MasukThe question brought a hint of awkwardness between Aaron and Montserrat.They had both hesitated. They'd already rehearsed what to tell people who asked this particular question, especially those who didn't know the entire setup was fake.“We actually met at a vacation spot in Santorini,” Montserrat answered for both of them, her eyes briefly meeting Aaron's to make sure her answer aligned with what they'd agreed on.“Where?” Daniel asked, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Don't mind me asking. I always get people asking me that same question whenever I'm with Victoria, and our story isn't nearly as romantic as some people's.”His eyes moved between Victoria and Montserrat.“That's because we had more of a teacher-and-student relationship at first. Our first meeting was when I joined his culinary school,” Victoria explained.“What year was that? You two seem like you've known each other for a long time,” Montserrat asked.Victoria quickly linked her arm through Daniel's.“Do we?” sh
Realizing what she had just done, Montserrat tried to pull away, her eyes wide with panic."I'm sorry... "He lifted her chin. "Don't apologize for something I also want."Aaron claimed her lips once more, this time he took control, his hand tangled deep in her hair, his fingers grazing the shell of her ear, sending shivers down her spine.Montserrat didn't hold back, she sank into him, her teeth catching his bottom lip. It was passionate and hot and desperate. Just as he parted her lips to slide his tongue into her mouth, she pulled away, leaving them both breathing heavily, foreheads almost touching."Uh... Next time get a room,""Victoria," Aaron said hoarsely, his body going rigid. He was the first one to see her, and then Montserrat turned.She froze on the spot. It was Daniel, standing beside Aaron's sister and clearly the woman he was with just a few minutes ago.“I wasn't expecting this would be how we will...” Aaron's eyes narrowed when he caught Montserrat staring at Daniel.
The De’Armas restaurant was busier than usual, with most of the tables occupied and the low hum of conversations filling the elegant dining room. Servers moved between tables with trays in hand, while the warm lighting gave the restaurant its usual polished but welcoming atmosphere.Aaron sat at the corner table in his dark shirt, one hand resting beneath his chin, a mouth curved when he spotted Montserrat approaching.Montserrat stepped out of the kitchen, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face.“Sorry I had to keep you waiting. I still need to work a little bit.”“You should take a bit of rest,” Aaron said, straightening in his seat.“Maybe when I’m done with everything,” she replied, then glanced around the restaurant before her eyes darted toward the door and finally settled on him again. “Your sis…”“They got stuck in traffic. They might appear late, but don’t worry. Even if they don’t make it, we get to have dinner alone.”His smile widened.“I’m joking.”She gave hi
Aaron hadn't returned home for days. She'd accepted that he was staying at his family home, so Montserrat didn't bother asking.She wasn't expecting to find him in the study the next morning, buried in work, surrounded by files and documents.Montserrat knocked lightly on the door before peeking her head inside.“I hope I'm not disturbing,” she asked.Though exhausted, Aaron smiled when he saw her, setting his glasses aside before rubbing his tired eyes.“I hope I didn't wake you. I tried to be as quiet as I could,” Aaron said, reaching for his coffee only to find that it had already gone cold.“You really have been working all night, haven't you?” she said.Aaron looked at the pile on the table. He remembered how he'd ended up having to deal with all of it in the first place.“I should be done... Maybe a week from now,” he muttered dryly.“I shouldn't disturb you then.” She walked closer to his desk and placed a small bag containing the wristwatch on the table.“Is this for me?” Aaro
Days passed, and Montserrat found herself spending more time with her friends again. That afternoon, the girls had dragged her out for a day of shopping, determined to make up for all the time she had spent buried in family problems.“It’s been a while since we’ve seen this side of you, Montserrat,” Angela teased, pulling Montserrat closer.“It’s not every day I get this blessed.” Montserrat twirled between the racks. “My father is doing great, my mum is finally getting some rest, and I have such wonderful friends who wouldn’t leave. And the best thing of all—”“Aaron,” they all said in unison.“I have you guys!” she laughed, too loud. The sound died in her throat and her smile slipped. “Why did you guys say Aaron?”“We thought—”“Do you guys think I like him in that type of way?”“No, we were just guessing,” Angela said quickly. “Um... don’t be angry.”“I’m not.” Montserrat sighed. “It’s just that I’m grateful he was by my side the entire time, but I haven’t developed feelings for hi
When they arrived, Montserrat quickly reached for her charger and plugged in her phone. She didn't wait for it to charge fully before turning it on.The notifications flooded her screen the moment she unlocked it, along with a string of missed calls.Nineteen missed calls.All from her mum.Her brows pulled together.There were also several messages from her lawyers, her assistant, and Camille.A knot formed in her stomach as she scrolled. Unease crawled up her spine.“Is there something wrong?”Montserrat jumped.“You scared me.” The breath she let out shook. “It's my mum. She called me several times while my phone was switched off.”Aaron glanced at the screen.“Then you should probably call her back.”She quickly tapped her mother's name and pressed the phone to her ear, stepping away from Aaron to collect herself.Her mother answered on the first ring.“Where have you been, Mon?” her mother demanded, her voice strained with worry.“I went out with—”“Your father is in critical con







