Chapter 1: The Masseuse's Devotion

I couldn't stifle my moans as I felt Edward's firm palms pressing against and caressing my delicate back, his lips following every movement.

Ramdam na ramdam ko ang bigat ng mga palad niyang humahaplos sa akin. Goddamn, he's indeed a massage therapist. It's his job, kaya hindi nakapagtatakang napakasarap sa pakiramdam ng mga kamay niyang dumadampi sa sensitibo kong balat.

"Please, Edward. Enter me," I pleaded, begging for his mercy.

"Calm down, woman," he responded before suddenly pinning me to the bed. He showered my neck with passionate kisses, trailing them down to my chest. His hands moved over my breasts, teasing me before his lips followed.

I didn't know how to react anymore. All I could do was moan uncontrollably, unable to hold back my reactions as he continued until he finally entered me, his movements growing more urgent, as though he couldn't wait until tomorrow.

I woke up feeling sore down there after my boyfriend, Edward, and I had done it eight times the night before. We had stayed up late, too, leaving me exhausted when morning came.

Edward had left me a message on a small sticky note on the desk beside my bed.

I'm sorry, love. I have to go. I have an appointment with my client.

I read the note and smiled. He never failed to make me feel loved, no matter how busy he was.

After all, we'd been together for ten years. We were childhood sweethearts who had grown into working adults, and throughout those years, we'd always stayed by each other's side.

Edward was a professional massage therapist with his own clinic and private clients. Meanwhile, I was still building my career as a masseuse at an exclusive hotel spa.

Actually, I'd spent six years training to become a model. Modeling had always been my first love, and even now, a part of me still dreamed of pursuing it professionally.

But after falling in love with Edward, his dreams gradually became part of mine, too. Loving him meant learning to love the things he loved like it's the earnest thing to do.

•••

The moment I stepped inside the hotel spa, the familiar scent of lavender and eucalyptus greeted me.

The place was known for its luxurious facilities, private treatment rooms, and highly trained massage therapists. Every corner radiated elegance, from the warm ambient lighting to the soft instrumental music playing in the background.

I tied my hair into a neat bun, changed into my uniform, and checked my reflection in the mirror.

"Good morning, Athira!" my colleague greeted me as I stepped out of the staff room.

"Good morning!" I replied with a smile.

Working here had taught me patience, discipline, and the importance of making people feel comfortable. Some clients came to relieve the tension in their muscles, while others simply wanted a quiet escape from their demanding lives.

Whatever their reasons, I always made sure to give them the best service I could.

"Your first client is already waiting in Room 187," my supervisor informed me.

"All right. I'll be there in a minute."

I picked up my supplies and headed toward the treatment room, reviewing the client's requested service before knocking gently on the door.

"Good morning, ma'am. I'm Athira, and I'll be your massage therapist today. Please let me know if you'd prefer lighter or firmer pressure at any point during the session."

The client smiled and nodded.

By the time I finished my first session, halos isang oras na rin ang lumipas.

"Thank you, Athira. I feel so much better," the client said as she prepared to leave.

"I'm glad to hear that, ma'am. Have a wonderful day!"

After escorting her to the door, I returned to the treatment room and began cleaning up. I changed the linens, arranged the towels, and checked the supplies for my next appointment.

"Athira!"

I poked my head out of the treatment room and saw Melissa approaching me with two cups of coffee.

"What's up?"

"Coffee delivery," she announced, handing me one of the cups. "Courtesy of your favorite colleague."

I laughed. "Favorite colleague? Ikaw lang naman ang nag-iisang nagbibigay sa akin ng libreng kape rito."

"Exactly. So you should appreciate me more."

"Thank you, liss."

"You're welcome, sis."

Napailing na lang ako habang natatawa. Sometimes, I wondered how I managed to survive my shifts without Melissa.

We settled in the staff lounge for a few minutes before our next appointments.

"So, how's Edward?" she suddenly asked, taking a sip of her coffee.

"He's fine. Busy as usual."

"Still working at his clinic?"

"Yes. May private client din siya this morning, kaya maaga siyang umalis."

Melissa gave me a knowing look. "Ten years together, and you're still talking about him with that smile."

I rolled my eyes. "What smile?"

"That one! The I'm-so-in-love-I-could-write-his-name-on-every-wall smile."

"You're exaggerating."

"Am I?"

"Yes."

She laughed, clearly unconvinced.

Edward and I had been together for so long that sometimes, I couldn't remember what my life had looked like before him. He had been there through my uncertainties, my failed attempts at pursuing modeling, and the moments when I doubted whether Iwas good enough to achieve anything worthwhile.

He knew me better than anyone else did.

My phone vibrated on the table, interrupting my thoughts.

A message from Edward.

How's work, love? Don't forget to eat lunch. I'll make it up to you tonight.

I couldn't help smiling at the screen.

Melissa leaned over my shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of my phone. “Oh, my God. What did he say?” she asked curiously.

“Nothing,” I replied quickly, turning the screen away from her.

She narrowed her eyes at me, clearly unconvinced. “Hindi ka ngingiti nang ganyan kung nothing lang ’yan,” she teased, pointing an accusing finger at me.

She burst into laughter, leaning back in her chair as if my reaction had confirmed everything she needed to know. Napailing na lang ako bago mabilis na itinalikod ang phone ko sa mesa, nang di na siya binibigyan pa ng pagkakataong tuksuhin pa ako lalo.

“You're impossible,” I muttered, shooting her a playful glare

“And you're hopelessly in love,” she retorted with a mischievous grin.

I simply rolled my eyes, refusing to entertain her teasing any further.

I didn't bother denying it.

Because she was right.

A few minutes later, our supervisor called us back to work. I finished my coffee, stood up, and straightened my uniform.