Masuk"Is that a promise, or a threat?" I heard myself ask, my voice was teasing. I didn’t let go of her hand. Instead, my thumb brushed instinctively over the sensitive skin of her palm, while my left hand smoothly drove the wheel."Depende sa kung paano mo tatanggapin, Boss," she shot back instantly, her tone laced with that familiar mischief that never failed to crumble my walls. “Kung magpapakabait ka, promise 'yan. Pero kung itutuloy mo 'yung pagiging snob mo kanina sa Villa, naku, ituturing ko 'yan bilang banta sa kalusugan ng puso ko.”I couldn’t help the low chuckle that escaped my throat."I told you, I have my reasons. Hindi kita ini-snob dahil gusto ko, I just can't tell you the reason yet," I defended myself. "But I apologize anyway. You don't deserve to feel ignored.”“Alam mo, Lucas.” she started. “Minsan naiisip ko, baka naman ginayuma mo ako? Kasi naman, kahit anong sungit mo nung una tayong magkakilala, konting ngiti mo lang ngayon, tunaw na agad ang galit ko. Ang daya.”"I
"Deal," I replied, my voice low and full of sincerity. I could see the immediate effect it had on her. Her eyes widened, and a lovely flush crept up her neck and spilled across her cheeks.I knew Anya. I knew the playful glint in her eyes and the curve of her smile. She was my everything. And deep down, I knew she would have given me a dozen kisses, maybe even a lifetime of them, regardless of any deals or negotiations.I shifted slightly, my hand moving smoothly to the key. I turned on the engine. "Teka, saan tayo pupunta?" she asked, her gaze fixed on me as I buckled my seatbelt. I could feel her watching my every move, a strange mix of admiration and curiosity etched onto her features. “Magpapakalayo-layo ba tayo? Iiwanan na ba natin ang magulong mundo ng catering at magpapakasal na sa pinakamalapit na simbahan?”I glanced at her, my eyebrow arching slightly as my familiar, playful yet entirely melting grin made its appearance. "As much as I find your wild imagination entertaining
“Lucas, you should be engaged to Yanna Quija.” My father told me that immediately raised my brow.“Out of the blue?” I asked with my brows furrowed. I don't like the idea.“Yes, we need to strengthen our influence. We need to merge with the Quija group with this arranged marriage. Besides, you and Yanna have known each other for a long time. I think you two will make a nice pair.” He calmly said while looking at me.“But father, the Villamor group can stand on its own even without the help of the Quija’s!” I retorted but my father shook his head.“Stop defying me, Lucas. The profit is enormous. I cannot let it slip in my hands. You're of a marriageable age, you should marry Yanna. End of discussion. I don't want to hear any more of your excuses. You will do this for the sake of our family.” He glared to warn me before leaving the room.I cussed as he left. He didn't even think about what I would feel about this. Always deciding to think only of himself. It's frustrating. If this engag
The moment the door clicked opened, Anya’s gaze pierced through me. I didn't even have to look up from my laptop screen to know she was already scanning the room, plotting how to turn my quiet room into her personal playground.I kept my eyes fixed on the glowing screen of my laptop, fighting the corners of my mouth that desperately wanted to curve upward. I deliberately kept my reading glasses on just to give myself a thin shield against her ridiculous charm. I need to calm myself. I need to review documents today.“Sir Lucas, magpapatuloy na po ako sa pag-aayos,” she announced, her voice dripping with the most exaggerated formality she could muster.I couldn't help it. I let out a low laugh and glanced over my shoulder at her. “What’s with the formality? Just call me Lucas, Anya. I’ll just finish this report and then I'll hang out with you after.”Even to my own ears, my voice sounded entirely too soft when I spoke to her. I guess she charmed me too much. I watched the way her eyes
We needed cleaners for the Tagaytay mansion, which unexpectedly gave us a chance to share the weekend together.When Anya stepped inside and slid into the seat right beside me, I immediately caught her scent, something sweet and distinct that always manages to throw off my focus. The driver shut the door, and the air inside instantly felt heavier and warmer despite the coldness of the air conditioning. I lowered my phone slowly, turning my head to look at her as I leaned back against the seat.“So, you’re coming after all,” I murmured, keeping my voice low, just enough for the two of us to hear. I watched her closely.“Siyempre naman, Lucas. Mahirap na, baka kasi kapag wala ako roon, mamatay ka sa lungkot. Ako lang naman ang nagbibigay ng kulay pink sa grayscale mong buhay,” she whispered back, her eyes flashing with a playful challenge while she kept her hands neatly to herself.I let out a low chuckle, unable to hide the amusement in my chest. “I thought you said you were innocent,
I let out a soft sigh, watching Anya step back from our embrace. My chest still felt strangely light, filled with that effortless warmth she always brought into the room. She turned toward the large suitcase resting beside my closet. “O siya, baka ma-stress na naman si Ma’am Cindy kapag hindi pa kita naipag-impake,” she said, her voice laced with that energetic, playful charm I had grown addictively accustomed to. She marched straight into my closet, pushing the double doors open. I watched her pause for a second, her eyes widening as if she had just stepped into a treasure vault. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?” I teased, letting my voice drop just to see how she’d react. Predictably, her shoulders tensed, and she turned around with a wide eyed expression. “Naku, Lucas Villamor, huwag mo akong sinusubukan,” she warned, her hands busy pulling tailored polo shirts off their hangers. “Baka kapag sumama ako doon, sa halip na asikasuhin kita, mapagkamalan pa akong nawawa
Matapos ang gabing muntik nang maging 'Rated SPG' ang buhay ko ay biglang naglaho si Sir Lucas. Akala ko pa naman ay masusundan ang aming moment, pero mukhang sa panaginip ko muna itutuloy ang mga naudlot na halik. Ang dalawang linggong wala si Sir Lucas ay parang dalawang taon para sa akin. Para
Naramdaman ko ang biglang pag-akyat ng lahat ng dugo ko sa mukha. "O-opo, Sir. Sorry po talaga. Akala ko po talaga kasi ikamamatay ko na 'yung kaba," sabi ko habang pilit na inaayos ang suot kong manipis na puting t-shirt. Sa sobrang luma nito, halos maging transparent na siya, at sa sobrang kaba k
Hindi ko maitago ang saya ko habang naglalakad pauwi. Halos liparin ko ang daan patungo sa aming bahay. Pagpasok ko palang, bumungad na agad si Nanay na naghihiwa ng kangkong habang si Lola naman ay nakasandal sa aming upuang kawayan.“Nay! Lola! May trabaho na ako!” malakas kong sigaw na halos ika
“Anya, aalis ka na ba?”Nag-aayos ako ng mga gamit ko nang bigla iyong itanong ni Lola. Nakaupo siya sa gilid ng aming papag, hawak ang isang basong tubig at ang huling piraso ng kanyang gamot. Ilang araw na rin siyang nagrereklamo sa sakit ng puso niya kaya naman kahit gustuhin kong mag-inarte sa







