RUE I messed up big time. Watching Tysha gather her things and leave my sister's house, I felt a twinge of guilt for the words I threw at her. But instead of stopping her, I just stood there like a stubborn fool, letting her walk away. "Uncle, why did you have to say that?" my nephew asked, his innocence carrying a weight of understanding beyond his years. Yet, I couldn't find the words to explain my mistake. I clenched my jaw, frustration building within me. Damn it! What the hell was I thinking? Looking back, I'm puzzled by my own feelings. Why do I have this intense dislike for her? It's like this irrational pettiness takes over, clouding my judgment and making me say things I don't mean. It's not just about her tutoring skills or any excuse I tell myself. There's something deeper, rooted in my own issues. Maybe it's a mirror of my insecurities, a need to assert control, or just a display of some unresolved frustration. Whatever it is, it's clear I need to understand myself bet

RUE I've been raised with everyone always saying how strong I am. Some even questioned if I had any feelings for others. Tears were never a part of my story, not even when my dad passed away. Stoicism was my shield, and I wore it proudly. But when I saw Tysha crying outside that hospital, a twinge of something new hit me. It was like something squeezed my heart, a feeling I'd never felt before. Her tears, her vulnerability, stirred an unexpected pain within me. I had become really good at keeping my feelings in check, moving through life without letting emotions show. However, in that moment, as I saw her pain, a crack formed in the tough exterior I had carefully crafted. It was like a discovery, a peek into a world of emotions I believed were out of my reach. Her tears brought about a discomfort that went beyond the surface. It wasn't just sympathy; it was a stirring of something profound, a realization of our shared humanity. Perhaps, there's more to life than the unyielding toug

TYSHA In Barra's backstage dressing room at the Eventide Cabaret, the weight of the offer she presented sank in as I sat on the edge of her couch. The name she dropped caught me off guard, and I had to confirm if I heard correctly. "Rue Colterzon?!" I exclaimed, unable to believe the revelation. I contacted her the moment I decided to finally take the job she was offering last week. I had no choice but to accept her offer. This was my only hope to pay all of our debts and have some funds for my mother's upcoming surgery. She quickly laid out the details of the job and dropped the bomb – Rue Colterzon was the billionaire I'd be working with. That revelation hit me like a ton of bricks, sending my mind into a whirlwind of contemplation. Barra, leaning against her dresser with a mischievous glint in her eyes, responded, "Yes. Do you know him? Then, your work will be a lot easier if you already know him!" Of all people?! Really?! Is the universe playing tricks on me? Gosh! And what

TYSHA "Do I really need all of these?" I whispered to Barra, looking at the pile of clothes and doubting if I really needed this much. We were in the back seat of Rij’s expensive car as they planned to drive me back to the hospital. "Of course! And don't worry about the payment. It's Rij's treat," Barra assured me. Now, I couldn't help but be intrigued. "Why is he making all this effort for his friend anyway?" I inquired, curious about why Rij was going all out for Rue. I’m not sure if Rue is actually a good person because, with me, he’s obviously not. So, I really don’t understand that he even has a good friend like Rij. And I knew that Rij and Rue were childhood best friends, but isn't this too much? Or did I just grow up in a different status and world? "Rue is not just my friend," Rij chimed in, catching me off guard as I hadn't realized he was listening. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "He's my buddy. And this isn't just for fun. We could say this is life or death for

RUE "Are you still doubting my capabilities?" Tysha asked once more. This time, I found myself at a loss for words. She began walking towards me, and I remained rooted to my spot as if glued to the ground. I watched as she stopped right in front of me, closing our distance. Looking up at me with her doe eyes, she whispered slowly, "Why don't you try me? One month, Rue Colterzon. I can assure you that within a span of a month, you'll solve your problem with asexuality." I was about to be distracted by the way her hazel eyes stared at me, but then I realized what she had just said. My brows automatically furrowed. "How did you know about that?" I questioned. That damn Rij! Did he spill my secret on her?! Tysha decided to change the topic. "Deal? All you have to do is sign the contract and hire me," she continued to persuade me into something I wouldn't even consider doing. "I'm not signing that shit," I declared, standing my ground. She made a face as she pushed my chest. "You're