Regret in Three, Two, One

ANG bango ng opisina ni Tita Monica ay hindi ordinaryong pabango. Hindi siya floral o fruity. Hindi siya pabango na makukuha sa department store. Amoy kapangyarihan iyon—mamahaling leather, usok ng sigarilyong hindi kailanman sinindihan, at paper bills na bagong labas sa bangko. Amoy ng mga kasunduan na hindi kailanman isinusulat, mga lihim na inililibing ng buhay.

Nakatayo si Evangeline Yang sa harap ng floor-to-ceiling window ng opisina ng Ligaya & Adonis. Sa labas, ang city skyline ay parang hanay ng alahas sa gabi. Makinang, nakakaakit, pero alam niyang lahat ng iyon ay nabibili. At dito sa opisina ni Tita Monica na lahat ng bagay ay may presyo—pati panaginip.

Suot niya ang paborito niyang cream silk blouse, may perpektong tupi sa kwelyo at walang mantsa ng alinlangan. Maayos ang lipstick. Ang kanyang buhok ay nakalugay sa malambot na alon. Pero sa kabila ng elegante niyang itsura, ang puso niya ay tila tinutunaw ng init ng kaba.

Malamig ang aircon. Pero ang presensya ni Tita Monica ay mas malamig pa.

“Umupo ka,” ani Tita Monica. Maamo ang tinig, pero may talim na tila kayang hiwain ang bakal.

Tahimik na naupo si Eva sa mamahaling leather chair. Inilabas niya ang puting sobre mula sa kanyang tote bag—plain, walang markings. Pero sa loob nito ay ang bigat ng limang taon ng katahimikan ngunit ang industriyang malaki ang kanyang utang na loob. Kung wala kasi ito, hindi niya alam kung makaka survive siya sa Manila. Baka hindi rin siya nakapagtapos at naging isang tindera lang ng yosi sa labas ng unibersidad.

“Two weeks’ notice po, Tita. I want to formally resign.”

Hindi agad sumagot ang matanda. Tinitigan lang siya nito—mata sa mata. Ang mga kuko ni Tita Monica ay perpektong pininturahan ng burgundy, nakapatong ang daliri sa hawakan ng unlit cigarette holder—isang aksesorya na ginagamit lang niya kapag may mabibigat na desisyon.

Sa wakas, nagsalita ito.

“You’re sure?”

Tumango si Eva. “Nakapagtapos na po ako. Nakapag-ipon. May maliit na marketing business na rin akong sinimulan. I think… ready na po ako.”

Bahagyang tumango ang matanda. Ngunit sa halip na kunin ang sobre, binuksan niya ang isang drawer at naglabas ng brown envelope. Inilapag ito sa harap ni Eva, dahan-dahan, para bang may pinapabigat sa bawat segundo. Sinindihan niya na ang kanyang sigarilyo.

“I’ll accept your resignation,” aniya. “Pero bago ka umalis, may confirmed booking ka.”

Napasinghap si Eva. “Tita—”

“Euphoria Island. Private client. Booked na. Paid in full.”

Matagal na siya nag papabalik-balik sa Euphoria, bakit parang biglang lumamig pa ang paligid. Ang pangalan ng isla ay parang lumusot sa lalamunan niya at nauwi sa sikmura. Parang first time niya sa hindi ordinaryong lugar na 'yon. Maraming klaseng mga kliyente ang nakakakuha ng exclusive access doon—mayayaman, makapangyarihan, at hindi basta pwedeng tanggihan.

“One last service,” ulit ni Tita Monica. “After this, you're free.” Sabay hithit at bumuga pataas ng sigarilyo nito.

Tahimik si Eva. Nakatingin lang siya sa envelope. Ramdam niya ang pintig ng kanyang pulso sa sintido.

"Huli na 'to," pilit na pinapakalma ang sarili sa paulit-ulit niyang sinasabi sa isipan niya. "Pagakatapos nito malaya ka na, Eva."

Ang isang Evangeline Yang, hindi umatras kahit kailan. Huminga siya nang malalim. Tinanggap ang folder. Tumango.

“Yes po, Tita. One last time.”

Ngumiti si Tita Monica. Hindi iyon ngiti ng kasiyahan. Kundi ng pagtatapos. Pero na appreciate ni Eva ang huling sinabi sa kanya ni Tita Monica.

"I wish you well for your future endeavors, Apple Pie."

Ngumiti siya bago lumabas sa opisina. “Ito na ang simula at ang wakas.” Sambit niya sa kanyang sarili.

+++

Heads up, Sweetheart! 🍸 This story involves themes of luxury companionship, sex work, and high-profile desire-served with a shot of fiction and a twist of imagination.

