Chapter 8Our conversation with Arden continued as we played in the pool. He shared stories about his friendship with Amberine, and I could tell how much he cared for her. It made me realize that I couldn't take her feelings lightly."I promise you, Arden, I won't play with her emotions," I assured him sincerely. "I care about her too, and I want to make her happy. I won't do anything to hurt her."Arden nodded, his expression softening. "Good. She deserves someone who will treat her right, someone who will love her unconditionally. If that's you, then I trust you to take care of her."The weight of Arden's words sank in, and I felt a sense of responsibility towards Amberine. I knew that she had been hurt in the past, and I wanted to be the one who would mend her broken heart.The following morning, I picked up Amberine and we headed to work together. It felt natural having her by my side, and we enjoyed each other's company during the car ride. We talked, laughed, and shared stories
Chapter 9But you know what, I'm still happy somehow because I apparently affect Amberine's emotions even though we don't spend time together or talk anymore. So, it means she's feeling something for me now.All I have to do is make her admit to me that she loves me too. Yes. She loves me too because I love her. Zayn and Arden, whom I was surprised to see, got out of my car."Hey idiots! Do you want to see Amber over there?" I was about to say something, but Arden called Amberine. Fuck! What did these guys do?The plan was for them to accompany me here to watch Amberine, find out what she's been up to, and see if there are other guys hovering around her that I don't know about.Amberine turned her head and gave Arden a small and fake smile. I sigh. This is all my fault. I led Amberine on, that's why she's sad now. Amberine approached their small gate, barely reaching her waist."Arden... what are you guys doing here?" Then her gaze shifted to Zayn.Damn it! I got jealous when she smil
Chapter 10"Son, Aiden, what's happening to you? You weren't like this before, what happened that you suddenly changed?" Mommy asked me. It was another night when I came home drunk.Well, I get drunk every night anyway. Work in the morning, get wasted at night until I crawl my way back home."And why didn't you go to Amber and Arden's wedding earlier? Amber is really beautiful with her wedding gown, it's a shame you didn't see it, and they are so sweet. Many people were saying earlier that they're a perfect couple, and everyone was saying that having a child would complete their perfect family.""Bullshit, Mom! Enough! I don't care about that goddamn wedding! Enough of that shit! I am not interested!" I didn't wait for Mom's response and went straight to my room. I hate talking back to Mom because I love and respect her so much, but I can't help it, especially when Amberine and Arden are the topic."Woah! Really, bro? You're moving next door? That's cool, at least we're neighbors," Ar
Chapter 11I didn't expect Aiden to explain to me why he knew how to mix drinks. I was more used to him being quiet, with one question and one answer, but now..."I accidentally watched a video on YouTube about mixing cocktail drinks, and it looked interesting. The more I watched videos, the more I got interested in mixing alcohol drinks. Until I couldn't stop myself anymore, and I tried to mix a drink. From mixing one drink, it became two, until mixing drinks became my hobby." That's the longest sentence I've heard from Aiden in the entire duration that we've known each other.His voice sounds sweet, yet masculine and appealing, that I feel like I'm hypnotized. I even thought that whatever he says now, I have no option but to agree, and the only available answer for all his questions is a yes. Is that possible? His voice feels comforting and nice as he speaks, that I can't help but give my full attention to him.Suddenly, I wondered if Aiden is this talkative when he is alone with Ar
Chapter 12"Arden—" But before I could continue what I was about to say, he pressed his lips against mine. My eyes widened, almost popping out of their sockets, because I couldn't believe that Aiden was actually kissing me!In my surprise, my mouth fell open, and Aiden took the opportunity to slip his tongue inside. "Hmmp," I moaned and tightly grasped his shirt with both of my hands."I think you're hot," he added, kissing my cheeks and then moving down to my neck. His kisses lingered for a while, and I could feel his gentle bites on my skin.One by one, Aiden unbuttoned the buttons of my pajama top, gradually exposing my skin and revealing my bra."Hmm, sexy," Aiden remarked, and I assisted him in removing my top. His kisses descended down to the center of my chest."Hmm..." The water still felt cold as it poured over us, but I could feel my body gradually warming up.Aiden's kisses continued, raining down on my shoulder, my neck, and then back to my lips. This time, I kissed him ba
Chapter 13"Amber..." Suddenly, I turned to Mommy when she called my name out of the blue. Just a while ago, Mommy and Daddy were busy discussing Kuya Blue's sudden wedding. Now, they were focused on me."Yes, Mom?""We have a long weekend next week, so you don't have school on Friday." I nodded in response to Mommy's statement."Perfect! Tita Mikan and I are planning a weekend getaway." My eyes widened with excitement as I imagined the azure sea."For the last time, we're going to visit our beach house in Aguascalientes." Okay, I was excited about the part where we would spend the long weekend in Aguascalientes with the Monteverde family, but I couldn't understand why Mommy said it would be the last time we would visit the beach house."Mom, why is it the last time?" I asked Mommy, feeling confused. She smiled at me and then looked at Daddy. I shifted my gaze between the two of them, waiting for an answer. Finally, Mommy let out a sigh."Darling, your Daddy and I have decided to sell
Chapter 14"Schnittka, are you listening?" Our teacher asked me grumpily. He's known to be strict and irritable because he never got married.I blinked several times because every time I looked, his gaze seemed to pierce through me, as if his eyes were shooting erasers at me.There were white specks flying in the air from the chalk erasers. If one of those hit my face, not only my face but also my hair would turn white!I kept my eyes closed tightly and used my hands as a shield to protect myself from the chalk dust, but minutes passed and no eraser hit me.I've been hearing my classmates searching, especially the girls. What's happening? So, I slowly opened my eyes, and there were no erasers flying towards me. Where did the eraser go?Wait a minute. I noticed earlier that my classmates weren't paying attention to me but were focused on Aiden, who was sitting next to me. So, I slowly turned to him and my eyes widened when I saw that Aiden was holding the eraser that our teacher threw
Chapter 15"Maybe you'll become interested in this! Our plan is that since you're good at mixing drinks, you'll be the bartender at the coffee shop we'll set up on the balcony of Amber's beach house. We'll set up a bar counter outside the beach house so customers can see you. We'll also put up beach umbrellas, tables, and chairs, trash bins for customers. You'll attract customers because you have a strong appeal, especially to girls. And Amber and I will serve food and drinks, and since we're at the beach house, we'll make it more unique and have a twist. I'll wear a summer outfit while wearing an apron as my café uniform, and Amber will wear a bikini and an apron!"My eyes widened at what Arden said because we didn't discuss the uniform earlier! When I looked at the rearview mirror again, I saw Aiden looking at me with an angry expression! Why does it seem like he's angry at me now? I didn't do anything! I didn't even have an idea about Arden's uniform suggestion!"No one will wear a