At that moment, all I could do was stare into his green eyes while he stared at my naturally red lips. He was getting closer, and with every inch, I felt paralyzed. It felt like I couldn't defend my own lips.
It was like I was hypnotized to lean in closer to him, too. Just as our lips were about to meet, his phone suddenly rang. I took a deep breath because the kiss didn't happen. Thank God for that phone call-whoever you are, thank you!
The phone call just saved my ass!
"What?" His voice was serious with a hint of irritation, though he tried to hide it. As much as I wanted to think he was disappointed that his plan to kiss me was interrupted, I decided not to.
I shouldn't get attached to this man. He'll only leave me anyway. He's filthy rich. Celebrities, models, and who-knows-who are all dying to be with him. Who am I to compete with them?
"I'll be there..." He took a deep breath, looked at his watch, and then at me. "In an hour. I have to do something important, I'll get back to you later," he added. He rolled his eyes, clearly displeased with whatever the other person said, and instead of replying, he just ended the call.
"Xiānshēng, wǒ xiànzài yīnggāi jiàngluò ma?" asked the pilot.
"Shì a." he replied, arms crossed.
"We're landing now. You better take one last look at that beautiful sunset."
When I looked at him, he smiled at me. So I did just that-looked out the chopper's window to see the sunset one last time.
Once we landed, it felt like all my problems came rushing back. Unlike earlier, when everything felt peaceful up in the air while enjoying the sunset.
Sir Leo helped me down. Before he walked away, he spoke to the pilot. I couldn't understand what they were saying since it was in Chinese, so I just stood aside, still trying to listen even if I didn't get it.
"Nǐ bèi kāi chúle." he said calmly, hands still in his pockets.
"Xiānshēng, dànshì wǒ yǐjīng wèi nín fú wù liǎo jìn sān nián!" the pilot protested.
"Wǒ tǎo yàn nǐ kàn tā de yàng zi." He didn't even wait for a reply and just turned around. He stopped next to me and intertwined our fingers.
...
As we walked toward the company garage, I paused, and so did he.
"I'm free to land my helicopter here. I know the owner-he's a friend of mine. No need to feel embarrassed," he said as if he could read my mind.
"Let's go. I have a meeting with my dad. I want to make sure you get home safely before I go." He even ruffled my hair and laughed before continuing to walk.
He stopped again when he noticed I wasn't following him. He walked back, gently took my hand, and led me to a silver Pagani Huayra. He even opened the door for me.
"Get in." Is he serious? Is he really driving me home in this car?
"How many women have ridden your cars?" I asked with a smile, pointing to the thirty-two parked cars. He smiled sweetly.
"My dad gave me this car, and I treasure it. As for your question-too many to count. But to be honest, you'll be the first and last girl to ride my Pagani."
I bit my lip to hide my smile when he pointed to the car he's using to take me home.
Luh, show-off!
"How'd you guess that I own the whole garage?" He smiled, arms crossed, forehead creased.
"I saw the sign by the elevator. It says, 'Vasquez's Garage,'" I replied.
"Okay, if you say so. Let's go."
"No need, sir. I'll just commute. The condo I live in is nearby," I declined. I love the idea of being the first girl in his Pagani, but what happened to the other girls who rode in his cars first?
Let me guess-they fooled around, and then he just left them like they were nothing.
"I only have one rule, Trinity. I hope you don't forget it," he said, hands on his waist.
Right. I always have to follow him. I sighed and got into his car. No choice.
...
It's true that my place was nearby, but the traffic was so bad it felt like an 8-hour drive. I felt my stomach grumble. Damn, I was starving-and thirsty, too. I should've drunk water earlier.
I saw Sir Leo drink from his tumbler with one hand on the steering wheel. I couldn't help but feel jealous-he had water, I didn't.
I looked away, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. When I opened my eyes again, he was offering his tumbler to me, eyes still on the road.
"My hand's cramping. Take it," he said. I was too shy to look at him.
"Drink up. Don't be shy," he insisted. I swallowed hard.
If I drink from this... it's like we're sharing an indirect kiss?
I slowly opened the tumbler and carefully brought it to my lips. As I savored the water, I couldn't stop thinking about that "indirect kiss."
Until I choked.
Sir Leo got startled and rubbed my back while I coughed. I gasped for air and leaned back. My shirt and the car floor were soaked. My heart raced even more because of that. I saw a flicker of annoyance in his eyes as he pulled something from his pocket.
"You're wet," he said as he handed me his handkerchief to dry off.
...
Instead of taking me home, we stopped at a restaurant when the traffic finally moved. He said he was hungry and wanted us to eat first before he dropped me off. I thought he had a meeting with his dad?
Standing outside this fancy restaurant, I suddenly felt embarrassed to walk in. All the women coming and going were wearing dresses, and there I was in jeans and a t-shirt-still damp from the water.
Why didn't I pick up my uniform earlier? At least I wouldn't look like a beggar picked up from the street.
Sir Leo came out with a paper bag and handed it to me.
"Get dressed. The owner here has a strict dress code. They won't let you in wearing that." I took it. The first thing I noticed was the brand-God, it's Dolce & Gabbana!
