August 2007Baguio City, Philippines Thera’s heart could not help but race the moment she laid eyes on the tall man who appeared from the glass door of Sean and Tan’s Tea Caf. Suddenly, the music coming from the headset stuck in her ears waned. The pounding in her chest overpowered The Carpenter’s smooth and soothing voice. The music playing was one of her favorite songs— “Close To You”. It was her parents’ theme song.Thera felt Kisses’ light nudge on her side. She was looking at him, too. Kisses was aware of her secret feelings for Sean De Marco. He’s was too perfect and, unfortunately, way too out of Thera’s league. Well, perhaps, for now.Sean was a young entrepreneur. Rich, smart, and jaw-droppingly handsome. Every time he appears, it was as if clouds fade and the gate to the heavens opens. Angels descended – to sing and get a glimpse of him as well. That was cheesy and c

Chapter Two : Devil Personified The elevator door opened on the fourth floor of the condominium. Thera took a deep breath. She was just done on her session with her gay fitness instructor and was now on her way to her unit on the eighth floor. Thera donned a pair of Adidas running shoes, Adidas white loose tee-shirt, and black leggings that hugged her firm behind and emphasized her long, shapely legs. Hers was the kind all men would want to climb and worship, according to her instructor. The bastard expected her to smile sheepishly or blush for the flattery, but she shot him a glare instead. What did he know about what real men would feel when he was not straight himself? Not all men would fall for long, brilliant legs. She knew someone who did not. And hated him to the bones until now. For the past six months, Thera had been into kickboxing. She had only stopped going to the fitness center almost a mont

THERA sighed. No matter how she surveyed the people in front of her, she could not see anything that would lift her bored spirit.She had no idea how she agreed with the three to join in their group dinner. The three women sitting with her at the table for four in that restaurant were her batchmates in college. The bar was loud, and the smell of smoke, beer, and food inside the narrow place mixed in the air. She had been struggling with irritation and boredom for fifteen minutes already while the three kept staring and praising her. The reason could be either they were happy for her, they’re jealous, or finding the perfect timing to loan some money. Their minds could be easily read. They were no different from the people she knew who stuck with her because of the favor they can ask from her.When she was still untidy, and her naturally curly hair was stiff, they could not even bother to glance at her. But now, they auto-liked even her Faceboo

JUNE 2009Sean and Tan’s Tea Caf, Baguio City  SEAN put down the papers he was reading and picked up the photo that went with the envelope Mr. Jacob Hernandez sent him last week.It was a stolen shot of a young woman standing on an old waiting shed. She was smiling as if she was talking to someone, which the camera did not capture. Her hands were stuck inside the pocket of her black, faded hoodie jacket. She was wearing a uniform underneath it that was also familiar to Sean. He sometimes saw her in front of Tea Caf passing by. Most of the time, she was alone. Sometimes, she was with another student who was the same age as her. With the photo in his hand, Sean stood up from his chair. He faced the glass wall of Sean and Tan’s Tea Caf, the very first business he put up when he finished college. Across the Tea Caf was DM University, which his family-owned. They also had a branch in Man

December 5, 2009Baguio City, Philippines Sean strode inside that music bar in Baguio City. He was on his ride from Manila going home to Baguio when he received a call from Miguel. His mother picked Thera up at the Teacaf.A few days ago, Sean told her that he liked someone and he has a plan of marrying her. He remembered mentioning Thera but he did not expect Charry to drive to Baguio City to personally meet her ASAP.Sean was not prepared by the sudden meeting. And what he worries about the most was that his mother might have told Thera his plan of marrying her when he’s not even courting her yet. Sean had to rush things. He needs to marry Thera by June. He was not used to courting and such, but he was planning to propose to her once he has the chance.The loud music from the performing band greeted Sean as he entered The Hype Bar. His eyes immediately wandered. He coul