Jessica's POVI just got home to my condo. I was hoping to see Nick⊠I miss him so much. Iâve been really busy because Iâm feeling pressured by Dad. Thankfully, I finally finished my proposal for Mr. Hugo earlier. Iâve been coming home late at night because of all the work I have to do.Now, Dad wants me to get close to Sir Rolandoâs son, and the two of us will be handling the partnership. Iâm worried because Nick might get jealous. I need to let him know. Itâs possible that Rich and I will be spending a lot of time together.As soon as I entered, Scarlett greeted me.âBoobaeâŠâShe hugged me tightly. I could feel that she was carrying something heavy inside her.I pushed her gently and looked into her eyes.âAre you okay?⊠Did something happen?âShe shook her head and hugged me again. I just hugged her back. Iâll wait until sheâs ready to talk. I pinched her cheek.As I put down my bag, I heard my phone ring. It was Nick. I smiled. Scarlett also smiled when she saw who was calling.âA
Jessica's POV So heavy. But I managed to place him on the bed. This is the first time I've entered his room. It's so clean and organized. He has a king-size bed. It's huge. The only thing I saw hanging on the wall was a painting, but I couldn't make out what it was since that part of the room was dark. I removed his shoes and socks, as well as his coat. I noticed that he was sweating. I had just turned on the air conditioning. I took off his shirt. His body was mesmerizing. I wanted to touch the firmness of his muscles. They looked so solid. "Hihihi." I held myself back. I grabbed a washcloth from his closet, dampened it in the bathroom, and returned to him. I wiped his face, his neck, then moved downward to his chest. "Uhhmmm," I heard him moan. I smiled. After finishing, I covered him with a blanket. I sat at the edge of the bed and watched him sleep. This is the first time Iâve looked at him up close. His nose is perfectly shaped, complementing his small face
Nicholasâ POVI woke up with a headache. I massaged my temples with my hands. However, I smiled because I had such a beautiful dream last night. Jessicaâs kiss felt so real⊠it was amazing. I grabbed a pillow and hugged it tightly, pressing my lips against it."Jessica!!! Uhmmmn⊠aaaah."I must have looked crazy kissing a pillow.Then suddenly, I remembered something. I scanned my surroundings. I was in my room.I remember being at the bar with George. How did I get home? What happened to George? I recalled that we were both completely wasted last night, competing to see who would pass out first.I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.I checked myselfâI was only wearing boxer shorts.I decided to step out of my room just to confirm if I was really in my condo.What if I was still drunk and in someone elseâs house?The moment I stepped out, I was hit with the delicious aroma of food.I was shocked to see Jessica cooking while Scarlett set the table."Uuuuuhh⊠Boobae!!! We donât
Jessica's POVThe past few weeks have been happy and beautiful, especially for me and Nick.We made sure to give time to each other.We could now have dinner together outside. Sometimes, we go to the park. He also picks me up from work if he's on the way or not busy. Iâm content with our relationship now. Sometimes, we have little misunderstandings, but we always manage to fix them.I sometimes stay at his condo. For the past weeks, Nick has been a gentleman. We kiss, cuddle, but he never goes beyond that, even when we're alone. If I think about it, the rumors I heard about Nick werenât true:"You wonât leave the room in one piece if youâre with Nicholas Ford."Just like now, it's our day off. Weâre at his condo since Scarlett is busy preparing for her upcoming solo exhibition.Weâre on the sofa, reading books while I rest my head on his lap. He is caressing my hair while holding a book with his other hand.He feeds me from time to time."Nick, fruits please!!!""What is it?" he asked
Nicholas' POVIt was almost one oâclock when I arrived home. I managed to resolve the issue at the office, but I need to go abroad next week. Even though Iâm exhausted, Iâll still keep my promise to Jessica that weâll go to the amusement park later.When I opened my room, I was surprised to see Jessica sound asleep in my bed. She must have fallen asleep while waiting for me. I walked closer and gently kissed her. I didnât want to wake her up.I looked at her tenderly. Sheâs very beautiful. She looks like a baby when she sleeps. Hmmm⊠so tempting. But I restrained myself. She needs to rest because tomorrow will be a tiring day for us.I went straight to the bathroom to wash my face and change my clothes. Carefully, I lay beside Jessica in bed. She snuggled closer to me."Huhh! Huhh!"I think this will be a long night for me...I woke up at 8 AM. Jessica was no longer beside me. I stepped out of the room, but she wasnât there either. I went to the fridge to drink some water when I heard