I went to the restroom in the lobby. As soon as I walked in, all the women looked at me like I didn't belong. Fine, I'll change-should I poke their eyes out first?
Before I entered a stall, I noticed a woman wearing skinny jeans and a sleeveless turtleneck crop top. She didn't seem to care what I wore-she was too busy applying lipstick.
As I put on the dress from Sir Leo, I remembered seeing this exact design online.
If I'm not mistaken, it's the Satin bustier dress with brassiere that costs around $2,545!
The prettier it was, the more expensive it seemed.
There were three paper bags. One held patent leather slingbacks with DG Karol heels, the other had a Jige Duo Touch wallet from Hermès. The shoes cost around $845, and the wallet was over $5,150.
I read the receipt. They forgot to remove it. God-I feel like a sugar baby with all this expensive stuff. Even my soul feels expensive now.
All that's missing is his love.
When I stepped out of the restroom, only that one chill girl was still there. I walked over to the sink with the mirror and tried to fix my hair with my hands.
"You can borrow my comb-might make it easier," she offered, pushing her pouch toward me.
"T-thank you," I replied and borrowed her pink pouch's comb.
I returned it quickly. Before leaving the restroom, I spritzed some Versace perfume from the paper bag.
When I stepped out, I saw Sir Leo sitting in the lobby. I walked over to him.
He was about to say something, but when he saw me, he stopped, eyes scanning my whole body. I caught him swallowing three times.
"L-let's go?" He shoved his hands in his pockets, and I nodded. We went to the counter where a receptionist greeted us.
"Good evening, Ma'am and Sir. Do you have any reservations?" she asked with a smile.
"I don't have one, and I don't need one. I'm George Leonardo Vasquez. I demand a seat for two. NOW!" he ordered, every word heavy with authority.
The receptionist typed something, then looked back at us.
"I'm sorry, Sir Vasquez. Please head to the 5th floor. Some of our staff are waiting to assist you. Have a great evening." We got into the elevator.
It stopped at the 2nd floor, and a bunch of people came in, making me move closer to Sir Leo. I don't know if it was just me, but I felt a spark when our bodies brushed. A strange sensation filled me.
At the 4th floor, the crowd exited. Only the two of us and an old couple remained.
With fewer people, I moved away, overwhelmed by the sensation. The old couple looked at us and giggled.
"Ah, young people these days... so dramatic," the old lady teased.
There was no one else they could've been referring to. Or maybe I was assuming too much? I tried not to look at Sir, but my head betrayed me and turned on its own. He noticed and looked back-then grinned.
I looked away and tried to stop myself from smiling.
Trinity, calm down. Don't smile. You got this. Don't give in!
When the elevator doors opened, I smirked inwardly, proud I kept my poker face.
We walked into the dining area, where many rich people were eating. Just like the receptionist said, staff welcomed us and guided us to our table.
Cold vibes, huh! Once seated, we were handed menus. A female server took Leo's order, while a male server approached me. Do they serve pigar-pigar here?
I was given a menu, but I couldn't decide with these prices, so I let Sir Leo order.
"We'll have the Kobe Beef, Fish with Asparagus, Asian Chicken Thighs, and Black Diamond for dessert, and a bottle of Domaine Leroy Chambertin Grand Cru 1990. Tell Gonzalez to cook our food-he's my personal chef," he told the waitress.
"Is there anything you want to order?" he asked me. I shook my head, though I really wanted to ask if they had pigar-pigar.
"Okay then, that's all." The waiters left-but I caught the waitress sneakily winking at my boss.
Sir Leo sat properly and stared at me. I stared back.
After a few seconds, he blinked and laughed.
"Let's be casual. Let's say I'm not your boss tonight. I know you want something. Is it food... or me?" Even if I was a bit shocked, I kept a straight face. Deep inside, I wanted to scream.
Smooth move-definitely a one-night stand setup.
"No one serves pigar-pigar here," I told him.
"Yes, no one... but my chef will, if I tell him to," he smiled.
The male server came back and poured us red wine.
"Here's a bottle of Domaine Leroy Chambertin Grand Cru 1990," he introduced the wine.
I saw how he looked at me before he left. Kinda handsome! I smiled-and Sir Leo noticed.
"He's not that attractive at all." He averted his gaze, fists clenched, jaw tight.
That strange feeling returned. Am I... thrilled because he's jealous?
A young man in a chef's uniform approached. This must be Gonzalez.
"How's your night, Leo-Oh! Is she one of your girls? Damn, she's gorgeous. Hope you don't mind if we take turns on h-"
He didn't get to finish. Sir Leo stood, pulled out a gun, and pointed it at Gonzalez. I immediately stood up and held his hand, eyes shut-but I was too late. I heard the gunshot.
What the hell was I thinking touching that?
When I opened my eyes, he had his arm around my waist. I looked at Gonzalez, who had moved just in time-the bullet missed him.
"You should be glad I let you live, Gonzalez," my boss said flatly.
Gonzalez smirked.
