LOGINI stepped out of the elevator wearing a white off-shoulder fitted dress with a light overlay and a pair of blue crossed sandals. My hair was braided in a fishtail over my right shoulder. Around my neck was the silver necklace Shawn gave me for my birthday last year, the pendant shaped like my name written in elegant script. I kept my makeup simple and I carried a small body bag with me for my essentials. My belongings had arrived yesterday afternoon. Thankfully, the clothes Nay Mariella packed for me were beautiful. She was one of the house helpers back at the house in Manila. I smiled when I saw the staffs at the reception desk working professionally. The bellboys were busy carrying the luggage of a newly arrived guest who had pulled up in a shiny red car. I approached and leaned casually against the counter. Aljun and Inna were behind it, looking neat and welcoming. “Good morning, everyone!” I greeted brightly. “Good morning, Ma’am Cassandra,” Aljun said cheerfully, fl
“Sir Adrien, good morning!” the woman behind the desk greeted politely, her voice bright with professionalism. The man beside her quickly echoed the greeting as well. Adrien only gave them a brief nod before turning to me. With a small gesture of his hand, he motioned for me to come closer. “Ma’am Cassandra!” the man suddenly called my name, his voice filled with surprise. I looked at him carefully, and my eyes widened in realization. “Wait… Aljur, right?” I asked, excitement slipping into my voice. The smile on his face instantly disappeared. He pouted dramatically, looking almost wounded. “Aljun, Ma’am Cassandra,” he corrected with an exaggerated hand on his heart. “You forgot me already? That hurts.” I covered my mouth and gasped. “Aljun! Oh my gosh, you’re right—I remember you now. You’re still working as a receptionist here?” “Of course I am,” he said proudly, puffing his chest slightly. “The salary here is good, why would I leave? Besides…” His eyes scanned me
Adrien's eyes lowered to my lips. Without realizing it, I looked at his, too. I couldn’t help admiring his face again. Almost every part of his features looked perfectly carved. He looked gentle and kind at first glance, then intimidatingly attractive when you look at him longer. His expression was just the problem. “I think I prefer that color on you,” he said quietly. “H-huh?” I looked confused. Then I realized his attention was still on my lips. “Um… I’m not wearing any lipstick,” I said awkwardly. “These are just my natural lips.” “Really?” he asked, sounding slightly surprised. “Then I was right. It suits you much better.” “Oh?” I teased with a playful smile, lightly moistening my lips. “So… does that make them kissable?” The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. His eyes seemed amused as he watched the movement of my lips. A moment later, he looked into my eyes again before gently pushing me aside so he could pass. “Are you staying here?” he asked casually as he
Ma'am Cassandra? Why was he speaking as if he's lower than me when he's supposed to be my boss? Is it because I'm my father'a daughter? I decided to ignore it. I shook my head slightly, trying to push the thought away. I lowered my head and untied my hair, shaking it loose so it fell over my shoulders. When I raised my gaze, I noticed that his attention was fixed on my hair. His eyes slowly moved to mine and stayed there for a moment before drifting down to my lips. “So… does the red lipstick work on me?” I asked with a playful smile, lightly tapping my lips as if inviting his opinion. I frowned in confusion when he suddenly glared at me. He shook his head, turned his back, and stepped out onto the balcony. I followed him while pouting. He sat down on the lounging chair where I had been sitting earlier and took out his phone. I followed him outside with my arms crossed and my lips still pouting. I sat across from him, wondering if I had done or said something that offended h
***Present Day*** “Are you listening to me now, Cassandra?” I looked away from the beach and turned my attention back to my father. Dad was already in his sixties. He had a square jaw, a wrinkled face, long facial hair covering his pale skin, and hair that had turned completely white since the last time I saw him. He gave me a firm look. There was no warmth in his eyes like I had hoped to see. I smiled and nodded. “Yes, Dad. I’m listening.” He sipped his tea while glancing at his expensive gold watch, then placed the cup back on the glass table. “Then listen carefully. Our agreement still stands, Cassandra. Everyone here believes I sent you to America for college. That’s the story, and that’s the story you’ll stick to. I won’t have you dragging our family name through the mud again. Do you understand?” He was still as authoritative as I remembered—strict and controlling. But despite everything, I couldn’t bring myself to resent him, even when he disowned me six years
He removed the top part of his uniform. When his shirt came off completely, his bare upper body was revealed. I didn’t expect him to have such a nice body.His skin looked smooth, and his abs were clearly defined. I even caught myself counting them. Six. I felt oddly disappointed when he finally put on the oversized shirt I gave him. Suddenly, all the blood rushed to my face, making it feel hot. I lowered my head, hiding behind my hair. What am I doing? Am I blushing? “Uh… what do you think of my makeup?” I asked, lifting my head and trying to change the subject. “I did it myself for the first time. Does it look okay?” He dropped his uniform clothes on the bed while staring at my face. “It looks nice.” “Really?” I smiled widely. “What about my lips? Does pink lipstick suit me?” His gaze dropped to my lips. His Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed. He quickly looked away and nodded, I wondered why he suddenly looked nervous. “Do they look nice?” I asked teasingly







