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
"Oh? What's the status?" Khiro asked."I need updates. Talk." My voice was sharp, commanding. No time for games.Every damn day, I get closer to justice. Closer to the bastard who ruined my life. But something always gets in the way. Always pulling me back from delivering the revenge I've been dying for."We've locked down five of his possible locations. Our guys are watching each one for any movement. You want to take a point, or should we handle it?""He killed my mother." My fist clenched tight. "This is personal. Leave him to me.""Got it. It's your call, Leo. Just remember-we've only got coordinates. We still don't know who their top man is. And this bastard moves. A lot. We're trying to figure out how he keeps playing the system.""I'll never forget his face. That smug look he gave after taking my mother's life... I see it every night. But when we meet again, the last thing he'll ever see is my face." I ended the call without waiting for a reply.Ten years. Ten long years since
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 yo
"How many damn times do I have to call the front desk just to get you into my office?" The air immediately shifted. Our lighthearted chatter was cut short, replaced by a thick silence, tension crawling through the room as all eyes turned to our boss."And now you've got the nerve to ignore me?"I kept my head down, choosing to take the verbal hit instead of reacting. I could feel the heat of his glare like a laser against my skin."Follow me."...As the elevator ascended toward the 54th floor, it suddenly jolted to a stop mid-level, catching both of us off guard. A moment later, the lights went out completely."I... can't breathe," Leo muttered weakly, clutching his chest.Panic instantly took over. I rushed to him and started fanning him desperately with a rolled-up magazine."Help!" I banged on the steel doors, praying someone would hear."Deep breaths, sir! Please!" My voice was trembling now."I can't-breathe-damn it!" His breathing was ragged, sweat glistening on his forehead.
I was drowning in paperwork, the kind that makes your hand cramp and your eyes blur, when the door to my office slammed open."Ever heard of knocking?" I snapped, my eyes narrowing into a glare as I looked up from the documents. My voice came out sharp, irritated.Mr. Seran strolled in like he owned the damn place."What do you want?""I need to talk to you about Ravanilla," he said, dead serious. "We both know the guy's a womanizer, right? Last week, my assistant-Aisha-stormed into my office crying, said he almost raped her-""Stop right there." I cut him off, my jaw clenched. "Don't twist the story. That wasn't attempted rape. They both knew what they were doing in that office, and don't pretend otherwise."My temper boiled. I grabbed the pen I was holding and hurled it across the room at him."I'm just saying..." he continued, voice low. "I don't want Trinity ending up like Aisha. You know what I mean-just another one of Ravanilla's girls."Then, just like that, he walked out. Left
Life has always been so unfair and mysterious. Some of us live in luxuries-the golden side of life-and some of us live under their bridges.***While riding the jeep, I found it strange that EDSA wasn't traffic. I always heard it's packed.When I arrived at the first company, I was extremely nervous. I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't realize it was already my turn."Tell us something about you," said one of the bosses on the left, smiling."Hi Ma'am and Sir. I'm Trinityellian Gomez, 21 years old, from the province of Pangasinan. I graduated from Pangasinan State University with a degree in Business Administration.""Your resume says you were a working student?" asked the man in the middle."Yes, I worked as a waitre-""Tell us something that isn't on your resume. Something that will convince us to hire you," interrupted the woman on the right. Her intense gaze made me gulp."W-well, I can do my work on time and I possess the skills you're looking for. I also have experience i
DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents portrayed in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a purely fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or real-life events is entirely coincidental and unintentional. This story was crafted for entertainment purposes, and no offense, harm, or misrepresentation of any person, culture, or profession is intended.All cultural references, organizations, and environments featured are fictional or generalized, and should not be interpreted as accurate depictions of real-world counterparts. The personalities, actions, and decisions of the characters do not reflect the views or beliefs of the author. Fiction allows us to explore extreme situations and complex emotions in a safe and controlled space, and the characters’ choices should not be seen as endorsements or guides for real-life behavior.CONTENT WARNING:This story contain