Ryo’s hand holding pen froze in mid-air when he heard the voice. “Did I miss Ellie so much I’m hearing things?” He shifted his gaze from the poster on the table to the person who stood before him. There she is, standing in front of him, all smiles, as usual. Her tiny dimples stressed her smile.
“Ellie?” He asked, still could not believe what he’s seeing.
“Hi!” she said, waving her hand. She bit her bottom lip and looked at him with a suppressed laugh. Ryo stilled himself from pulling her to sit on her lap and shower her with kisses. “Please sign it for Naya,” she said, pushing the poster closer to him.
It brought him out of his reverie. His hand moved in muscle memory as he signed his name without removing his gaze from her. When done, she took the poster, thanked him and moved away. Ryo followed her movem
Ryo was feeling agitated since he could not reach Ellie. He’s not sure what’s running through her mind. Although he has nothing to hide. He did nothing to betray her trust. They both have been in relationships where they got cheated on, and so they both put a premium on honesty. Ryo knew he was honest. He told Ellie about his past relationship. If there’s anything he’s guilty of, it’s failing to give her a heads up that he and his ex were on the same project. Although there’s nothing wrong with that, he’s not sure how Ellie would take it. “Why was she there in the first place? Isn’t she supposed to be shopping?”He’s supposed to drive to the TV station for the talk show. By habit, he likes to be on location at least an hour before the time in case there are last-minute changes that need to happen. The talk show could wait. He needed to make sure he and Ellie are alright first.
All good things must end. In a wink, the week ended and Ryo and Ellie were tightly hugging each other at the airport again. Both unwilling to let the other person go. Their silence spoke the words their mouths did not want to say. They hugged and kissed until the PA system announced Ellie’s trip was boarding. Ryo gave her another tight hug, another torrid kiss. Ellie did the same. Both uncaring about the world around them. Ellie wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand and looked at Ryo. “I’ll miss you, baby. Eat well and follow your nutritionist, ok?” Ellie said between sobs. Ryo nodded and pulled her closer again to plant a kiss at the top of her head. He sniffed her hair, taking in as much of her scent as he could. “You take care too, mahal ko. Call me when you get there. Haru
Ellie had been busy with the preparation for moving to Japan. First thing she did was to inform her family about her decision. Like she predicted, although they did not stop her, they were sad she had to move far from home. She assured her family she’d keep her communication lines open and will call them regularly.She also informed Beth and Maya about her decision. Both were there to see hers and Ryo’s love story and supported the couple. But then they were both breadwinners of their families. The money they earned helped in their family expenses. So, facing the possibility of losing a job disheartened them. They did not need to say it, Ellie knew this.The universe seemed to work in Ellie’s favor. Her friend who helped her source her coffee beans has put up a coffee shop. As a regular customer of her shop, he is familiar with Beth and Maya. So Ellie did not need to say much. The ladies’ work ethics have spoken for them. They will star
“Let’s go to the old mansion,” Ryo said as he stood up from the couch. Still in costume, he strode out of the trailer and into the waiting Bentley. Since earning his own money, Ryo rarely visited the old mansion. It lacked the warmth of a home he experienced with Ellie’s and her family’s. Soji, his grandfather’s butler, opened the main door for him. They were expecting him. It only means they’re already aware of what’s happening with Ellie.“Young Master, Master is waiting for you at the Clan hall.” Soji stated as he bowed his head.With long and steady strides, Ryo walked towards the fourth basement of the mansion. Yellow fluorescent lights illuminated the cold corridors. A metal door was at the end of the hall. A man used to guard this door, but with technology, various biometric
“Why are you here?” Ellie asked after crying her eyes out. Her icy hands cupped his face. Last time she checked his calendar, he’s booked solid.“I heard what happened. I have to be here.” His tender eyes scanned her face. His finger wiped her tears away. The way she looked broke her. Ellie’s not always made up. Her hair always seemed messy. Lip tint and a faint blush were the most makeup she wore. But she always wore her sunny disposition. It never failed to light up the room. But now, the sun did not seem to shine on her. Fear replaced the brilliance in her eyes.Ryo tugged her closer and brought his lips to her. He wanted to comfort her and he did not know how to do it with words. His lips touched on hers with such tenderness and longing. “I’m sorry, mahal ko.”Ellie, who felt so caught in a
“What do you plan to do, Ellie?” he asked as he stroked her back. They were lying on her bed, holding each other.“I don’t know, Ryo. Everything’s happening too fast. I’m overwhelmed.” She took a deep breath, then snuggled closer to him. “Part of me wanted to get away from all this. But another part of me forces me to stay, to face this. My conscience is clean, Ryo. It never crossed my mind to harm Angelo. I did not hire people to kill him. I couldn’t… I wouldn’t do that. And if I flee, it’s like I am saying I’m guilty of their accusations. I’m not.”Ryo felt her shuddering against him. Her tears wet his bare chest. The sobs she tried to suppress stabbed his heart. His jaws clenched, listening to her pain. How did things end up this way? Of everyone who has to suffer, why does it have to be her? She who had done nothing.
Several months had passed, and Ellie’s life slowly returned to normal. Like every news in the country, a bigger news popped up and overtook Angelo’s death. The reporters who hounded her soon chased the bigger story and let her be. Social media bashers did the same. She and Diana had a talk months after the media frenzy. She’s still grieving, which mother wouldn’t but she chose to have her peace. After their long and heartfelt talk, Diana has forgiven Ellie. She also asked forgiveness for her son’s shortcomings. At first, it confused Ellie when Diana said the perpetrator’s family came forward and confessed. She said it was one of Angelo’s flings. The girl loved him so much and when he broke things with her; she committed suicide. The girl’s father could not accept her daughter’s fate and plotted revenge. Ellie kept her silence. It still amazed her how much influence Ryo’s family had. This time, they ma
For the umpteenth time, Ryo surveyed his reflection on the full-length mirror before him. His stylists stood around looking at him, waiting for him to say something. The tailored tuxedo fit him like a second skin. The top half of his dark hair tied in a neat man bun at the back of his head while the rest brushed his shoulder. He looked fresh and gorgeous, like the true heartthrob that he is.Only when Ryo gave his smile and nod of approval did his stylists release their breaths. They’re already pressed on time and could not afford a wardrobe, makeup, or hairstyle change.As if on cue, Miyagi entered the room and signaled it’s time to leave. He turned around and walked out of his hotel room down to the parking where his team’s limousine waited. His eyes trained on the scenery outside the window. They’re on their way to the venue for the Academy Awards.The