NELINA Nothing feels better than sweating out all the extra calories in my body. I was soaked wet after almost an hour of heavy workouts.   "You're doing a great job, Nelly. Your determination and discipline are remarkable. I commend you for that." My instructor Jessie was nothing but very supportive. No wonder Marica recommended her.   "Don't mention it, Jessie. I'll never drop you for another instructor. You're the best for sure," I said, patting the towel on my moist face.   Jessie cracked, hearing my praise. "Thank you for that. You know, I noticed, if I may say. You are pretty much different from your best friend, Marica. She is so bubbly, and you are a little quieter than her. Marica and I, we're like we could talk all day." &nbs

NELINA It's Saturday weekend, but I have to grind for my family. Marica and I are set to prepare for the significant coming events in the company. I love working with her when it comes to bettering the business. It doesn't feel like working at all. Being my best friend's number one support system, I'm all for the company's progress.   We started as a salon company, and now we offer make-up packages for events. This is a massive step for us, being a young company that started just over a year. I have never been happier for Marie.   Between fixing my things for my lunch meeting with Marie, Royce's sad face flickers on my thoughts. I paused, realizing that I might have helped him if I asked what was wrong. He seemed too disturbed after he received a call. I shut my eyes close and shook the thoughts away. There's

ROYCE At precisely 3 pm, I was at Grand Villa residences to pick up Nelina. As soon as I parked the car, I dialed her number to notify her as she instructed. I didn't wait long before seeing her walking to my car, wearing a white polo shirt, faded ripped blue jeans, and paired with white rubber shoes. A small sling bag in her shoulder, swaying as she walked in haste. Before she reached the passenger's door, I already opened it for her. "Hi, gorgeous," I said, smirking like I usually do.   She rolled her eyes at me like she always does. She's even prettier when she's annoyed, just what I like. I knew she wanted the compliment; it's just my evil smirk that she hates. I chuckled when she was finally inside the car.   When we were on our way to the racing track, I remember to ask a question that's been on my mind

NELINA A week has passed, and I've decided to give it another try with Royce. I talked to Royce on the phone last Friday, and he volunteered to pick me up at our condo unit because he wanted to talk to mom personally. At first, I was hesitant to have him at home. But he insisted and was stubborn to pursue meeting mom and dad, giving them assurance that I was safe with him.   So, I thought that it was a good idea to give mom assurance since she was reluctant. I shared what happened during our last date; Marica and mom were both concerned. The idea of digging into my traumatic experience in the past has got them anxious about me.   It's already a quarter to 9 in the morning, and I'm almost good to go; just fix my hair in a ponytail. I settled on a baby pink polo shirt, black ripped jeans and paired them with ba

ROYCE Nelly hesitated for a second before she stepped forward. She roamed her eyes around upon entering the room. I closed the door behind me, leaving it unlocked. "So, what do you think? First impression?"   "Spacious, minimalist design, neat, and organized. Do you really keep it this flawless?" Nelly asked, amused.   "Oh, that's more than I expected. Thank you. And yes, this room stays clean since I only sleep here like once or twice a month."   She drew near the old cabinet and leaned over, her back on it. "So, how about you give me a little hint of what's in this room?"   "Sure. First, all of the furniture used here are old; I chose to keep