CHAPTER 4

–ALORA EUNICE’S POV–

"Is that why you left the bar yesterday? For that lady?" Jana teased, her voice a playful lilt, brows dancing like mischief in disguise.

"Oh my gosh. I need to send this to mom. You're seeing a woman and—"

"Don't you dare, Raña," Rome said, his voice edged with command. Jeez. Chills tickled down my spine.

"Who is she, Archi? It will stay between us. Promise!” Jana coaxed with a grin. “Alora won’t tell a soul—right, Alora?” she said, her eyes turning to me, like a secret passed on a breeze, waiting to be kept hidden. 

To tell the truth, I couldn’t answer as if I was choked by the words stuck inside my throat—too many questions were still raving through my mind. Was that really me… or just someone in the same dress? No… I know my body, I’m sure of it. But still—ugh! Of all people to be linked with Rome De Herrera… why did it have to be me?

"Brother, tell us!" Raña pleaded, her curiosity bubbling over. She wouldn’t stop pestering her older brother like a song stuck on repeat.

"She's just a random drunken lady." He said, his jaw tightening like a locked door. I felt the weight in his words, the annoyance that simmered just beneath the surface, sharp and silent.

After that, he made a call. His phone was connected to the car, so we all saw the name flash on the mini screen. As curiosity hung heavy in the air, everyone remained silent while waiting for Rome’s secretary to answer. 

"Gaille," he said.

["Yes, boss?"]

"Immediately turn down the news article about me. Make sure that it will not spread further."

["What news—oh. Copy, boss."]

"Good. Prepare the files I need to sign. I'll work later." He ended the call and no one dared to talk again.

I could faintly hear Jana and Raña whispering in the backseat. They just couldn’t sit still—desperately looking for the mysterious woman who was with Rome last night. Honestly, I couldn’t sit still either. I wanted to know. I needed to know and confirm my hunch. If it really was me… what if I did something shameless last night—something I can’t even remember?

The road home stretched long ahead of us. Eventually and thankfully, the two at the back grew tired of their gossip and fell asleep. Unfortunately, sleep wouldn’t come for me. Restlessness clung to me like a fog.

The one sitting beside me said nothing. His eyes were focused solely on the road, mouth shut like the silence between us was safer than anything we might say.

"Uhm... I just want to clarify." I finally broke the silence that had been stretching too long. He glanced at me from the corner of his eye for a second, before fixing his gaze back on the road. "The lady in the news article... was it me?” My voice was careful, trying not to stutter. “I'm not assuming anything, okay? It’s just that… well, as you can see, I'm already engaged to someone. I just—"

"Yes," he licked his lower lip, the single word hanging heavy between us.

"Yes? So... if it's me then..." Fragments of that night flashed through my mind—embarrassment blooming like a flush across my cheeks. Gosh, Alora Eunice, what have you done? Are you really out of your mind? Maybe, I am.

I tried facing him, mouth opened to ask, but shut after because shame was already swallowing me whole.

"Sorry. I'm really sorry for the trouble. You know what? I'll just make it up to you. I’ll pay to have that article taken down. What do you think?" I suggested because even if we turned everything upside down I am partly at fault.

"No need."

"Please?"

"No."

"Please?"

"They'll just find out that you're the lady," he said without glancing at me. He's too serious and that is not new. Well, he’s stating a fact but still…

"O-Okay. Sorry."

I just stared out the window, letting the passing scenery keep me company. The ride stayed silent until we pulled up in front of my house—Rome and I hadn’t said a word, and maybe that was for the best. We were never really close, not the kind to share stories like old friends.

“Take care, Alora. See you next time,” Jana murmured as she woke and offered a soft farewell.

“Thank you, Jana,” I replied with a gentle smile, waving faintly before glancing at Rome, who was already waiting to leave.

“Thank you,” I said again.

He simply nodded, then drove off without another word, the car roaring away from the curb like it couldn’t wait to be somewhere else.

Two of our house helpers stepped out to carry my things, and there—at the door—was Mom, greeting me with a wide, welcoming smile. It was rare seeing her like that.

"How's the proposal? Did you accept it? Oh my!" Mom looked at my ring finger, eyes twinkling while staring at the diamond ring. "Where's Oliver?"

"Uhm..." Gosh... I'm not used to lying but I guess this is for the best. "He immediately left, mom. You know, family business."

"You should have invited him inside. Well, my future son-in-law must be busy. He carries the weight of managing their business, after all." Mom said with a smile, always a supporter of our relationship, even when Dad and Grandpa were openly against it.

After a warm shower, I sat in front of my mirror, slowly combing my hair. I found myself staring—lost in my reflection, as if searching for answers in the quiet hum of the room. My eyes dropped to the ring on my finger. What would Dad and Grandpa say when they found out about this? Maybe… maybe they’d respect my choice? Mom’s on my side in this, I know that. She may be strict when it comes to my studies and personal life, but when it comes to my relationship with Oliver, she let me have a life 

It was still a bit early for dinner, so I stepped out onto the small balcony of my room. I brought out my sketchpad and let my pencil dance with the sudden designs that came rushing into my mind—raw, honest, mine.

No one really knows this side of me. Only Grandma Tina, who covers for me whenever I need to fly to Milan, and Dad, who—quietly—funds this secret dream. I enrolled myself in a 14-month fashion design course abroad. It wasn’t just a whim. This is the dream I really want to pursue. I love it.

But Mom wouldn’t understand. She wants me focused on our company, wants me to walk the path laid out long before I learned how to dream.

Dad is an only child. And so am I. There’s no one else to inherit it. No one else to carry the legacy…

But me.

"I wish I could decide on my own." I mumbled. At least I am pursuing my dream even if it is a top secret, right?