–ALORA EUNICE’S POV–
I knocked three times before entering the faculty room. Some of the professors look at me and some are busy enough not to notice my presence. Among them was Rome De Herrera—seemingly lost in a stack of papers he was grading.
“Sir,” I said softly to get his attention. He looked up. “Here,” I added, handing him the collected essays.
“Thanks.” He took the stack and set it down on his desk without looking at me again.
I was just about to leave when I noticed how some of the other professors—especially the women—were sneaking glances at him like he was some movie star who accidentally wandered into this room. And yet, there he was, unmoved and unaware, focused only on hi
CHAPTER 8–ALORA EUNICE’S POV–"Deym... I hope I didn't mess up with my exams." Evan said while holding the strap of his leather dark brown shoulder bag. "Wanna go somewhere? Eat?""I need to go home and stu—""My treat," Evan grinned at me, but I felt suspicious because he doesn’t usually do this unless…"Whoa..." I touched his forehead and neck but he seemed normal. "Are you sick?""What? No... I just feel like treating you somewhere." He avoided my gaze, put his arm on my shoulder, and pulled me closer to him. "So where?"“You’re being clingy.”
–ALORA EUNICE’S POV–"Alora Eunice, come back here!" Dad shouted, but my mind was too clouded with rage and pain."Tsk... that boy. What a disappointment," Mom muttered sharply."Pa! You shouldn't have shown her the photos—" Dad snapped, frustration in his voice."We shouldn't hide it from her, Euren. I don’t want my granddaughter ending up hurt by that bastard,” Grandpa said.I stopped listening. I quickly locked my room, shutting myself inside. I didn’t care about the darkness filling every bit of space… I just needed to cry. I wanted to let everything out because if not, I might explode."Oliver..." I mumbled, clutc
–ALORA EUNICE’S POV–I knocked three times before entering the faculty room. Some of the professors look at me and some are busy enough not to notice my presence. Among them was Rome De Herrera—seemingly lost in a stack of papers he was grading.“Sir,” I said softly to get his attention. He looked up. “Here,” I added, handing him the collected essays.“Thanks.” He took the stack and set it down on his desk without looking at me again.I was just about to leave when I noticed how some of the other professors—especially the women—were sneaking glances at him like he was some movie star who accidentally wandered into this room. And yet, there he was, unmoved and unaware, focused only on hi
–ALORA EUNICE’S POV–I still have seven months left before I finish this program. Actually, I'm working on my design portfolio that I will submit for the finals. It’s hard to juggle all the school requirements—but this is what I chose. Maybe it’s not the path everyone expects of me, but fashion designing is something I truly, deeply want.I drifted off to sleep after sketching a few more designs. I tucked the sketchbook away, hiding that small piece of myself once again, then lay down on my soft bed.I needed rest. Tomorrow will be another battle—more studying, more pressure. But for now, sleep was the only thing I needed and badly wanted."Sit," I tapped the sand beside me, offering a seat to the
–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 man
–ALORA EUNICE’S POV–As I woke up from a very long and deep sleep, I recognized the surroundings. It's my hotel room. I felt like I wanted to vomit, and I rushed to the bathroom. I almost hugged the toilet bowl. It’s as if my stomach is being turned inside out. As if every ounce I took last night was pulled and emptied, like a soul wrung dry.Gosh... I feel so gross. I wiped something on my lips using the tissue I pulled from the rack. I need a shower after this horrible moment. And as if it weren’t enough, my head throbs terribly. It feels like it’s splitting open, each pulse like a hammer blow.It's not my first time experiencing a hangover, but this is the worst of all. Thank goodness, after I gurgled, I found a hangover drink on the bedside table. I immediately opened the bottle and bottomed up the drink. Damn... that helps a little. I longed to lie down and rest again, but instead, I reached for my phone and started reading messages.I immediately opened it when I saw the recipie