"And you should be glad I haven't stolen your girl, Vasquez."
||R.A||
RAENAALMEDA
The moment they took her, something inside me snapped.Not the heartbroken kind of snap. No. This was deeper. Sharper. I didn’t feel pain. I felt wrath. Pure, undiluted rage. And it was about to consume everything in its path.I stormed into the estate’s war room, where the core of Nostra Affari waited in silence. My men stood tall, dressed in black, weapons ready, waiting for orders.“They took her,” I growled, eyes locked on the map displayed across the wall. "I want them dead."No one asked questions. They knew better. This wasn’t just about vengeance—it was personal. I wasn’t just the heir to an empire tonight. I was death in a suit.Sky entered, tablet in hand, sweat beading his forehead. “I tracked Nicole’s convoy heading north—Ilocos Norte. They’ve stopped near a shoreline and has a fucking chopper waiting there.”My jaw clenched. “They’re taking her somewhere. She’s not going to make it to that chopper.”I turned to my men. “Mobilize everything. Ground teams, air units, satell
The moment Leo pulled me into his arms, blood-stained and breathless, I felt a sliver of peace. For the first time in what felt like forever, I thought I was safe. The gold-masked man was cuffed and unconscious. The basement faded behind us like a bad dream.But that illusion shattered the moment we stepped out into the open.The night exploded.A hail of bullets pierced the air from nowhere—windows shattered, tires blew, and Leo immediately shielded me with his body. “Get down!” he shouted, dragging me behind an overturned car.I couldn’t see where the shots were coming from at first. But then I heard her voice. Cold. Mocking. Familiar. Nicole.She stepped out from a black SUV like she owned the damn warzone. Dressed in all black, hair slicked back, sunglasses at night like she was untouchable. Behind her, a fleet of armed men emerged—fully geared, tactically aligned. An army. Her army.She smirked, holding a pistol. “You didn’t think I’d just let you walk away with him, did you?”
The first thing I noticed was the smell-damp concrete, mold, and something metallic I couldn't quite place. Blood, maybe. The air was thick and suffocating, like it hadn't been disturbed in years. I was shivering-not because of the cold, but because of what I had just survived.My wrists ached from the rough zip ties cutting into my skin, and the blindfold they'd used was still half-hanging around my neck. I sat on the cold, unforgiving floor of what looked like an abandoned basement, lit only by a flickering bulb swinging above me like a slow, ticking clock.I wanted to scream for help. I wanted to run. But I couldn't do either.My belly-my baby-was the only thing keeping me grounded. *Don't panic. You need to stay calm. For the baby.I heard voices upstairs. Muffled. Angry. Barked commands. Footsteps. One set. Then two. Then silence.Then the door creaked open.A man entered, his shadow cast long and crooked across the floor. He wasn't the one from earlier-the one who shoved me into
I thought we were just attending a corporate event. That was all I expected. I never imagined this. I always believed Leo would propose after I gave birth—that’s how I pictured it in my head. “I love you so much, Trinity,” he whispered as he pulled me into a tight embrace. I returned it with the same intensity, melting into his arms. This is it. We’re finally getting our own version of happily ever after.…As we entered the hotel, the party was already in full swing. People were dancing, laughing, and living in the moment. Leo and I joined in for a slow dance. I gently rested my head on his shoulder, his arms wrapping securely around my waist like he never wanted to let go.“You’ve spoiled me with so many surprises today, Leo,” I murmured against him. “Now it’s my turn. After the party, I have something to tell you.” There was anticipation bubbling inside me, a secret waiting to be set free. “I’ve never really been excited about surprises until now,” I added softly. “Maybe b
I finally breathed easy when Trinity finished getting ready. No matter how beautiful my girlfriend looked every single day, there was something different tonight. She was glowing. Ethereal. That white dress clung to her like it was made just to worship her body. But what really destroyed me—what shattered me—were her eyes. Bright with warmth, lit up with excitement. She had no clue what she was doing to me. "You look unreal, love." I whispered, taking her hand and pressing a reverent kiss to her knuckles like she was royalty. Like she was a miracle. She didn’t know. She didn’t have the faintest idea what I was about to do. ...We were in the limousine, minutes away from the venue. Everyone else was distracted on their phones, but me? I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I never could. She was my whole world. My reason. My anchor and the chaos. Tonight—I’d make sure she’d know it. “Are you nervous?” she asked with a soft smile. “Nope.” I shook my head slowly. “I’ve got not
When I opened my eyes, I was lying on a soft bed. I bolted upright and stepped out of the room to look for Leo. I found him in the living room, talking on the phone. "Yes, Vince. I have to take care of my wife since we’re pregnant, so maybe Khiro and Sky can manage things for now. But if the client insists on speaking with me, give me his phone number. I’ll talk to him—but do everything you cannot to disturb me unless necessary." I didn’t show myself just yet. I waited for their conversation to finish. "Yes, thank you so much. And don’t worry—you’re one of the baby’s godfathers." He laughed before saying goodbye. "Hi," I greeted once he noticed me. He came over immediately. "My Tesorina. Are you hungry? Want me to cook something?" I smiled. I really love him. I walked closer to him. "You don’t have to cook. My food’s standing right in front of me." With that, my fingers slowly traveled downward, brushing against the growing hardness beneath his pants. Leo’s breath