Chapter 1

I don’t care if they hate me because of what I did yesterday. Well, I accidentally spilled the coffee on one of my bosses in the agency when I was in a hurry because of tardiness. I slept off after I watched the whole series the whole day before the incident happened, which caused me to become tired the next entire day.

I wasn’t in my right state of mind when I bumped into him and became the reason why his secret had been out… as the "terror-in-closet." This is just a secret, okay?

It’s actually good that there are only a few employees left on that floor, and some of those are too busy with their work. He was concealing his true colors from his father, which I completely understand.

Mr. Lameras is the perfect guy. He insisted on everything being in its own line... which could be irritating.

"Jane!" I was back in reality when I heard the howling of my manager, Gaylene. I first met him at the Gala, which served as my debut stage.

I was a model before I entered the entertainment industry, and here I am now, four years into being an actress. Some may think that this job is exciting and an easy one. We had the same thought before. I mean, it looked easy when you were watching television from your couch with a bag of popcorn on the side.

"I don’t know how many times I’ve called your name! Are you even listening? Of course, you’re not. Well, this time you should. Remember the one that you’d rejected, and the board approved it?" I rolled my eyes when I heard that again. It’s the project that I had to reject because of my partner.

Well, he was my ex-love team and he caught feelings when we were doing some of our acts in a movie.

I couldn’t help but grit my teeth while thinking about him. He’s the reason why the wings of my career have been cut. He spread a rumor that I liked him, and he had to cut all his ties with me because I was labeled as "the psychopath bitch" and a desperate actress who wanted to fasten her popularity. I couldn’t hide the fact that this jerk is quite popular, but I have got to admit that his professionalism stinks as well as his attitude.

Argh! I hate that guy!

I sucked my tongue, and it created a noise before answering, "Yeah. Just get to the point, Roberto. I don’t want to waste my time with you when, in fact, I am on vacation."

You heard it right. I was suspended for five days just because I spilled coffee on my boss’ shirt... accidentally.

"Don't call me that, you little frog! My name is Gaylene, so call me that way!" I bet if he was in front of me, his saliva would be all over my shirt.

I stopped myself from laughing. I don’t want him to be triggered as he’s always been.

"Yeah, whatever. What do you want?" I irritably asked. "I was sitting comfortably earlier behind my desk, doing all the paperwork that I needed to complete because of your behavior. I could still smell the beautiful, wonderful, and marvelous aroma of the coffee I bought in our favorite shop. I ordered their classic latte with extra pumps of caramel and extra whipped cream on top with sprinkles and mallows, by the way. As I was sipping my coffee—"

"I don’t care what happened before that. I’m not interested in your daily life, Jane. Just tell me what you want. I clearly said that if I am on vacation, no job-related activity can exhaust me because of too much stress. And you know what will happen next if I can’t control myself because of your T.M.I."

"Okay, okay, easy. I’m just telling you about my favorite event of the day. Relax and keep yourself calm. I’m not sure if you’ll like what I’ll say next…"

I think I know what he’ll say. The agency wants me to accept the offer because I’d clearly stated my disgust when it was offered.

"Tic wanted you to accept the offer." Tic is short for Terror-In-Closet. The guy that I inadvertently caused a scandalous incident with. I think I’m still absent-minded that I didn’t straighten my facts.

The next day after the incident, which is today, as early in the morning, there was a rumor circulating on the agency’s website. We have a website that has been made by the technologically savvy here. And the bosses don’t know that it exists… well, they do now because of what I did.

"Just take it. The above releases another suspension because of your dropping relevance. Consider this their last offer, Prun. I know it’s hard for you, but it’s harder for me to see them rob your dream. I couldn’t afford that. You’re my friend, Jane. Please, don’t let them do this to you."

I almost cried when I heard that name again. My real name is Jane Pruneisis Marval. I kept my identity hidden from everyone for fear of them doing something to me. My father is a business tycoon. He’s rich and doesn’t care about me.

I mean, I wasn’t a planned child. The reason why my mother hated me and my whole existence. My mother was once an actress, and my father was a shareholder of the agency that she was under. She knew my father’s real identity, and they fell in love. She agreed to become my father’s mistress. I was caught in the middle, and no one wanted me.

