Josh Rain MontezI began eating quietly, and fortunately, Arriane finally fell silent beside me. But she must have noticed that I wasn't touching the beef caldereta she had placed on my plate."Don't you want any? It's delicious. Isn't it one of your favorite dishes?" she softly asked me."Maybe I'll eat that next time, when you're not sitting beside me," I coldly replied, still not looking at her."Josh, I know you're still mad at me. But please—""Can you just please shut up and eat?" I quickly cut her off."It seems like you two are having a serious conversation," grandma remarked, smiling at both of us. "How long have you been together?"Everyone fell silent at grandma's question to me and Arriane. Of course, Arriane's parents were aware of what happened between us. They knew that Arriane and I had broken up a long time ago because I had respectfully informed them when I ended things with their daughter. Grandma, on the other hand, had no idea, as this was the first time she
Yannie Ace Ruiz"Time flies so fast, right? It's already summer, and we'll be in our 3rd year next semester!""Yeah, it feels like we just enrolled for the 2nd semester. Now, we're already in our 3rd year!""So, what are your plans for this vacation? Are you going home to your provinces?""Hmm. I might not go home yet. I might look for a summer job first. How about you guys?""Oh, I like that idea!""Count me in too. I heard there's a fast-food restaurant that's hiring part-time students this summer!""Nice! Where is it? Let's apply. What do you think, Yannie?""Yannie?""Hey, Yannie!" I was startled when Veron shook me gently."H-Huh?""Are you okay? Why do you seem to be lost in thought?" Ivory pointed out."Huh? Uhm... y-yes, I'm okay.""Are you sure? You seem not okay. We've been chatting here for a while, but you've been quiet the whole time," Jenny said."What's wrong, Yannie? Tell us about it," Veron urged.I let out a deep sigh followed by biting my lower lip. I
Josh Rain Montez"You're always coming home late, aren't you?" I stopped walking when I heard my mom's voice.I turned to face her slowly and answered calmly, "Even though I come home late, I'm not doing anything wrong."She just looked at me, seemingly deep in thought."I'll go rest now," I said politely, turning away. But I stopped again when she spoke once more."We will have a party next week." I looked back at her. "It's your birthday party, so get ready.""I don't need a birthday party, Mom. I'm fine with just a simple celebration," I replied."We will have your birthday party next week, and that is final," she insisted, making me sigh. "Besides, our business partners with your Dad will be there. So, it’s a big party.""It's up to you," I finally gave in and turned away from her again. I started to walk away when she spoke once more."Invite her." I quickly looked back at her. She smiled at me. "That girl. Invite her here. It’s your birthday party, so it’s only natural t
Yannie Ace RuizI carefully looked at a beautiful sky blue dress in front of me and the matching white sandals. Just by looking at them, it was obvious that they were expensive, almost as if they didn't suit someone like me.A few moments later, my phone rang with an incoming call. Josh's name appeared on the screen, so I quickly answered it."Hello?""Hello, my love! Have you seen it? Do you like it?" he greeted me cheerfully with a series of questions."Of course, I like it. But, Josh, you didn't have to buy me such an expensive dress—""Why not?" he interrupted. "I like that dress and the moment I saw it, you were the first person that came to my mind. I'm pretty sure it will suit you. It's like it was made just for you," he replied sweetly.I took a deep breath. "You're something else.""Just wear it tomorrow, okay? Please?""Okay. I'll wear it. How could I refuse the birthday boy?""Thank you, my love!" he said happily."I'm the one who should be thanking you," I replie
Yannie Ace RuizIt felt like something was stuck in my throat at that moment, preventing any words from escaping my lips. A heavy feeling gradually settled in my chest. I hadn't expected Josh's ex to be this beautiful and elegant. Above all, I hadn't expected to see her here tonight.“Arriane, just go back to your place. Don't stay here,” Byron said, stepping closer to keep Arriane away from me.“Can you guys just chill?” Arriane said with a laugh to Ramil and Byron. “I’m not here to cause any trouble. I’m just here to...” She turned to me. “To meet the lucky girl in Josh’s life now,” she added with a smirk.“But I don’t think you have the right to know her. Like, who do you think you are?” We all turned when Ate Rica suddenly joined the conversation.“S-Sissy...” Arriane stuttered. Earlier, she seemed full of confidence, but now, all of that seemed to vanish with Ate Rica’s presence.“Sissy? Really? Why? Are you my sister?” Ate Rica asked sharply.Arriane’s throat moved as if s
Yannie Ace RuizAfter Josh faced his guests, he started to walk away from that place while holding my hand.We heard his Mom calling him several times, but Josh didn't bother to pay attention. Instead, he continued walking as if he were deaf, while still pulling me along.Josh quickly opened the door of his car when we arrived there, and he carefully helped me get inside. After that, he swiftly moved to the other side to get in himself, then he started the car.Silence enveloped us as we headed somewhere. I was too surprised by the events, and until now, my mind was still processing everything.Earlier, Josh's Mom announced in front of many people that they would marry Josh to Arriane, Josh's ex. But then Josh kissed me in front of everyone and boldly declared that I was the one he loved. It deeply touched my heart. I couldn't tell if all of this was real because it felt like I was in a dream.I glanced at Josh, who was now driving seriously. It seemed like he was deeply lost in
Josh Rain Montez"What do you mean? What are you saying that I'm not allowed here?" I angrily asked the guard who blocked my way. I was currently at the lobby of my condo building, and as I was about to enter, two guards suddenly blocked me."Sorry, Sir. We're just following orders," one of the guards replied to me."Orders? From whom?" I furrowed my brows, and Mommy quickly came to mind."We were instructed not to allow anyone to enter your unit. They said even you yourself cannot be let in. So sorry, Sir."I let out a deep sigh. I knew it. It was Mommy behind this. She's the only one who could do this to me.After our argument earlier, I came straight to my condo here in Intramuros to change clothes. I didn't expect that she would kick me out even here in the condo.Moments later, my phone suddenly rang due to an incoming call. It's my Mom. I glanced at the guards who blocked me again. Perhaps one of them reported to Mommy that I'm here now.Finally, I answered her call."Ju
Yannie Ace RuizI quickly grabbed my phone when it vibrated with a message from Josh.Josh Rain: I'll see you later. Take care. I love you!A sweet smile formed on my lips as I typed a reply to him.Me: I love you too. Take care as well."That smile is so sweet," Ivory commented as she and Jenny approached me."It seems like you're meeting Josh quite often. He picks you up and drops you off at home from your part-time job every day," Jenny remarked.Three days had passed, and Josh remained consistent in picking me up from my part-time job and escorting me home. Sometimes, he even swung by to have lunch together. It seemed like he had nothing else to do but to be with me.Whenever I suggested that he take a break and not come to see me for a day just to rest, it always led to an argument. He insisted on seeing me and asked why I was stopping him from doing something he wanted to do for me. Whenever I asked about his parents, he would change the topic. He would just say they're o