Chapter 003

**Aira Jen's P.O.V**

"You've got plenty of time right now," Raven said as she entered my condo.

Yes, ever since I left our mansion house, I've been living alone, feeling like a lost soul. No one notices me, no one talks to me. Maybe they don't even want to see me or acknowledge my presence.

"I've got someone covering for me at work," I replied simply.

"Why don't you go back to your mansion? Don't you miss them?" Raven asked, one question after another.

"They forgot about me. Why should I remember them?" I replied, picking up my phone to check for updates.

We spent the day hanging out at my condo.

"Hey, Aira Jen!" Raven shouted, throwing a pillow at me.

"What?" I replied irritably.

"You're smiling while texting. Who's the lucky guy? Do you have a boyfriend?" she teased, approaching me.

I quickly hid my phone away.

"It's nothing. Don't overthink it. Just chatting with Yelo," I responded.

"Yelo? Is that Ice? Who's that?" Raven asked, surprised.

"He's the supervisor," I replied simply.

"How long have you two been talking?" she asked, curious.

"Quite a while. Three months? Two months? I don't really keep track," I admitted.

"You're texting day and night? Outside of work hours?" she probed further.

"Yeah," was all I said.

"So, are you in love with him?" she asked next.

"No, of course not!" I hastily defended.

"Okay, okay. Got it," she replied simply.

I resumed scrolling through social media, making the most of my free time.

As for them?

Dad called many times, but I wasn't ready to answer. Like my brother, I didn't crave the attention of social media, nor did I want to be compared to my siblings left and right.

Raven hadn't mentioned when she'd return to the U.S., but I wasn't eager to find out either. Right now, I was focused on myself and the businesses I planned to build.

"Done with work. Where are you?" I read the text from my supervisor.

"At the condo with Raven," I replied briefly.

Since Ice started at the company, life had become easier. I had more time for myself and other things. When I ran the company alone, stress came at me from every direction.

I treated my employees equally. I had three staff members at the store and another manager who handled payroll and budgeting.

"I need to go," Raven announced suddenly.

I bid her goodbye and started tidying up and taking care of myself.

*Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing*

My phone rang, interrupting my task. I answered without checking who was calling.

"Yes?" I answered the call.

"We were supposed to go out after work today, but you didn't reply. What's wrong?" the voice on the other end asked.

"I'm sorry, I forgot. Give me 30 minutes to get ready, and I'll meet you at our favorite spot. Sorry, I love you," I rushed out, hanging up before waiting for a response.

I knew him well.

In a month of being together, I didn't feel weird anymore. He chose me despite our different backgrounds. That's also why I hesitated to go home; I hadn't told him about my family.

I knew the day would come when I'd have to explain everything to him. I just needed some time.

I took a taxi; I didn't bring a car anymore because when we met, I wasn't wealthy, and I certainly wasn't a CEO. It was with him that I experienced real life beyond the gilded walls of the mansion. This was the life I wanted, the life I dreamed of.

No one really cared. There were no judgmental eyes on me. My mistakes were mine to handle, my solutions mine to find.

I arrived at our favorite spot, but he wasn't there. I couldn't even see his shadow. No matter how long I waited, he didn't show.

I tried calling him, but there was no answer. I sent texts, but received no reply. I waited a few more minutes.

A thousand thoughts raced through my mind. There were countless reasons, but I tried to remain calm. I knew him, and I trusted that he had a good reason.

But what if he found out about my entire family?

What if he couldn't accept my past?

What if—SHUT UP, SELF!

I screamed inwardly, tears mixing with the rain drenching my body, feeling like it was washing away my very essence.