Scarlettâs POVWe were happily exploring the amusement park. It was so much fun! It has been a long time since I last visited a place like this. I missed being a kid and just enjoying myself."Jess, Jess! Letâs ride the bumper cars! Letâs crash into them!" I excitedly suggested it while looking at the bumper car area.But I didnât hear a response. I turned to my side, Jessica was gone. Nick was gone too."George, where are Nick and Jessica?" I asked."I donât know. They were just here a moment ago," he replied.I scanned the area, and after a few seconds, I spotted them. The two of them were already in line for the Ferris wheel."Thatâs unfair! Nick left us behind. Come on, George! Letâs chase after them!"I grabbed Georgeâs arm, pulling him along so we could join Jess and Nick at the Ferris wheel. But just as we were getting close, Nick suddenly ushered Jessica inside a cabin and shut the door.So George and I ended up in the next cabin instead."I'm sure Nick did that on purpose to
Andreaâs POVI was having a facial massage with my friend at a well-known clinic. I needed this because I had been busy and stressed these past few days. My friend and I were lying down while our faces were being massaged."This is the best feeling, Drea. I love doing this every week.""HmmmâŠ""By the way, I heard from my friends that Nicholas Ford is in a serious relationship," she said.I froze. Thatâs impossible. Nick being serious? Heâs not capable of loving anyone."My friend told me that Nicholas was extra sweet to that girl. He even cuts her steak and refills her wine when they saw them eating at a restaurant. And it wasnât just once, theyâve seen them together multiple times.""Oh, and did you know that his âgirlâ works at your company? One time, they saw Nicholas pick her up from there."She continued talking, but my mind was already spinning. Even though Nick rejected me to my face, I still refuse to give up. Hearing what my friend just said only reignited my desire to have
Elmer's POVJessica and I were happily talking because she was telling me about her conversation with Rolando.I made the right decision to bring her into the company. She will be the key to saving our company. A huge amount of money is being lost, and Andrea doesnât know about it.I invested in a big project, but the project failed. Rolandoâs investment will save the company. When I talked to Rolando at a gathering, he mentioned meeting Nicholas and Jessica. Thatâs when I found out that the woman he was fond of was Jessica.I learned that he was pleased with her and wanted to set her up with his son. I saw a great opportunity to secure his investment in the company. I admitted to him that Jessica was my daughter.Thatâs why I allowed Jessica to work in the company, even though Matilda was against it. Matilda didnât talk to me for days because of my decision. Sheâs too biased toward Andrea."Do you think he will agree to invest in the company?" I asked Jessica."Yes, Dad. I think so.
Jessica's POVAfter a while, I started enjoying skating. My fear was gone. Rich and I just laughed whenever I fell. Somehow, during those moments, I forgot about Nick. Like now, Rich was happily showing off his skating skills. I could see he really loved skating. I just smiled while watching him, already tired from all the skating. After a few rounds, he skated toward me.âWhen did you learn how to skate, Rich? You're really good at it,â I asked.âHmm, let me think.â He stroked his chin like he was deep in thought.âI think I started during elementary. I was challenged to skate because my friends teased me. It took a while before I could skate without holding onto someone,â he said with a smile.âI still remember how many times I fell. Too many to count. I almost gave up. Hehe.ââDid you join competitions?â I asked.âI fell in love with skating, so yes! Eventually, I got good and joined competitions.â Richâs eyes sparkled as he said that, reminiscing about one of the happiest times in
Jessicaâs POVI glanced in the direction of Nick and Ate Andrea before getting into the car. I saw how bright her smile was while talking to Nick. I was holding back my tears. It hurt. Nick didnât even want to listen to me. I sadly got into Richâs car. Rich looked at me and smiled. "You know what? I know a place where happiness exists," he said cheerfully. I forced a smile."And whereâs that?" I asked, a little doubtful. "Trust me! Itâs a surprise. So, are you in?" he asked excitedly.It took me a while to answer. Maybe I did need a little distraction. If I went home now, Nick wouldnât even talk to me. Iâd just sulk in my room. It was only seven oâclock. I took a deep breath."Okay, letâs go," I said with a smile.A few moments later, I noticed Richâs car pulling into a mall. I looked at him curiously."Have you tried skating?" he asked."No," I replied."Come on!" He pulled me toward the skating rink. I noticed there was no one else around. Just us. I looked at him questioningly.
