NON-EXISTENT PRIVACYThe loud chime of a phone alarm startled Maria awake. Although her body wished to remain in bed a few hours more, she felt well rested and stretched her body. She had been asleep for over seventeen hours and her whole body felt numb. After Maria had fallen asleep in the presence of Kyros, who put her in bed and later saw himself out, the next time she opened her eyes was around 2am.She was shocked wondering how she made it to her bed, then found a note beside her on the bed. In a nice calligraphy written by Kyros, the note read “You were sleeping so peacefully and didn’t have the heart go disturb you so I saw myself out. Call me when you’re awake and feeling better. XOXO.”She smiled at the message and got out of bed to have a light snack. Maria was hungry and a light snack wasn’t going to satisfy her raging belly, so she settled for Noodles. It was a quick and satisfying meal. A light snack at 2am was a bad idea if she wanted to burn the calories she was always

BLEND IN OR BE BLENDEDMyth fascinated Maria. She spent her teenage years reading and learning about all kinds. The intrigue she held of it was a serious case, as it made her wonder if magic existed.Maria questioned whatever she did not understand. One could even call it an obsession, which she held for myths. It was a phase she soon outgrew and found something else that became her passion and led her to be the woman she was.Given her current situation, magic had to be real. She wouldn’t even question it as long as it came to her rescue. The only thing that could save her was magic. There seemed to be no way out from the deep grave of humiliation she had dug herself in. The only way out was for the ground to open up and swallow her.Or perhaps swallow someone else, thus giving her enough time to dash for the door.How did she not realize it? She asked herself. The painting the British lady had asked her opinion had a cursive signature on the edge. So did the portrait of the billio

WSW- WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMENNobody can do it all. Maria was very aware of that fact. The grace it took to get her herself together and step out of her haven to follow Genevieve Pierre to a nearby French restaurant needed to be taught in schools. She had expected something more of an ambush by the lady and her two minions, if she had any.It was a far cry from reality, though. Genevieve did not strike her as a spiteful person, but she realized assuming much of a person she barely knew was not a great idea. It was only going to land her in even deeper waters.Maria had no clue on how to begin her apology. Genevieve had given no room for conversation since they walked out of Maria’s apartment building. As they walked into the grand restaurant, the receptionist recognized Genevieve and greeted her with respect. The receptionist greeted Maria respectfully as well, before leading them to an exclusive table.Maria is impressed by the interior of the restaurant and the service. The exclusive

THE UPPER HANDReid took a seat beside Maria and gave her a glance before he greeted her. "Hey, Maria," he said in a rather low tone than he had planned to sound. "Hey, Reid," she returned before stuffing her mouth full with her meal. "How was church?" Athina asked him as she served him a plate of the meal and out of curiosity, Maria looked over at him to get his response. She wasn't originally sure what response she wanted to hear or if she was expectant of a particular reply but the fact still remains that she never expected his type to visit the church. "Fine." was his curt reply. What more was she expecting? She thought. Colton cleared his throat before he spoke. "Guess where Maria had been all day?" he asked, his question directed towards Reid. "With Genevieve," he concluded with a little laugh before filling his mouth. Reid looked at her curiously but she wasn't at all ready for a new session of explanation. "What was it you had been discussing with Genevieve?" he aske

TWO TO TANGOKyros was tired of the stare battle between them as it seems Maria was not ready to make out words to say. "My apologies, Maria." he finally said. "It's fine," she replied, feigning a smile that obviously looked fake. She proceeded to walk away as though she knew not why Kyros was present, ignoring the Lavender bouquet in his hands. As she turned away from him, Kyros held her hand, disrupting her from walking away from him. Maria does not exactly know why she felt upset since they were not in a romantic relationship for her to feel hurt but then, she could not help it. "Don't leave me, Maria," he spoke softly to her like a kid who wants ice cream. "What do you want from me?" she asked calmly as well, not willing to let her emotion painted on her face. Despite her calm tone, his heart sank in its place as she seems not to realize his pure intentions. "I don't want much, Maria. I just want you to look at me a little softer. I promise it was not my intention to stand