Mr. Dante Cruello wanted me to hide my identity. To become nobody. He was paranoid that his wife might find out his secret, while my mother despised me because of what I did to her body. She was rejected because she was old and didn’t look good, just like before.

"I-I don’t know, Lene. I don’t want to be close to that guy again." I tried to hide the stagger in my voice.

"I know, I know. But this is your last chance, Prun. Let’s give it a try, then let’s find you another agency if it doesn’t work out. Okay?"

I know he’s trying to console me. There is a reason why I chose Metrypol Agency. Aside from that they are famous, they have the key to letting my father experience what my mother and I experienced... shame.

This is where his son works, Timothy, and he didn’t know that I was close to his beloved child. We last saw each other when I was twelve. The first time that I asked for his help, he neglected me and just left me soaked in the painful drops of the rain.

I sighed and let myself think for a second. I wanted to stop, but when I saw my mom’s face in my mind, it ignited my desire to bring him down with his family.

He didn’t deserve the happiness that he’s experiencing now. It’s not fair if we are the only ones who were in vain.

"Okay, expect me there by tomorrow." I don’t want to do this, but I need it. I badly need this.

"Your first photoshoot will be held at 3 in the afternoon. So, if I were you, I’d get your ass off and get to work. I’ll fetch you at 15. And Prun, I’m glad that you accepted it."

Before I could say anything, the call ended. I looked around the inside of my vacation home here in Batangas.

The interior is good, and the ambiance is peaceful and nice. This is the perfect space for me to relax. I started bathing and doing the necessary things before Roberto arrived at my house. He’s a complete nagger to the point that my ears hurt every time he does his preaching.

I was putting my lotion on when an intruder entered my house without my permission.

What do I expect from Roberto? He wasn’t only my manager, but he was also my best friend who stayed when he found out my real identity. He has been my ally for the past four years, and we’ll make moves together little by little. He’s my eyes and ears everywhere, and he didn’t disappoint me with his resources. He served as my private investigator for years. And I’m totally happy that he didn’t betray me when he was close to Timothy.

I don’t know the real score between the two, because when I began to be more open to Roberto, their relationship started to fade.

Am I considered a thick-faced person when I’m not even feeling some sort of guilt?

I mean, I saw how Timothy looked at me every time our paths crossed inside the agency. His eyes first landed on Roberto, then went to me.

I smiled cockily at him when his expression was starting to get gloomy, and it darkened when I clung to Roberto’s. I was thinking if he liked him or not.

"What am I going to do with you? You’re not even listening to me."

I shook my head and just listened to his rants.

He snatched the bottle of the lotion from my hand, which made me release a chuckle. He turned his head, glared, and started to put it on my body.

We left the house after I finished making myself presentable.

**

The whole thirty minutes was full of Roberto’s rants and preaching.

I remember that I made a joke to him about his preaching, and he totally hated me because of that. I wasn’t ever sure if I went too far or what.

I’d only say that being a preacher suits him and he should change his profession.

"JANE, I AM TELLING YOU ABOUT THE PHOTOSHOOT AND YOU’RE NOT EVEN INTERESTED! MAY I TELL YOU THAT THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!"

I put my hands on my ears when he started shouting. "I am not deaf, Roberto. You don’t need to shout, Oh God! I think you’ve damaged my eardrums because of that. Are you wearing a megaphone right now?" I said, scowling at him. I felt the car stop and I thought that it was because of the traffic light.

The first thing that welcomed us was the arrogant face of that jerk, Stefan. Even his name sounds awful and smells like poop. Alright, it didn’t have a connection, but who cares? I was on the verge of rolling my eyes at him when I felt the fingers of Gaylene on my back. I thought he would put it just like that, but he didn’t. 

I squeaked when a pinch happened. I looked at him madly and he just let his eyes grow bigger, as if telling me that I should get my act straight or I would lose the opportunity to seek revenge. Calming myself would never be easy, but by just thinking that I’m doing this for my mom and I, all the bad things that I will experience will automatically be fine with me, even if it means that I will suffer along the way.

