"ISABELLA Heyes, Magna cum laude!"I stood proudly, hearing the applause of everyone. As I walked across the stage, I noticed some students awkwardly glancing at me. For almost a year, I've been trying to find my purpose, attempting to move on from the past, but some things are just too difficult to let go.After receiving my diploma, I gave a speech to my batchmates. The cameras captured my every move, and I knew this would make headlines again. Most of my activities were already in the news, so I preferred staying at home or in my condo to enjoy solitude.Despite not being the valedictorian, they still asked me to give a speech. I didn't mind, considering the valedictorian also spoke. "Oh, why does our Disney princess look sad?" I shot a look at Dad for his remarks, but later, I smiled and hugged him along with Mommy Emely, Dad's new wife who just arrived from Europe."Congratulations, my daughter! We're very proud of you!" They embraced me warmly, and I couldn't help but notice th
"I'm too lazy to stir my spoon in my coffee while looking at my laptop. I've been working for months now, and I can say I spend more time reviewing submissions from the Planning department than preparing for the upcoming bar exam.A knock halted my activity, and moments later, my secretary entered. Different from Dad's secretary who worked in the adjacent building, I handled his businesses related to hotels and resorts nationwide. The latest project involved constructing a five-star hotel in Singapore, and this was my first time overseeing such a venture. It necessitated guidance from an expert in hotel design.‘Good afternoon, ma'am. Mr. Montgomery has arrived.” Secretary Beischiel stepped aside, and in came Alexander with a man, presumably the skilled architect he mentioned, for our Singapore project.“Good afternoon, Ms. Dasmond,” the architect politely greeted, extending his hand. “He’s Architect Daiton, he will be with us, helping with the overall design of the hotel.”I stood up
"You like baked cookies?"I lazily glanced at Alexander, who was pacing in front of me with an eagerness that matched his words. He's cooking in my kitchen. Yes, inside my condo. I couldn't bring myself to kick him out because the more stubborn I am, the more stubborn he becomes."Okay."His face lit up with a satisfied smile, and he headed towards the ingredients, already planning his culinary adventure."Soup?""Okay." I replied with a half-hearted nod, my eyes not leaving the random patterns on the floor."What about lasagna?""Okay." I mumbled, still lost in thought."Your mom was right, you eat a lot when you're having a fever. That's unique."A teasing smile played on his lips as he observed my peculiar behavior. He approached me, a subtle charm in his every step, and gently placed the back of his hand on my forehead."You're still hot, why don't you rest in your room? You've been here in the kitchen for a while."I just looked down, staring into space. "I want to eat."I saw a
The bar exam takes place at one of the prestigious universities in the Philippines, and I just found out that the university is owned by Vuntier's parents. Vuntier, who is Alexander's business partner and a long-time friend.Despite having a board meeting, Alexander insisted on driving me to the university. His phone kept ringing during our journey."You shouldn't have bothered to drive me. You have a board meeting today, and you're not even attending.""I can postpone the meeting. You're more important, and as the CEO, I can do that."I observed a change in him, being more open with me about small things. While we're not officially in a relationship, his actions often resemble that of a boyfriend.Architect Daiton, a friend, sent me a good luck message. Alexander noticed and seemed annoyed. "Good luck to him too," he muttered.Glancing at my phone again, he frowned. "Architect Daiton, huh? Is he the reason you've been smiling lately?""He's just a friend, Alexander. Relax."He sighed
This is the last chapter of the book, and the next one will be the epilogue.I woke up to a knock on the bedroom door and realized I hadn't set my alarm. It's already ten o'clock! I rushed to the bathroom, but the knocking persisted, so I shouted, "I'm not done! I'll be ready in a few minutes!"After a quick shower, there was another knock, prompting me to yell again. Wrapped in a bathrobe, I opened the door, only to find Alexander there in a tight shirt and shorts."Alex, why aren't you dressed yet?" I asked, eyeing his outfit."I asked Architect Daiton to go ahead. We can follow later," he replied, looking down before locking eyes with me. "What do you want for breakfast? I'll cook."Opting for bacon, I told him I'd be down in a moment. I quickly changed into shorts and a spaghetti top, leaving my hair untied. As I descended, the aroma of food filled the air, making my stomach growl.Entering the kitchen, I was greeted by a sight—Alexander in a black apron, half-naked, showcasing hi
ALEXANDER MONTGOMERY I hurriedly exited the car upon hearing Dachiel's information. We went to the location where my child was allegedly taken. To my surprise, it wasn't what I expected. There were police surrounding the area, and it seemed we were late. Someone misled us, pointing to the wrong location, causing a delay. A call redirected my attention to the correct place. It appeared we were intentionally set up to create confusion. I felt desperate and fell into the trap.I quickly approached a police officer and asked what happened. They said that the location was indeed the site of a kidnapping case, but it was too late because the house had exploded. I asked them if they saw a three-year-old boy, but they said they found no one there and the bodies they found were mostly around 25 years old-- probably the kidnapper's henchmen who were caught in the explosion.I was disheartened by what I heard, but a call woke me up again and I found out that a child was rushed to a nearby hospi
I slipped my phone into my bag as I got off the Jeep I was riding. It was eleven in the morning and I had eight hours scheduled for work - it seemed longer than my sleep.I looked at the restaurant where I work and as usual, almost all the vehicles parked outside were expensive because only the rich could afford the food here. Even the leftovers are expensive.I started working here three months ago. I think I've been here since the first month of summer. I needed it because exams were approaching.I almost wanted to cry because I was in my third year. This seems to be difficult for me because my schedule is always full. I chose to study Law.I entered through the back of the restaurant where the employee entrance is located. We are not allowed to enter the main area from outside as we would also obstruct the customers coming in.I took off my small bag and put it in a locker in the women's room. There are two rooms here besides the kitchen door. After I put my things away, I went stra
I hurriedly entered the bar where I'll be working tonight, still catching my breath as I stood at the entrance. The uniform I'm wearing is also wrinkled. As I inhale, I run my hand over the wrinkled part of my clothes to smooth out the wrinkles.The alarm clock betrayed me earlier because I didn't even hear it ring. It's my fault too for sleeping in, knowing I still had work to do.Carlo spotted me from behind the bar, flashing a warm smile. He beckoned me over, "Isabella, it's alright. Don't worry about being late. Just catch your breath and start your shift when you're ready.""Thank you. I got stuck in traffic, and my alarm clock didn't go off," I explained as I caught my breath. As I approached, I could feel my heart gradually returning to its normal pace."These things happen. Take your time," Carlo added before leaving the bar. Perhaps he has other things to do because every time I enter the bar, he goes out and doesn't come back.Carlo is my neighbor in the area where Mama and I