"I see you came back to work without even saying 'hi' to your boss," ani Jerome nang hindi agad umimik si Lauren. Sandali nitong ipinaikot ang tingin sa tent na nagsisilbing dressing room niya tuwing nasa shooting siya. And while she knew that the tent was enough for five people and more, she finds it impossibly cramped up now that Jerome was in it with her."Are you just going to stare at me, Lauren? Not even a sorry for what you did?" Agad na bumangon ang galit sa dibdib ni Lauren sa sinabi ni Jerome. How dare he show up in front of her and put all the blame on her!"I'm just here to finish my job. Nothing significant which requires me to pay you a visit or even apologize. Besides, why would I say sorry to you? I wasn't the who cheated," matigas ang boses na sagot niya. She wanted to yell at him, to hurl insults on his lying face. Kaya lang maaring may mga tao sa labas ng tent, members of the show's production team who seemed to be walking on eggshells the minute she walked to the

Lauren took a deep breath as Kiel's car pulled over infront of a big building where the anniversary of SSL is going to take place. It wasn't her first time to be in a middle of a big crowd. But still, she can't help the nerves from overwhelming her. It had just been a week since the scandal. Given a choice, she would have withdrawn her public presence for a while and probably live under a rock. Pero tama si Kiel, she had a role to play-- one thing she was paid for, thanks to her greedy aunt.And now, she doesn't have a choice. She needs to be with Kiel tonight and play the part well as his wife.Her and Kiel's bodyguards opened the car's doors for them. As soon as they were out of the car, flashes of camera instantly surrounded them. Maya-maya pa, mabilis siyang tinabihan ni Kiel. His hand quickly circled on her waist as he gently pulled her flushed to him before planting a soft kiss on her forehead."Remember what we talked about. Don't say anything ," bulong nito bago siya binitiwan

Hindi umimik si Lauren. She just planned to ignore Tyler for his arrogance was beginning to irk her. She stepped aside and tried to walk away once again subalit hinagip nito ang isang braso niya, pulling her a little bit closer to him. That's when she had a whiff of his alcohol-tinged breath. "Why are you in a hurry? We haven't danced yet." She released a harsh breath, the guy is really pushing her to the edge. "I'm sorry but I don't want to dance with you. Now please, let go of me," aniya, pigil ang emosyon."Oh, c'mon, Lauren. I know you want to dance with me too," sagot nito, lalong lumawak ang ngisi. Tuluyan nang sumulak ang gigil niya sa lalaki. She forcefully yanked her arm from his hold. She was about to open her mouth to give the arrogant man a tongue-lashing when suddenly, Kiel walked over between them. "Stay away from my wife, Tyler. That's my first and final warning to you," pahayag nito, bago bumaling sa kanya. His eyes displayed the same fury she had seen earlier that

"Watch out, Kiel!" sigaw ni Lauren nang muntik na nilang mahagip ang sasakyang nasa kanilang unahan nang mag-overtake dito si Kiel.Hindi umimik si Kiel, lalo lang binilisan ang pagpapatakbo.Kiel was driving like a madman for a while now. And she still doesn't know why except for the fact that they need to be at his house before his mother does. Kaya naman naroon lang siya sa passengers seat, tensiyonado habang nagdarasal that the car would reach his house in one piece.Tumunog ang cellphone nito. He cussed and quickly reached for his earpiece, answering the call with so much urgency."Josh. Oo, malapit na kami. I don't know 15 minutes, tops. What? Then fcking stall! You owe me, Josh! I have saved your damn ass a dozen times from Mom too! Dammit!" ani Kiel, marahas na kinalas ang earpiece nito, lumiko sa isang intersection. "We're taking a shortcut. Hold on tight," dugtong pa nito. Alanganin siyang tumango. She closed her eyes and did as she was told. She cannot watch him drive fas

"Thank you," ani Lauren nang iabot nito sa kanya ang goblet ng wine. Sandaling namayani ang katahimikan bago, "I'm sorry for being an ass too. I shouldn't have put all the blame on you. I'm just..." He just huffed and took a swig of his beer. "Mom took over Ace Logistics. She said it will remain that way until she had not seen me try for this marriage to work."Napakurap siya. No wonder he's always on edge."I'm so sorry, Kiel. I dragged you into this mess--""No. It's not your fault I-I'm a little... lost."Lost. The way he said the word tugged something inside her heart. Was it pity? Compassion? Or something else?She wanted to tell him that she felt lost too. Even before the scandal broke, she felt uncertain about her future. But she chose to remain silent. She had learned from their previous interactions that they are not good in talking. So in order for that conversation to work, they must take turns talking and listening. "I need your help to get back my full control over my c