"I hope Matilda learns from what happened. It's sad to see her embarrassed like that, but maybe it's what she needs to straighten up," Maine said to Demi."Yeah, I hope so too. But you all need to be careful, especially you, Maine. Matilda can be cunning; who knows what she might do next," Amethyst warned her."I'll always be cautious. Besides, she doesn't have much power left to boss anyone around," she replied."Did you see her face earlier? She looked like she'd seen a ghost! And dragging her man into it too, the nerve," Sandro chimed in, taking a sip of his juice."That woman's used to these kinds of situations," Amethyst added. "She's got thick skin.""Where's Toby anyway?" She asked the group."He rushed home because one of his projects ran into trouble," Amethyst answered. "Sandro was supposed to handle it, but he's tied up, so Toby had to step in.""I bet Matilda's already plotting her revenge," Maine mused."Definitely. So keep your eyes peeled. That look on Matilda's face? S
Amethyst couldn't react when she mentioned Toby's name. The woman turned pale, unsure of what to do. Even Toby was frozen at the door.Sandro and Demi were also speechless. After a while, Amethyst burst into laughter."You guys are crazy, it was just a joke. You know how much I love Toby as a friend, you're so suspicious!" Amethyst laughed hysterically."I thought it was true!" Demi threw a pillow at her."No one believes each other in this group, we're just friends here. Toby is special to me because he's the only one who understands me completely. Come here, Toby," she called her friend.Toby chuckled and scratched his head, "You owe me for this, you know?""How's the site? Is everything fixed?" Sandro asked."Yeah, there was just a minor conflict among the workers, but it's all good now," Toby replied.They believed Amethyst's alibi, while she didn't. She knew what she said was true, but she felt embarrassed because Toby was there.She just watched them interact. Perhaps, they beli
PROLOGUE:"This is part of being married to each other, Jermaine," said Demitri, slowly removing his clothes."No—no!!! It can't be!!" She stepped back as her husband approached."Sweetheart, there's nothing more you can do. We're married now, what else can you say to me? Besides, I've invested a lot in you. Perhaps it's time for you to reciprocate everything..." he murmured as they neared the bed. She sat down on the soft mattress, realizing she was the only one sleeping in it.Her spouse stood by the door, an extension of that room, so as not to arouse suspicion from their housemates that they weren't sleeping side by side."But, Demitri... we're only married on paper!" She continued to look for a way to stop him, holding onto her clothes to avoid his touch.The man stopped in front of her. Gently, he held her chin and looked into her eyes."Is what I give you still not enough, Jermaine? I'm only asking this now, but can't you grant me this one thing?"Jermaine felt the intensity in
She's sulking again, constantly staring at her cellphone. She's waiting for a message from Dylan, the man who shattered her heart. She can't fathom how he could deceive her. Two year age gap; he graduated earlier and is now working, while she's still studying.They were just in their first year of college when the guy courted her. She really liked him, inspired by what she saw in pageants on TV. He was in his third year of college at the time, and wherever he was, she wanted to be there too.Her contemplation was interrupted by her cellphone ringing. It was her friend, Coleen. She hadn't been attending classes for a week because she was secretly following Dylan. She missed her defense. Almost as if her friend could reach through the phone, she scolded and slapped her. Her friend was sent as an exchange student to Japan, and if Coleen could visit her, she probably would, giving her a piece of her mind.She abandoned her studies and has no one else to talk to. For her, taking care of on
She scanned the surroundings of the place. It had been a long year since she left her grandmother's house, taken away by her parents to her father's province.During college, she chose to move to Manila and convinced her parents to buy a condo unit for her. They hesitated, being protective of their only daughter, but she stood firm.She promised her parents she wouldn't marry early, focusing on growing their business. Her mother, with Chinese heritage, wisely invested and expanded their wealth instead of merely letting it sleep.Her grandparents warmly welcomed them. They raised her while her parents worked abroad, establishing a home and business before bringing her back.Her grandparents were kind, and she obediently followed their wishes. Her uncle, her mother's younger brother, used to take her to school. He now had his own family, but his house was conveniently close to her grandmother's, so he often visited."Maine, my grandchild!" Her grandmother embraced her tearfully."How ha
She stepped out of the house to observe. Much has changed in their area over the more than ten years of her absence. The once abundant trees in the surroundings have diminished, replaced by buildings and houses. Several subdivisions have also sprung up in the area.It's a beautiful transformation. The muddy road they used to take to school when it rained is now paved.Many children there are unfamiliar to her. Some passersby glance at her, perhaps wondering who she is.A group of women passed by and stopped in front of her."Maine?" The one greeting her seemed hesitant."Yes? Do I know you?" She asked. The others laughed."Silly, it's me, Emilie."Her face lit up. She suddenly felt happy, seeing a familiar face."OMG, you look gorgeous," she hugged her old friend."I've been looking for you on social media, couldn't find you.""I'm not active, my profile is hidden," she replied."Monique and Elise, they're our friends too.""You all look beautiful," she smiled at them. They've all blo
As Maine lay on her bed, a wave of emptiness washed over her. The room felt suffocating, and her thoughts were consumed by memories of her cheated boyfriend. She couldn't help but replay the promises he had made, the words that had once held so much meaning.She remembered the way he had looked into her eyes, his voice filled with sincerity as he vowed to always be faithful. She had believed him, trusted him with her heart. But now, those promises felt like distant echoes, shattered by his betrayal.Tears welled up in Maine's eyes as she thought about the moments they had shared, the dreams they had built together. It was painful to realize that it had all been a lie, that the love she had invested so deeply in had been taken for granted.She felt a mix of anger and sadness, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. How could he have done this to her? How could he have thrown away everything they had for a fleeting moment of pleasure?Maine knew that she deserved better. She deserv
Maine and her friends went to the mall to buy clothes for graduation. Suddenly, a wave of sadness enveloped her. If only Dylan hadn't deceived her, she might have been graduating now too."Hey Maine, look at this beautiful dress! It would look amazing on you for graduation!" Emelie happily got the dress.She forces a smile "Yeah, it's really nice.""Are you okay, Maine? You seem a bit down. Is something bothering you?" Elise asked.She sighs "I... I had to stop schooling because of my cheating boyfriend. It's been really tough for me.""Oh, Maine, I'm so sorry to hear that. That must have been really difficult for you." Monique gives sympathy to her."We're here for you, Maine. You don't have to go through this alone. We'll support you no matter what." Emelie cheers her up."Thank you, guys. It means a lot to me to have your support. It's just hard to see everyone excited about graduation when I won't be a part of it." she was about to cry. The tears started to mold on her eyes."Main