SOFT CURVES

“HOW are you, Chef Vincent Del Carmen?”Randy greeted warmly, his voice echoing with an unmistakable enthusiasm as he stepped into Vincent’s condominium. The space exuded an air of sophistication, with its sleek, modern design. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in natural light, illuminating the minimalist furniture and pristine kitchen countertops—a setup that perfectly reflected Vincent’s meticulous personality.Randy’s wide smile and relaxed posture seemed almost out of place in the immaculate setting, a stark contrast to the intensity of his old friend’s world. It was a rare occasion to see Randy after so many years. Once upon a time, they had shared a cramped dorm room during their university days in America, where the chaos of student life had forced their contrasting personalities into an unlikely friendship. Their time as roommates had lasted barely six months, cut short when their schedules began pulling them in different directions.Randy had been the life of the par

ONE WEEK LATERThe door to Isla’s modest apartment swung open with a familiar creak, and Cherry’s voice rang out, unmistakable and full of energy.“Where’s my handsome godson?” she called, her presence as lively as always.Cherry had a way of brightening any room she entered, and Isla felt a small relief at the sound of her best friend’s cheerful tone.Isla, focused on brewing the coffee for the evening, looked up from her task with a warm smile. She had been anticipating Cherry’s arrival. “You’re late,” Isla teased, her eyes softening as she caught sight of Cherry’s exuberant face. “Matthew’s been waiting for you all evening. He wants to show you the star he earned in school today.”Isla’s voice carried an affectionate lilt, knowing full well how much Matthew adored his godmother.Cherry’s eyes lit up immediately. With a quick laugh, she turned and hurried toward the hallway where Matthew was eagerly awaiting her. The six-year-old practically bounced off the walls with excitement, h

A sweet smile spread across Isla’s lips as she opened the magazine, and the face of a familiar family greeted her. It was none other than Chef Vincent Del Carmen, the most handsome man she had ever known. Seeing his picture felt like uncovering a treasured keepsake she had long forgotten. There he was, standing tall and proud, his signature charming smile lighting up the page. The sight of him stirred something deep within her—a mix of nostalgia and quiet admiration. She couldn’t help but marvel at how the boy she once knew had become such a celebrated figure.The thought lingered in her mind: It feels like it was just yesterday, and now you're so famous. I wonder if you still think about me?She leaned back in her chair, her fingers lightly brushing the edges of the magazine. It was a silly thought, perhaps, but one she couldn’t shake. Memories of their time together came flooding back, vivid and full of life. She remembered the way his eyes sparkled when he talked about his dreams,

"You're so lucky, do you know that? At least you get to see him every day. You probably don’t know what it’s like to miss him because he lives in the same mansion," April said excitedly the next day during their free time at school.Her voice was full of admiration, and Isla could hear the longing in her tone as she leaned back in her seat. It was a simple statement, but it carried so much weight. April had always been fascinated by Vincent, and Isla had heard her talk about him countless times since they were both in high school. But today, it felt different. There was a certain intensity in her words, a certain yearning that Isla couldn't ignore.Isla, on the other hand, had mixed feelings about Vincent. Yes, she got to see him almost every day, but it wasn’t as glamorous as April seemed to think. Vincent was more than just someone she could gaze at from a distance. He was someone she had grown up with. They had shared childhood memories, grown up in the same neighborhood, and spent

THE next day at university, Isla was taken aback when Vincent suddenly appeared at her classroom’s doorway, his tall frame filling the entrance. He approached their English professor, his presence commanding enough to make everyone pause. With a confident, yet calm tone, Vincent asked for permission to excuse Isla from class. The boldness of his gesture left Isla momentarily speechless, her mind racing as she tried to comprehend what was happening. She hadn’t expected this, and the suddenness of it all sent a flutter through her chest. The whole class fell silent, watching the interaction unfold, but Isla was too stunned to do anything more than stare at him.Her classmates, however, weren’t as reserved. Whispers and giggles spread like wildfire the moment the professor gave his approval. Renz, who always found any opportunity to tease Isla, didn’t hold back. “Ooh, look at that! Someone’s getting special treatment!” he shouted across the room, his voice carrying a teasing tone. Isla