“What kind of paintings are these?” Ara’s big mouth starts popping open as soon as she sees the withered rose and the arrow-and-rock-crushed heart paintings on my office walls. I requested Yen to let Ara come and visit me at the office. At least, it’s safe that way. I’m not sure if I’m being bugged, or somebody is following me because of that incident with Mr. Greg. How did he know I was in that coffee shop? Or, is he sent together with Maezy to monitor me? But those questions are something I could not ask Mr. Greg. I don’t want him or James to create a negative impression on me. “Don’t you like them?” I ask, smiling at Ara as I stand behind her. She spins around and looks at me right in the eye. “Why are they sad and tragic? It seems like those paintings have hidden meanings, or stories waiting to be told.” I nod. Even if Mr. D told me that those paintings are about me and my melancholic tendencies, I still feel otherwise. I feel those speak about hi

I pull the car to the side as soon as I see the renovated building just outside the business zone where Kim Yuan Microelectronics is located. On its right side, stands a billboard that says, “Soon to open, Jamella, Philippines! The font size is so large that anyone from afar can read it. And at the bottom, it also says, “…a five-star restaurant that will serve continental cuisines at its best! At the center are the building and design plan. It looks luxurious and attractive, just as what is expected of my girl. I stare at the building just like seeing Ella, herself. My heart swells with pride for her, even if I can’t tell her that in person. I don’t want to make everything hard for her, including her decision to leave me. But when missing her seems too much to handle, I send her flowers but I don’t write my name. I don’t mind if she thinks it comes from James. Ever since the renovation started, I pass by here every day and do what I’m doing now. It’s not far from the only XYZ Coffee

The door suddenly flies open, making me jump off my seat. I am checking some documents that have given me a headache for hours. And this sudden intrusion gets under my nerves. So I look up and prepare to rant, only to see my best friend stepping into my office like a princess in distress. Ever since Kim removed me from the managerial position, I feel I have lost my freedom. He has appointed me instead as his executive assistant, making me tail wherever he is. I don’t feel bad about this because I understand his intention, and that is to tie me up to him on whatever projects, transactions, or functions we are engaging in. However, this also secures our relationship because I am with him all the time. Being the highly-respected CEO and the highest shareholder of the company, Kim has treated me not just as his equal but as the queen of the company. As a result, my decisions are often the company’s laws, and my words are his rules. “Ara?!” “I’m sorry, First Lady, but I can’t take this

My fingers have almost gone numb as I tap on the screen repeatedly. But no amount of effort can do me the magic of reaching Mr. Greg. Wherever he may be at this time of the day, whether he’s heating his ass on a bed or casting his foul fart into the humid morning breeze, I just can’t get him to appear before my face. I’m already too pissed off to let this marriage issue with Mr. D go unsettled for a day.As if Mr. Luck has suddenly decided to be on my side, I remember it’s Thursday today, the day I have agreed to meet Maezy again. And the day James can freely communicate with me through that fake guard. Picking up my phone, I swipe the screen impatiently and press Maezy’s name.“Hey, Miss Maezy? Can we meet up earlier?”“As you wish, dear,” comes her deep and irritating voice.“Where are you now?”“Jakara Hotel.”I raise my brow, and my lips twist into a smirk.

"Zed Ramos! Why do I have this honor to receive such a dignified guest?" Dr. Mitch rises to her feet and chuckles, extending her hand at me for a handshake. I accept her hand, although I'm no longer used to such formalities. She and Yen had been close friends, and we used to greet each other by kissing on the cheeks."Oh, I like that," I tell her, my lips curving into a warm smile as I release her hand.Dr. Mitch gestures with her hand pointing to a chair across from her desk, so I step forward and take the seat. She also sits gracefully, her white coat accentuating her fair skin and the small frame of her pretty face. Her loosely-permed hair hangs loosely down her shoulders, and a silver hairpin decorated with sparkling stones plastered her bangs to the side."By the way, how's Ella? Is she the reason you're here?""Yes." I nod sadly, and judging by her concerned stare, I know she has noticed how the warm gleam in my eyes disappears at the mention of Ell