
The following day, I feel like my head wants to explode. I always blame myself for drinking too much alcohol.
My forehead creased when I notice that my body down there is also aching. I open my eyes, and I was shocked when I found myself naked.
What the hell happened?
Think Yelle! What did you do last night?!
I look at the room and realize that this is not mine. I look at the guy beside me. My eyes widen.
Shocks! Why is James here? Why are we together and naked?!
What the hell really happened?! Why can’t I remember anything?!
I was panicking because I can’t believe that I gave my virginity to the man I hate the most!
This is not happening!
I look for my clothes and my bag. I dress up fast. I look at the time on my phone.
Shocks! I only have two hours before my flight.
I left that house and went straight to the airport.
I woke up feeling lighter now. For the first time in a long while, the heaviness on my chest was gone. I stretched and smiled a little. The talked I had with Mara last night helped me unload the heaviness in my heart. The guilt I felt because of the feelings I had with her husband is now gone. I feel more lighter and free. Going to the US is one of the best decisions that I've done. I was able to pursue the career that I really wanted and I successfully moved on from Andrew. Though Mara's word was bugging me, but I couldn't care less about it. What matters most is that I'm done with my one-sided love with Andrew and I'm now ready to moved forward. I stood in front of the mirror as I got ready for work. Today wasn't just another day, this day will serve as my new chapter in life. I am now leaving past behind me and ready to face my present and hopeful of my future. I had just stepped out of my car when I caught James staring at me. I gave him a brief nod, barely acknowledging his pr
My eyes widened in shock. “How did you know?” I asked, my voice trembling as the weight of her words sank in.How long has she known about my feelings for her husband? Was I that obvious? Even James noticed how I felt about Andrew…But why didn’t she confront me sooner?Mara offered a timid smile, her expression soft as she reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I just found out a month ago,” she admitted.My forehead creased as confusion washed over me. “A month ago?”She gave me a small nod before recounting her conversation with James on the day I left their place.Mara's POV FlashbackYelle left the house and didn’t have dinner with us. As expected, Tanya started looking for her. My daughter even cried when we explained that her ninang Yelle had to leave because something important came up, and she couldn’t join us for dinner.Thankfully, Andrew knew how to calm her down. James stayed for dinner, played with Tanya afterward, and tucked her into bed.Once Tanya was asl
“What is he saying, Yelle? Who is in prison? And who is his victim?”I closed my eyes, frustrated by his tactlessness. I wasn’t ready to share this part of my life. It wasn’t easy to admit how foolish I’d been. I had almost become a victim of a gold digger.I’m a smart person. I can usually tell when someone has hidden motives, which made it even harder to accept what they had told me about Kyle. I couldn’t believe I had failed to see through his evil scheme.It made me question myself. Was I really that desperate to move on? So desperate that I let myself fall for a schemer?“Yelle! Answer me!”I snapped back to reality when Mara shouted at me. Her eyes were full of concern and panic. Andrew remained silent, but I could see the same worry in his eyes.Tears welled up in my eyes, and despite my efforts to hold them back, they began to fall.Mara stepped closer and wrapped her arms around me.I glared at James, still trying to hold back the tears. He avoided my gaze, leaving his express
“Excuse me?!”What the hell is she talking about? Why would I ever name my future son Maru? That’s the last thing I’d do—never in a million years!In fact, I might just banish the name Maru from my list of future baby names. I can’t stand it!“Marry me.” He said in a whisper.“But I want Maru Ottave,” I whispered back.“I am Maru Ottave.” He said then he claimed my lips.Fudge! Why did that memory have to pop up now? This is all Mara’s fault!I glared at her. “Don’t say that again!”Mara and her husband just laughed. They think this is funny?! Ugh! I should have ignored the whole thing with their son’s name. Now it’s all backfiring on me.Mara and Andrew were busy tending their new born, while Tanya and I left in the living room. "Tada! Do you like it?" I asked Tanya while showing her the dress I bought in the US. I bought bunch of things for her. Of course I bought some for family, Mara, Andrew and their new baby. But most of my the things in my luggage are all the things I bought
“Mom, Dad, look who’s with me!”Luther and I had kept my transfer back to the Philippines a secret from our parents. We wanted to surprise them—and it was the reason my brother had extended his stay in the U.S., to bring me back with him.My mom gasped, her eyes welling up as she took me in. “Abrielle? Is it really you?”I smiled, warmth flooding me as I nodded. “Yes, Mom. I’m home.”She crossed the room in an instant, pulling me into a tight embrace. My dad followed, wrapping his arms around us as my mom held on like she’d never let go.My brothers stood off to the side, grinning at our little family reunion. Daniel, who had helped plan this surprise, looked especially pleased as he watched our parents’ joy.To celebrate, Daniel had reserved a table at a fine-dining restaurant. As we settled into our seats and began eating, conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and updates on life.Midway through dinner, my dad looked at me, curiosity in his eyes. “So, how’s James? Did he
Finally, the day had come for us to return to our home country.My brother insisted on extending his stay so we could all go back together with Kyle.We arrived at the airport, the bustling terminal greeting us. My co-workers had already taken their flight back to the Philippines. My brother had upgraded my ticket to first class, but we had to change flights since the first class seats on the original one were fully booked.As we checked in, I spotted James entering the airport. My brow furrowed in confusion. What is he doing here? He was supposed to be on the same flight as the JDLI team.“You’re here,” my brother greeted James with a nod.James merely nodded back, his eyes darting to his watch repeatedly, as if waiting for someone.“Are you expecting someone?” I couldn’t help but ask.He shook his head, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Why would you think that?”I shrugged casually. “You keep looking at your watch.”“Oh, that… I’m just checking the time. Our flight’s coming up so