Semua Bab Twisted Ties: Bab 21 - Bab 30

A few days had passed and Ainara was back in Manila. The Palawan project was progressing, her inbox was overflowing, and her calendar was packed. But that Thursday morning, while she was reviewing site reports, her phone rang. She answered, still typing.“Hey, Jules.”“Hi, Ate Ai. Quick favor. My cousin Nico—remember him? The one I mentioned once?”Ainara paused. “The one from Alabang?”“Yes! He’s renovating his house. He’s kind of lost with the layout and finishes. I told him you might be able to give some advice.”Ainara leaned back. “Julie, I’m swamped.”“I know, I know. But he’s really nice. Just one meeting. During your lunch break. He’ll treat you to coffee.”Ainara sighed. “Okay. Send me the address.”“You’re the best!”**By noon, Ainara was in Alabang, standing outside a modern but half-finished house. Nico greeted her with a warm smile, wearing a button-down shirt and slacks—classic, neat, and just a little old-fashioned.“Hi, Miss Del Carmen. Thanks for coming.”“Call me Ai

The townhouse was quiet, wrapped in the soft hush of early morning. The curtains swayed gently with the breeze, letting in streaks of sunlight that danced across the hardwood floor. Ainara stirred beneath the sheets, her body warm and relaxed, curled against Andres’s chest. He was already awake, watching her with a sleepy smile.“Good morning,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face.She blinked slowly, then smiled back. “Hi.”Neither of them moved right away. The silence between them was comfortable, like the kind that only comes after a night of shared secrets and skin. Ainara traced lazy circles on his shoulder, her mind still floating somewhere between sleep and the memory of last night.Andres leaned in and kissed her forehead. “You okay?”He was referring to their intimacy last night. It was Ainara’s first time, and he knew it had hurt when her hymen tore. He felt proud as a man to be her first, and he promised himself he would make everything right when the time

Isabella sat stiffly on one of the velvet lounge chairs near the pantry, her coffee untouched. She had just exchanged pleasantries with Ainara in the hallway — a simple “Hi” — and Ainara had responded with a polite nod, nothing more. But it was enough to set Isabella off. She hated how composed Ainara always looked. How she never seemed rattled. How she walked through the office like she belonged there.Pia noticed the shift immediately. She slid into the seat beside Isabella, all faux concern and glossy lips.“You okay?” Pia asked, voice soft, syrupy.Isabella didn’t answer right away. Then, “She’s so smug.”Pia tilted her head. “Ainara?”Isabella nodded. “She barely looked at me.”Pia sighed dramatically. “Well… you know how she is. Always so… proper. But I get it. It’s awkward.”Isabella narrowed her eyes. “Why would it be awkward?”Pia leaned in, lowering her voice. “I mean… you and Andres used to be a thing. And now she’s practically glued to him.”Isabella’s brows furrowed. “The

It was another Friday evening, and one they both eagerly waited for. With everything going on at work and in their personal lives, it felt like they were constantly in a marathon.Andres stepped into the townhouse, shoulders heavy, tie loosened, the scent of hotel coffee and boardroom tension still clinging to him. The meeting had dragged on longer than expected—too many egos, too few good ideas—and all he wanted now was silence, food, and Ainara.He dropped his keys on the console and kicked off his shoes.“Babe?” he called out.From the kitchen, a voice floated back. “Dining area!”He walked in—and stopped.Ainara was standing by the table, plating food. She had clearly just showered, her skin still dewy, her hair a soft mess of waves tied in a loose bun that was already falling apart. She wore an oversized gray t-shirt that hung halfway down her thighs, sleeves rolled, neckline wide. No makeup. Just her.Andres stared.“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, not turning a

Ainara arrived at the office early. Monday — a new week, a new battle. She wore a cream blouse, high-waisted slacks, and simple makeup — just enough to look composed but not intimidating. Carrying her laptop bag and a tumbler of coffee, she entered the lobby with an effortless confidence.As she walked in, she immediately noticed Pia at the receptionist’s desk. Pia wore a fitted blazer, a pencil skirt, and her signature red lipstick. She was handing over a small box to the receptionist.“Please tell the courier to pick this up at 11:30. Confidential,” Pia instructed with a wink.Pia noticed Ainara and smiled — not a genuine smile, but one with an edge, sly and calculated.“Well, well,” Pia greeted, “you’re early today, Miss Del Carmen.”“Monday,” Ainara replied calmly.Pia laughed softly. “Same here. But I’ve got a different kind of energy today. It’s different when you finally have your own office with a window.”Ainara raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Congrats.” She remembered Andres telling