CHAPTER 6

–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 his work.

“Anything to say, Ms. Escarra?” His eyes didn’t leave the papers.

“H-Huh? Nothing, sir,” I said quickly, pressing my lips into a tight line. “I’ll take my leave.”

He gave a small nod, still not looking up. Once I stepped out of the faculty room, I let out a long, quiet sigh.

He’s practically a legend in the halls, even though he’s only a guest lecturer. Seriously, who wouldn’t notice him? He has the looks, the brains, the wealth, the name. One of the owners of DHU—De Herrera University. And on top of that… he’s single.

It’s no surprise people are falling head over heels to get his attention. But rumor has it, being in a romantic relationship isn't part of his plans anymore.

I’m not sure if it’s true, but they say that his ex cheated on him. Anyway, I don’t really care.

Or at least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

Evan messaged me.

Evan: Hey, let’s eat. Your treat :))

Me: Really, you’re the one who invited me but I am to pay? Wow. 

Me: No thanks. Besides, I have a date with Oliver.

Evan: Psh! Well, I thought you’ll be interested in what I have to ask regarding the news article hahaha

Me: What?

Evan: I know it's you, just looking from your back 

Evan: deym... an issue with De Herrera? big news 

Me: Where are you?

That’s the end of our exchange of messages before I rushed to his location. Evan waved his hand so I could easily know where he was.

"Actually, it was immediately turned down but I have screenshots." Evan's all smiling while swiping the screenshots he took. He wasn’t kidding but here I am, frustrated as hell.

“It’s not me, okay?” I whispered, afraid someone might overhear us. Even though the issue has been handled, news spreads fast, especially when it’s about De Herrera.

“Silly,” Evan chuckled, “you just confirmed it by coming here.”

“Why can’t I ever lie to you?” I asked, sounding more troubled than I meant to. I really didn’t know what to do, especially if the truth about me and Rome De Herrera came out.

“Because you’re not a good liar,” he said with a soft smile. “And that’s not a flaw. That’s one of the best things about you. Unlike most people.” He reached out and messed up my hair, like he always used to.

“Should I tell Oliver?” I murmured, glancing down at my hand. “I mean… what if he hears it from someone else? We just got engaged.”

Evan’s eyes dropped to my ring finger. I saw the flicker of disappointment,

but I looked away. There’s nothing he can do now. This was my choice.

“I don’t want this to be something we fight about,” I added.

“If telling him is the right thing…” Evan said gently, “then why not?”

His voice was calm, but something in it stayed with me like a question I wasn’t ready to answer.

"He'll understand, right?" I asked, seeking for an assurance I couldn’t possibly get.

Evan shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know much about your boyfriend. All I know is, he is such an *sshole for leaving you in that resort."

"What? How did you know that?"

“Heather told me. Don’t be mad at her, okay? I’m just… concerned about you. Look.” He showed me the screenshots again. There I was, holding a bottle of liquor, something so out of character for me.

“That’s not like you. Why were you drinking like that? And with other guys? Because your motherfreaking boyfriend ditched you right after proposing. What a jerk.”

“Don’t say that. Don’t curse my boyfriend.”

“Sorry—but I’m not sorry.” Evan took a sip of his soda, clearly in a foul mood.

I could feel the storm brewing in his silence, but I didn’t want him throwing words like knives at Oliver. Even if part of me… was starting to wonder if he wasn’t entirely wrong.

+++

“Babe,” Oliver said, giving me a peck on the cheek before sitting across from me.

I felt a small wave of relief.

 He came.

For a moment, I thought he’d ignore me again like he did the past few days.

“I’m sorry for shutting you out,” he said. “I’ve just been busy—with school, the business... everything.”

“No worries,” I replied gently. “I understand.”

He ordered food for both of us. And while we waited, I drew in a deep breath, calming myself.

“Oliver…” And then I told him everything. Every messy detail. Even the part about the kiss—how it happened in a blur of drunken confusion. I just didn’t tell him who it was with.

“Alora, that’s… bullsh*t,” he snapped.

“Oliver, please,” I begged, voice shaking. “Please believe me. I didn’t even know what I was doing—” I stopped, taken back by his darkening expression. Like something inside him had cracked and couldn’t be pulled back together by apologies alone.

"What if he took advantage of you? Huh? And who's the guy? Do I know him?" He's fuming mad.

"No... I don't know. He's just a random guy."

"Ghad, Alora." He ran his hands over his face, looking completely disappointed by what he just heard—as if he couldn’t believe it, or maybe he just didn’t want to.

"I'm really sorry, Oliver. Please, forgive me, hm?" I tried holding his hand but he kept moving away. It pierced my heart, glancing at the man who can't even look at me. As if he's disgusted. Oh ghad. "Oliver—"

"Let's talk some other time," he stood up and left me. I was about to chase after him, but our food arrived. I couldn’t look around—too many eyes were drawn by Oliver’s sudden, harsh exit.

A tear suddenly fell on my cheek but I immediately wiped it, suppressing the disheartened emotion building up inside me.

“I saw what happened...” I glanced up to see the woman who had sat down in Oliver’s seat without a word.

“Gaille,” 

“Hi Alora, it’s been a while.” She slightly waved her hand. She stayed to keep me company. Gaille’s my senior, the same batch as Jana. We got acquainted once at an event, and now she treats me like a sister.

“Thank you,” I said softly.

“No, thank you. I got a free dinner out of it.” She laughed, breaking the tension a little.

When I got home, I noticed my grandparents’ car parked outside. They must’ve had dinner here. I found Mom and Dad, along with Grandpa and Grandma, gathered in the living room. It looked like they were in a deep and serious conversation.

"Are you still in a relationship with Sevilla, Alora?" Grandpa Ram asked.

“Yes. Actually...” I wasn’t sure if this was the right moment to tell them, but they’d probably find out soon enough. “He proposed to me, and I already said yes.” I held up the ring with a smile. “We’re planning to—”

“You what?” Dad’s eyes widened in surprise. “Alora Eunice,” his voice heavy with disappointment as he shook his head, rubbing his temple.

“I know, I didn’t ask for your permission, but—”

“Cut ties with that boy.” At first, I thought Grandpa Ram was joking, but that’s not like him. He’s the serious type.

I glanced at Grandma Tina, silently asking for help, but she just looked at me like saying, just listen to him, then looked away—helpless.

“Lolo,” I said, maybe sounding childish, but they had no right to dictate my relationship with Oliver. “I swear, I truly love this man—”

“Would you still say that if you saw these?” Grandpa Ram tossed a stack of photos onto the center table. My whole body nearly froze, unable to move as the weight of what those pictures showed sank in.

"No... it can't be."