Chapter 1.1

Chapter 1.1

"You know I'm not into that okay? I told you that I only go to the masquerade and no one else. You know my reasons."

I sipped my coffee while staring into the city lights in front of me. A thick blanket wrapped around me as I sat in a hammock on the veranda of where I was staying. I'm talking with Catelyn on the other line of the phone, she's keep on offering me a job.

"But Loise, it's a great opportunity to know more possible clients in the future and besides you needed the money right? What you can get here is more than you need. The event is exclusive, and there is no media so I assure you it's safe. "

I sighed and toyed with the rim of the cup I was holding. Yes, I badly needed the money right now but I'm also thinking of the publicity of the said event, maybe the situation I'm in now will only get worse. I don't want to add to the problem now, maybe it's just more complicated.

"Besides, I'm also going to the event and aside from that, it won't be held in the Philippines, so it's impossible for anyone to meet you," she added.

Will I even think about the issue caused by my begoing or the problem I need to solve now before we all drown?

"I'll think about it Cate, thank you," I sincerely said. Cate was the one who introduced me into this kind of job, when I needed one. At first I was hesitant to try this job because of the reputation that our family keeps and now that's all that's left.

"You're always welcome Loise. You always got my back okay? I won't hurt you, I just really want to help you now and I know you need the money too. Just text me right away if you agree. But if ever you don't will, I'll find someone else to go okay? Think about it. "

After bidding our goodbyes, we ended the call. I looked at the twinkling lights all over the city. I hugged myself more when the cold breeze hits me, I tightened my grip on the blanket I was using. I rubbed my hands to feel some heat.

I am here now in Singapore for my job, the job that keeps Daddy and me alive now and no one knows except Catelyn. The nurse I asked to watch over Daddy didn't know that I was in Singapore now, all she knew was that I would be working for a few days around Manila but the truth is I am actually here in Singapore for this job.

I met Catelyn when I was looking for work but because of what happened I couldn't get a job. Catelyn offered me a job, joining businessmen at events abroad. Let's say it's like they date to brag, and nothing else, until they just date me at events.

I was hesitant because our family is also from that world and it is not likely that it will be the focus of an issue in the business world, especially since Daddy used to be a small time businessman, he has somehow become well known. But I was left with no choice when Daddy had a heart attack, we really needed money so I agreed. Will I take my pride if in exchange for that is my Daddy's safety?

Even if we're not on good terms, I still don't want him gone. He's all that I have in this lifetime, I'll do everything to keep him and to be with him longer than I've ever wanted.

I was pulled out from my reverie when my phone rang. I took it and answered, unregistered number was listed but I still answered the call. Maybe it's important or maybe it's a new client.

"Yes hello? This is Tamara speaking," I answered. I stood up and put away the cup, pinned the cellphone between my shoulder and ear and walked into the kitchen.

"Hi this is Ysa Romero, secretary of Mr. Valdez. I would like to inform you that he will fetch you at your hotel room at exactly seven pm tonight," She professionally promised on the other line, I leaned on the sink and bit my lower lip while holding my cellphone. I've been doing this for months but I'm still pretty nervous.

"Ahm, thank you ..."

"Please be prepared ahead of time. Thank you." After that she turned off the call. I throw my cellphone on the top of the counter and frustratingly pulled my waist length hazel brown hair.

"You can do it Eloise, you're your mommy's child so I know you can do it. It's for the family okay?" I keep on chanting those words in my mind while preparing myself for the event.

I use warm water in the shower to relieve the cold I felt before, and it also helps me to relax my body. After taking a warm shower, I wore a silver mermaid long gown that is hugging my figure. It fits perfectly in my body, every curve of my body is clear. Turtle neck it and up to the wrist sleeves of the dress. How hidden the front of the dress is is when the fabric on the back is lacking. The dress is backless but I liked the look more. It's not too heavy to carry so I'm also comfortable wearing it. The secretary of Mr. Valdez brought this long gown to me early this morning.

I carefully looked at myself in the mirror after applying make up no make up look. It was as if I didn't have make-up but my black eyes became more beautiful there. I also put a diamond stud earrings on my ear for a little more decoration and not just clothes. I also wore a mask, covering the upper part of my face. Only my eyes and lips can be seen properly in the mask. My hair was in a messy bun while some fell on the side of my face.

I took a deep breathes, and pick my purse before I stood up and walked towards the door. Earlier, the secretary of Mr. Valdez who is already outside the hotel will pick me up and for some important and personal reason Mr. will not be able to come, but there seems to be a replacement for him. As much as possible he doesn’t want personal attachments to his dates at the event so his secretary updates things.

"Uh ... Good evening." I hesitated to greet the man sitting in the driver's seat because I don't know why Ysa didn't mention anyone who would be with me because Mr. Valdez wouldn't be around.

I haven't met Mr. Valdez in person yet but I already saw his picture, he looks kind and decent so I agreed to be his date at this event today. He also paid for my plane ticket to Singapore and back to the Philippines and he also paid for the hotel where I am temporarily staying now.

I looked at the man who was gripping the steering wheel of the car tightly. I could not see him very well because of the darkness inside the car.

"Get out," he replied emphatically to me without even looking up. I was nervous at the tone of his speech, as if at any moment he would shout at me.

Is the car I rode wrong? But what Mr. secretary told me. Valdez said that a black Mercedes would pick me up and I was right, this is his car—

"I'm not your driver Miss, sit in front."

Even if I don't want to follow what he said, there is nothing I can do. I moved to the front seat of the car. I immediately smelled his masculine scent that did not hurt the nose but increased his sex appeal.

I sighed when I felt uncomfortable with the man next to me, he was wearing a mask but I knew he was handsome. I swallowed when I accidentally saw her red lips. I uncomfortably shifted on my seat when he suddenly glance at me, I instantly threw my stares outside the window.

I tightly gripped the purse I was carrying and was tightly closed my eyes when suddenly my chest rumbled with extreme nervousness. I secretly took a deep breath but instead of calming down it got worse when I smelled his masculine scent. I'm doomed!

Because I was thinking about my partner in the car, I didn't realize that we had arrived at the hotel where the event would be held. When I looked in the driver's seat the man was no longer there, I just saw him walking towards the door next to me. He opened the door and stared blankly at me which made me so uneasy. I was very nice to myself before but now that he is looking at me I feel there is something wrong with my look and it doesn't suit me.