Nickâs POV âI think we should eat. The foodâs getting cold,â I said firmly. Both Andrea and Jessica looked at me at the same time.âOh yeah! Sorry, Nick! Letâs eat!â Andrea said sweetly.I was observing Jessica earlier while she was feeling embarrassed by Andreaâs remarks. I think it was a mistake to agree to have dinner with Andrea. Here I go again. Instead of staying mad at Jessica, my protective instincts are kicking in. I hate it when people mistreat her.I kept watching her as she ate. I felt like she hadnât eaten again. She always does this and it annoys me.âHere, Nick, this oneâs really good. Try it,â Andrea offered me some seafood and even peeled it for me. I just let her. âThank you,â I replied briefly. She smiled at me so beautifully. I saw Jessica shoot a subtle glance at Andrea. I couldnât help but chuckle at her expression. Then she pouted and quietly kept eating, focusing on her food. I could tell she was slicing her meat with so much intensity.Even the way she was
Jessicaâs POV I was shocked when I saw Nick entering our company building. I had just returned from lunch and was in the lobby. I was about to greet him, but I noticed the serious look on his face. His eyes narrowed when he saw me, so I stopped walking halfway. Nick really has a strong presence, especially when heâs in business attire. So powerful. I could hear whispers from people behind me.âHeâs so handsome! Who is he??ââOh!? Is that Nicholas Ford? Why is he here? I thought our companies were rivals?â âDamn! Heâs even more handsome in person,â someone squealed with excitement. A few moments later, I saw Ate Andrea greet Nick with a smile. She even kissed him on the cheek, and Nick just let her. My fists clenched. âOh-em-gee⊠this is hot gossip!! Could Maâam Andrea be his girlfriend?? Wow! Theyâre such a perfect match! The Princess of the Construction Business and the King of Design. Perfect combo, even their heights match! Ayiiee, Iâm getting giddy,â a flamboyant guy behind me
Andreaâs POV Jessica and I arrived at the office at the same time. I could see how downcast she looked, walking into the elevator like she was in a daze. She didnât even notice me. I smirked in triumph. I know Iâve successfully stirred conflict in their relationship. And Iâm just getting started. I wonât let them get back together. I know Jessica, and I know Nick. I can play them both in the palm of my hand. I smiled to myself. Jessicaâs steps looked so heavy. She left the elevator without even lifting her head. She just kept looking down. When I arrived at my office, I happily greeted all the employees there. I noticed them exchanging glances. Haha, theyâre not used to seeing me cheerful and in a good mood.Once I got into my office, I called my secretary. She came in right away.âKindly set a meeting with Nicholas Ford of AMT Construction,â I said.âOkay, Miss Laviste.â She was about to leave, but I suddenly thought of a great plan. âWait! Ask if we could have the meeting here at
Dominic's POVWe were still joking around in the pantry with one of the secretaries when we saw Sir enter the office looking grim. We quickly stood up from our seats and rushed to greet him. âGood morning, Sir!!â we greeted him with smiles.âCall the marketing team and the designers. We have an emergency meeting!!!â he said firmly.I felt nervous from Sir Nickâs aura and tone of voice. Itâs been a long time since he acted like this. The secretary beside me looked at me with questioning eyes. I simply shrugged in response. I followed behind Sir Nick as he walked into his private office.âSir, itâs not even eight yet, so some people arenât in the office yet,â I said. He went straight to his chair and looked through the documents I had placed on his desk.âBy the way, Iâve already set an appointment with Sir Carlos San Fernando. He said heâs available tomorrow night.âHe looked at me for a long moment before speaking.âWe didnât get the project, so we donât need a major investor anymor
Jessicaâs POVMy steps felt heavy as I walked out of Nickâs condo. My tears wouldnât stop falling. I never expected Nickâs anger to run that deep. When I stepped out, I turned around to glance at his door. I couldnât bring myself to walk toward Scarlettâs condo.I didnât go home last night because Dad didnât want me to. He said I should just go home in the morning. I was too busy taking care of Rich anyway. Dad insisted that I attend to Rich while he and Richâs father played chess. So I showed him around the house. Some of my paintings were displayed there, and I proudly showed them to Rich. I loved how much he understood art, his knowledge of it was impressive. We were in the middle of a cheerful conversation when Sister Andrea arrived. I saw her walk in, clearly drunk, swaying as she entered. I was about to help her, but she gave me a âshh!â sign, reminding me not to mind her. Rich and I just watched her walk past. When I looked out the window, I thought I saw Nickâs car. I shook m
Nicholas' POVI turned my back when Dad told me he loved Elena, even when my mom was still alive. I covered myself with a blanket and ignored him. I felt so betrayed. I was hurting for Mom. I couldnât even bring myself to question Dad.âLetâs talk tomorrow, Nick, when youâre no longer drunk. I have something important to tell you too. Get some rest for now.âI didnât respond, so he left me alone. He tapped me before walking out. After that night, we never got to talk again. I booked another ticket back abroad. Dad wasnât there when I left because he had an emergency at the company. Since that night, my relationship with Dad changed. I became distant. I focused on studying and got into other extracurricular activities. I forced myself to take my mind off the Country and forced myself to be happy.Eventually, Elena and Dad got married. Dad sent me an invitation, but I didnât go. I made up an excuse. Dad didnât push me either. I spent more time abroad than at home. Elena treated me well,
Nicholas' POV~~~~ Flashback â 16 Years Ago ~~~~After Momâs burial, I went back abroad. I didnât have the time to investigate what I had overheard. Life went on despite the tragedy in our family. From being a happy-go-lucky guy, I became more serious about life. I was already in my second year of college studying architecture when I decided to go back to the Philippines for a vacation.I missed Dad. I wanted to spend time with him. I was excited to see him, so I decided to give him a surprise visit at his office.I happily went up to his office. The long-time employees in the company recognized me, so they let me through without a problem.When I entered Dadâs office, I ran into his assistant. I gave him a quiet signal since I wanted to surprise Dad. However, when I opened the door, I was the one surprised. I saw Dad kissing a woman. The woman was sitting on his office table. They were kissing passionately. Dad quickly pushed her away when he saw me standing at the door.âNick!â he g