I tried to show him that I was fine with his presence by forming my lips into a smile, and I think I succeeded because the jerk smiled back. I thought he would stay where he was, yet I started to panic when I saw him walking towards me. It’s not about the panic that you feel when your crush is near you.

It’s a hideous feeling to hurt someone that you hate.

"I didn’t expect that you'd show up, Mau. I thought you’d decline it for the second time. Actually, I was shocked when my manager called me, saying that you agreed to do it. I mean, I didn’t believe it and thought that it was the agency that made the ruling. What have you done this time?"

My smile faded and was replaced by irritation. His annoying expression says it all. He approached me to see how I would react. He still hadn’t changed. He wanted to be above it all the time, the one that people looked up to.

I bit my lip and sucked my tongue. It’s a habit that I can’t stop. I just naturally do it when I am annoyed, agitated, or infuriated.

"You know what, Aregolli, you should stop calling me Mau. I’m not your screen partner anymore. I don’t see any reason for you to continue calling me that way. And I was umbrage because they took it all the time."

Mau is the name of my character in our first film. And yes, we did a lot. For a year of being an on-screen partner, we rose to fame as people loved to see our tandem.

To be honest, I nearly puked when I saw the edits of the fan, misjudging the situation.

"I see. The director is looking for you, Gaylene. Leina said that she wanted to talk to you first before the shoot. She’s in the waiting room. I think you can find your way, right?"

"Yes, thank you for informing me, Stefan," Gaylene said, and she looked at me before she started walking. 

I didn’t bother to excuse myself and left Stefan alone there. I don’t want to act like we’re okay or what.

He made me look dirty and needy a couple of months ago. He couldn’t accept his defeat and... Gosh, my blood is starting to boil again.

I went to the cafeteria to buy some snacks when my eyes saw a man wearing a leather coat, black jeans, and a white shirt. He’s also wearing a hat and shades. I don’t even know why my eyes stopped at him and checked him out. I mean, I’m not the type to do that. At least, I don’t have much time in the world to think.

Okay, I admit it. He’s oozing hot and the charisma that he holds will surpass everyone in the entertainment industry. No one could be compared with him.

It’s my first time saying that to a man. I want to see his eyes, but the thing that he’s wearing prevents me from seeing them.

After a minute of looking, I was awakened by the sudden tap of the cashier. I nearly cursed myself for being overly distracted because of a guy that I totally forgot that I was in line with for a salad and a fruit shake. I sweetly smiled at her and said my order.

She processed it out and instructed me to wait at the table with my number. I said my thanks and went to the nearest one, in front of the cashier. I checked the time on my wristwatch, and I still had 15 minutes until the call time. Instead of focusing on the phone that I have in my hand, my eyes just wouldn’t stop.

The table where I was was set perfectly for me to see the handsome man across the table. He’s sitting not far from me, leaving me the luxury of seeing him. I don’t care if he sees me staring at him. I’m shameless when it comes to him. Oh, you’re smitten, Prun. You’re seriously in danger, and you need to stop.

My number was called, and my eyes averted from the guy. I walked towards the counter and picked up my order.

After that, I went back to the table and was disappointed when I couldn’t see the guy anymore. I missed my chance, and I don’t think I can see him again... under any circumstances. Instead of eating it in the cafeteria, I took it to the shooting room. I lost my appetite and I’ll just give this to Gaylene. It’s a waste if no one eats this.

As I was in the middle of my walk, Gaylene’s face was the first thing that I saw. Not now, please.

"Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you everywhere and you’re not even answering your goddamn phone! Pru- hey, what happened? What’s with your face? Did something happen?"

His face went from ballistic to perturbed. I know he’s worried; he knows me well. I’m aware that I can’t let him think that I’m okay, but I will still try.

I tried to lighten the atmosphere and showed a fake smile at him. "It’s nothing. I just bumped into Stefan for the second time. Let’s go?"

Knowing him, I know that he’s suspicious of me, but I don’t care. I don’t have that much time to think about what he feels or thinks about my actions.