Chapter:2

I woke up early to send money to my parents. After that, I did some laundry and got ready for work—hopefully, I wouldn’t run into that annoying guy today.

“Hello, Nay. I’ve sent you some money already,” I told my mother over the phone.

“Anak, thank you so much. You didn’t have to. You should’ve just saved that money for yourself. We’re okay here—your dad and siblings too,” my mom replied.

“It’s okay, Nay. I still have to finish doing my laundry and then head to work. Don’t worry, I’ll work hard and marry a rich man someday, so I can give you everything you deserve. I hate seeing you all struggle,” I said to my beautiful mother.

“You don’t need to do that, anak. Your dad and I are content. Just be careful over there, okay? We’re so far away from you,” my mom reminded me gently.

“Yes, Nay...” we said goodbye and ended the call.

“Washing clothes is so tiring. What time is it?” I looked at the clock. “Oh no, it’s almost three.” 

I quickly took a bath to get ready for work.

When I arrived at the casino, of course, that nuisance Gabriel wouldn’t leave me alone.

“Hello, Miss Beautiful! Did I surprise you?” he asked smugly.

“You’re here again—and why would I be surprised?” I replied to this arrogant man.

“You two act like you've known each other for years, when you just met yesterday,” my boss teased.

“Tito, look at your cashier—she’s so rude. She should be nice to the guests here,” Gabriel said with a fake complaint to his uncle.

Then suddenly, a beautiful woman approached Gabriel and kissed him on the cheek.

“Gabriel! So this is where you are,” the woman said.

“Dianne! Wow, you’re still as beautiful as ever,” Gabriel smiled, holding her hand.

“The casino is really your life now, huh?”

“Not really. I just come by sometimes.”

I don’t know why, but hearing them talk like that in front of me irritated me.

“Dianne, you’re here! Are you going to play?” my boss asked her.

“No, I’m just here to watch. Since my longtime crush is also here,” she replied.

“Me? Your longtime crush? That still a thing?”

“It was, back in college. You just never noticed me,” she smiled.

I wanted to tell the two of them to go somewhere else and flirt.

“Come on, let’s play,” Gabriel said, wrapping an arm around her waist.

“That Gabriel guy seems like a playboy… Just saying,” my co-worker whispered.

“Not seems—he is one. You can tell,” I replied, still glancing at them from afar, even though I told myself I didn’t care what they were to each other. But I couldn’t deny that I felt annoyed.

Gabriel called out to me again, obviously just to tease me. And honestly, in fairness… he was very good-looking—like everything I’d ever wanted in a guy. Rich, handsome… but a casino addict, and clearly a womanizer.

“Hey, Gabriel’s been calling you for a while now,” my coworker said.

“Me? Why?” I asked, puzzled.

“I don’t know. Just go over there.”

“Ugh, seriously...” I muttered as I walked over to Gabriel.

“Samantha, come here,” he said.

I had no choice but to walk closer.

“Closer,” he insisted.

“We’re ordering drinks. She wants a glass of wine, and I’ll just have a beer,” he said mockingly.

“All that just to make me come over?” I mumbled under my breath.

“Did you say something?” he asked.

“Nope!” I quickly replied and went to prepare their drinks.

“You deliver it. I’m so annoyed with that guy,” I told my coworker.

“No can do. Can’t you see I’m assisting other guests?” she refused.

I had no choice but to serve their drinks myself. From a distance, I already noticed Gabriel holding the woman’s hand. When I handed them their drinks, I accidentally spilled the wine on her dress—and she was furious.

“Sorry, ma’am! I didn’t mean to,” I said sincerely.

“Do you even realize how expensive this dress is? You’re too distracted at work!” she yelled, wiping the stain from her dress and skirt.

“I’ll get a new one for you. Here’s your drink, sir. I’ll bring a replacement for you, ma’am.”

“Go. Hurry!”

As I walked away, I heard her say loudly—

“She’s so dumb. Is she new or just totally clueless?”

I let out a deep sigh, trying not to explode.

“Ma’am, here’s your new drink.”

“Fine. Thanks. Now go away.”

I took my tray and walked off. 

“What a snob. She acts like she’s someone important,” I muttered to my coworker.

“They’re perfect for each other—bad boy and bad girl. But I noticed something… Gabriel seems to enjoy teasing you. I think he likes you,” she said.

“Shh! He might hear us,” I warned her.

It didn’t take long before the woman looked tipsy. I kept watching them. Then, she leaned on Gabriel and kissed him on the cheek.

“That’s enough, Dianne. I’ll take you home,” he said gently.

“Nooo, let’s drink more, Gabriel. Please…”

“No, that’s enough. Let’s get you to your car.”

“I can’t drive. Take me to my condo. Please…” she begged.

“Oh wow. ‘I can’t drive…’ Please…” I mocked under my breath. “Pretending to be drunk, huh.”

“Why do you seem upset?” my coworker teased.

“Me? Upset? No way.”

“Samantha, I’ll take my friend home, okay?” Gabriel told me.

Why did he even have to tell me? It’s not like I care what they do.

Gabriel did take Dianne to her car. She kept hugging him along the way.

“Dianne, next time don’t drink so much if you can’t handle it,” Gabriel said.

“Gabriel, kiss me,” she whispered.

“You’re drunk. Just go to sleep, Dianne.”

“No, Gabriel. Kiss me. After all this time, you still don’t like me?” she asked, her hands roaming his chest and trying to unbutton his shirt.

“Dianne, please don’t do this. You’re drunk,” he said firmly.

“Come on, kiss me.” 

Gabriel gave in and kissed her.

They reached her condo and continued kissing until they were inside. Dianne took off his shirt, and Gabriel undressed her as well. He kissed her down her chest, but suddenly—Samantha came into his mind.

“I’m sorry, Dianne. I have to go.”

“What!?”

“I said I have to go.”

“Is it because of that girl?” she asked angrily.

“I’m leaving. Lock your door. Bye.”

“Unbelievable, Gabriel! You haven’t changed one bit!”