All Chapters of Hail the Mafia Queen: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

“That was not a good suggestion, though,” Victor retorted. “Just because you are rich, Minerva, doesn’t mean you have to suggest a grand place where you can brag about your expensive contribution to the party.”“So this is all about me in the end?” I concluded and dramatically pointed at myself. “I just want the best for Kristine’s birthday party, and you are attacking me-““No, I am not attacking you. I am talking about how you are not thinking about-““A mere suggestion and yet you are now making drama-““It’s still not logical. Just one night. We cannot spend that much money, you know?”“Okay, fine. Where do you want to suggest, then? In your house?”“We have no pool. Everyone in this group has no pool in their houses. Do you have one?”I bit my lower lip to stop myself from speaking up again. They were all so silent, their eyes ping-ponged, alternately looking at Victor and me. He has a point, though, and I didn’t even realize that Victor was right. If no one in the group has a po

I yawned and stretched my arms a little bit after the class was done. Shiela immediately went to me, asking how I managed to convince our condominium’s management to party in the pool area.“Trust me. It was just so easy,” I merely said and winked at her.Our friends were already in the students' lounge, waiting for us, since Sheila called us for a meeting. The group chat again was lined up with messages, but I didn’t bother to look at them. My mind was still thinking about the professor’s discussion, so I had to read a book while walking through the hallway. Shiela was still pattering. I managed to reply to her whenever she asks questions while reading.“Hey, guys! Classes done?” I heard Sheila as she ran towards the table where our friends were.I had to finish the last part of the book chapter, so I didn’t look it up. I stopped in the middle of the lounge. They were clamoring and calling me already, so I had to raise my hand and make them stop. When I was satisfied with what I read

What time is he coming back?I watched the time from my phone and saw that it is going to be one am. Currently, my buttocks are glued to the sofa, Netflix is on the television, and my phone is in my hand. Victor and I were texting each other an hour ago.Victor: So you and Ian had already broken up?Me: Yes. But when Karlo and I married, we were still together. I even opened up about taking a divorce after my parents died.Victor: Your parents died?Me: Yes.Victor: Must have been horrible for you. I would like to give condolences even it is too late.Me: It’s alright. Thank you. I have a new life now.Victor: Does Karlo take care of you?Me: Yes.Victor: Does he love you?Me: I think so.Victor: Do you love him?For some reason, I couldn’t answer that question and just turned off my phone. I only made an excuse that I had to prepare my books in my room for my classes tomorrow. But to be honest, I was not comfortable with that question – do I love Karlo? Well, I could say sometimes I

I glanced at Victor with amusement. His smirk was still playing on his lips, but there was embarrassment in his eyes at how they were no longer fixated on the road. While driving, I could see Sheila from the rearview mirror, who was not in delight and was merely crossing her arms.“First love?” I broke the silence and slightly looked over my shoulder.“Minerva, that is not important anymore,” Victor tried to shroud the topic while his hand was still on the steering wheel.“Oh, yeah? Before, he mentioned a girl he liked very much when he was still residing in the Philippines. He was loyal to her, but ever since he moved here and this alleged girl had another boyfriend, he has played every woman he dated. I have never heard him being serious in relationships. And that is because he still likes that mysterious girl from the Philippines!”I squinted my eyes at Victor. “Really?”“Yes. I wonder how beautiful that girl is for our friend to be crazy about her. I mean, can you agree, Minerva?

All of the girls rode in Sheila’s car. We were shrieking out of excitement as we were going to our condominium building to start decorating for Kristine’s birthday. On the other hand, the boys were taking care of the food and beverage. The last thing I heard from them before we separated was that they were going to buy raw meat for barbecue tomorrow. I was not even sure if the pool area’s management would allow that, but I will try to ask Karlo’s permission when I get there.“Wow, this is one of the most expensive condominiums in the city. I had no idea that you were that rich, Minerva!” Jerlyn exclaimed.The girls even looked up at the height of the building. I also did the same, but I was not even slightly amused.“Hmmm, I think it’s just an ordinary building,” I commented and shrugged. “Anyway, let’s go inside now before we waste any time.”They agreed and continued the conversation about the birthday suggestion of decorations like little high school girls. Even the residents insid