The story contains mature themes intended for adult readers (18+) only. It includes explicit s*xual content, emotional triggers, unconventional relationships, and fictional depictions of s*x work. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

All characters and scenarios in this work are entirely fictional and are not intended to glamorize, promote, or accurately depict real-life professions, relationships, or behaviors. The portrayal of s*x work here is purely imagined and dramatized for storytelling purposes, especially within the context of a high-profile, agency-based setting designed to serve elite clients.

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real people, organizations, or other stories is purely coincidental. The plot and characters are born from the author's imagination and are not based on or inspired by any existing works. No infringement or imitation is intended.

Please read with an open mind, and respect this as a creative piece rooted in character backstories, emotional exploration, and s*xual fantasy.

Stay classy, and don't forget-it's just a story. 😉

Please don't just read, if you find this interesting kindly hit ⭐ it wont bite. But I do bite. 🤭

EUPHORIA ISLAND RULES & REGULATIONS

“Pleasure without boundaries. But always with respect.”

GENERAL CONDUCT

1. No Real Names on the Island.

Guests and staff must operate under pseudonyms or code names. Discretion is sacred.

2. No Personal Devices.

Cellphones, laptops, smartwatches must be surrendered upon arrival.

All guests will be issued a secured NAVI Tab for communication and island updates. Velvetlock bracelet for keys, location tracking and payment method.

3. No Contact to the Outside World.

Only one supervised communication booth is available for urgent calls.

Messages are screened and encrypted to protect island secrecy.

4. No Photography or Recording.

Cameras and video recording are strictly prohibited. No to p*rnography.

Violation = immediate revocation of membership and escort off-island.

5. Consent Is Non-Negotiable.

All encounters must be mutually agreed upon.

Violations will be investigated by Velvetlock Security Unit.

A safe word override can be triggered via the Velvetlock bracelet.

S*X ZONE ETIQUETTE

6. S*x is Allowed Only in Designated Zones.

There are open zones (e.g., beach, garden groves, forest deck) and private rooms.

No sexual activity in non-s*x-designated areas such as restaurants, libraries, or the chapel.

7. Nudity in Common Areas is Allowed, with Dress Code Exceptions.

You may walk nude in outdoor areas and beach trails.

However, when entering any establishment (restaurants, salons, theaters, etc.):

Women must wear at least a robe, cover-up, or modest swimwear.

Men must wear shirts, sando, or appropriate tops. No half-naked dining.

HEALTH & SAFETY

8. Mandatory Clean Bill of Health.

All guests must undergo STD/STI screening and receive a Clearance Chip embedded in the Velvetlock bracelet.

9. No Unauthorized Drugs or Weapons.

Aphrodisiacs and mood enhancers sold inside Euphoria are regulated and approved.

External substances are banned.

10. Injury, assault, or psychological distress must be reported via NAVI SOS Feature.

Immediate intervention by Isle Security and Mental Wellness Division.

SECURITY & PRIVACY

11. Velvetlock Tracking Is Active at All Times.

Location and interaction data are encrypted and anonymized.

Used for safety monitoring, emergency pings, and zone permissions.

12. All Staff Are Under Oath of Confidentiality.

Violation results in contract termination and legal charges via Euphoria’s offshore clause.

13. Guests Are Discouraged from Forming Real-World Attachments.

You came here to escape. Do not confuse desire with destiny.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Euphoria does not judge what you crave. But we expect you to respect the cravings of others. This island is not a jungle. It is a symphony of temptation—played in perfect rhythm.

All subscriptions come with one invite pass.

For more inquiry contact: 1800-387-467-42 (EUPHORIA)

LIGAYA RANKING SYSTEM (PASTRIES)

1. Freshly Bake (Probationary girls. New hires.)

2. Sweet Release (Fully vetted girls.)

3. Best Flavors (Top-tier Ligaya girls, elite level.)

4. House Blend (Retired but still honored.)

ADONIS RANKING SYSTEM: CAR-BASED TIERS

1. Street Entry (Tier 1 - Starter Escort)

2. Cruise Control (Tier 2 - Regular Escort)

3. Turbo Drive (Tier 3 - Premium Escort)

4. Hyperline (Tier 4 - Elite Escort)

Authors Note:

You may check out EUPHORIA: SUGAR BABY to enter to the world of Ligaya & Adonis Escort Service. Pero kung ayaw mo keri lang naman, pwede mo naman siya basahin in any order.

I will be releasing an anthology a collection of stories about the guests, staff, escort service, consignee or business owners and even local people like fishermen, fish vendor, souvenir vendor all in Euphoria island. Fast pace reading po ito that you might enjoy. iba't ibang steamy stories po ang nakapaloob sa libro na 'yon. The title:

EUPHORIA: THE AFTER DARK DIARIES (VOLUME 1: THE GUESTS)

EUPHORIA: THE AFTER DARK DIARIES (VOLUME 2: THE HOSTS) [Soon]

EUPHORIA: THE AFTER DARK DIARIES (VOLUME 3: THE DEAL BREAKERS) [Soon]