บททั้งหมดของ My Step-Uncle's Plaything: บทที่ 61 - บทที่ 70

AliceIt still feels different every time I go up to Mom’s place—it’s like I return to a lighter version of myself, the one without complicated men, without corporate wars, and without eyes constantly measuring whether I’m enough for the world of people like Lance.I have my own keys and fingerprint on the door lock, so I just opened the door. I was immediately greeted by the smell of sinigang and the familiar laughter of my stepfather watching a documentary in the living room. Mom glanced at me from the kitchen, and her smile instantly widened.“Alice!” she said, her voice full of delight as she wiped her hands on her apron before hugging me. “I’m so glad you dropped by. I thought you were busy again with school and work.”“A little,” I replied, hugging her back. “But I wanted to rest too. And… I missed you.”That was true. I was tired—from classes, from my part-time job at MobTech, and from the emotions I kept trying to steady every day. Lance had been busy these past few weeks—espe

LanceI woke up early, not because of the alarm or work, but because I could feel the warmth of Alice’s body tucked against my chest, her slow breathing brushing against my neck.For a moment, I kept my eyes closed, trying to carve that second into memory—the peaceful look on her face, the way her hair spilled across the pillow, the unconscious way she held onto me even in her sleep.If I could stop time, I would have.But I know, I can’t.Carefully, I eased her arm from around my waist and slowly sat up. I didn’t want to wake her. More than that, I didn’t want Lemuel waking up and finding me here.I slipped out of the room quietly, adjusting my weight with each step to avoid making any sound. I settled in the living room, sitting on the sofa, before leaning back as if I had slept there all night.They can’t know.Not yet.If they find out—especially Annabelle—she won’t take it lightly. Not because she’s cruel. The opposite. She’s protective of Alice. And with everything happening at

AliceOn the other end of the line, after I said the word married, silence followed.It wasn’t long.But it was long enough.Long enough for my mind to betray me.In that tiny stretch of quiet, I imagined headlines. Engagement photos. Press releases. His father was standing beside him. Jeraldine is smiling for the cameras.“Alice,” Lance finally said, his voice low and controlled. “Don’t think about what you’re hearing.”I closed my eyes.It was so easy for him to say that.“Lance…” I replied softly. “This isn’t just simple gossip. There’s an article. A blind item. People are talking about it in the office.”I heard him exhale slowly, as if steadying himself before choosing his words carefully.“I know where that’s coming from,” he said. “And I’m handling it.”Handling it.I wanted to hold onto those two words.But they felt… distant.“Handling it how?” I asked before I could stop myself. My voice wasn’t angry, but scared.There was another pause, shorter this time but heavy.“I’m doi

AliceWhen I got back to the apartment, I felt different. Not confused or insecure. I’m feeling controlled and grounded.I turned on the kitchen lights and headed straight to the fridge. As I took out the ingredients for adobo, his message replayed in my mind.'Wear something that makes me forget my last name.'I smiled to myself before grabbing my phone and starting typing.Me: I’m at the apartment.His reply came almost instantly.Lance: Are you trying to distract me from corporate warfare, Miss Marketing?Me: Maybe. Is it working?Lance: Very. What kind of wine?Me: Red. Strong. Like you when you’re stubborn.Lance: Careful. I might show up earlier than 8.I shook my head, setting the phone down.As I cooked the adobo—my favorite, and secretly his too, even if he never admitted it—I paid attention to every detail. A little brown sugar for a hint of sweetness. Extra garlic because he liked it rich and bold. I let it simmer slowly, allowing the meat to soften and the sauce to thicken

Alice“How long has this been going on?” Mom asked, her eyes locked directly on mine. Lance had just sat down beside me after he got dressed.“Mom, please—” I started.“Answer me, Alice.”I took a deep breath.“Months.”Lance was the one who answered.I turned to look at him. Months? Did that mean he was including even the very beginning—our first meeting?“Months?” Mom repeated, her voice rising. “And you didn’t even think to tell me?”“We didn’t want everything to become chaotic,” Lance replied, still calm. “We were waiting for the right time.”“The right time?” My mother let out a short laugh, but there was no amusement in it. “You’re taking advantage of my daughter—”“Mom!” My voice rose despite myself. “It’s not like that.”“Isn’t it?” she shot back. “Alice, do you even understand the position he’s in? Do you know how complicated everything is? His brother is my husband,” she added sharply.“Honey,” Uncle Lemuel cut in gently, “let’s calm down.”“Calm down?” She turned to him. “Y