Tang ina... napakamalas ko talaga sa buhay!

"Ano? Bakit? Kailan?"

"Anong bakit at kailan? Tama lang ang ginawa ni Jomari dahil wala ka namang ibang pinagkukunan ng pera kung hindi siya!"

Halos dumugo na ang pang-ibabang labi ng dalaga sa sobrang baon ng kanyang kagat. Gustong gusto niyang magwala at sumigaw sa sobrang bigat ng nararamdaman, ngunit wala siya sa tamang lugar para gawin 'yon ngayon.

Her hand clenched into a tight fist, the veins standing out sharply against her skin as her mother's shrill voice echoed through the cell phone. She wanted to hang up but remained frozen, unable to disconnect because of the devastating truth she had just discovered.

"Hindi ko alam ang plano niyang ganito, Ma! Ni hindi niya nga muna ako tinanong kung gusto ko na bang magpakasal—"

"Huwag ka na ngang mag-inarte, Glinda! Ano ka ba? Parang kasal lang ang hinihingi sa 'yo—"

"Kasal lang? Mama, naririnig mo ba ang sarili mo? Anak mo ako—nag-iisang anak na babae! Kaya ko pa namang huthutan ng pera si Jomari kahit hindi kami magpakasal!"

May marahang kumatok galing sa labas ng comfort room kaya napatingin doon si Glinda. Sa sobrang gulo ng kanyang isipan, kinailangan niya munang mapag-isa, kaya kanina niya pa hindi pinagbubuksan ang mga kumakatok.

Wala siyang pakialam kung may dumating man ditong crew at bigla iyong buksan gamit ang susi nila. Wala na siyang pakialam kahit pa magsimula na ang event nang wala siya. Wala na siyang pakialam kung dito man matatapos ang nag-iisa at huli niyang raket.

Glinda's gaze was drawn to the broad, rectangular mirror, her reflection staring defiantly back at her. A relentless voice echoed within her mind, urging her to shatter the glass, to obliterate the image of a woman so frail and powerless, so utterly unable to defy the crushing demands of those around her.

Nasa tabi pa rin ng kanyang kaliwang tainga ang cellphone kahit hindi na maproseso ng kanyang isip ang mga sinasabi ng ina. "Isa pa, bente otso ka na! Ikaw na lang ang wala pang asawa sa mga pinsan mo—"

Pagod na pagod na 'ko...

"Bakit ba ang hilig niyo 'kong ikumpara sa mga inggiterang 'yon? Unang una, nabuntis lang sila at hindi kasal hanggang ngayon! Pangalawa, lahat ng asawa nila puro mga basagulero at pabigat! Pangatlo, pinagkakakitaan lang naman nila ang mga anak—"

"Glinda, alam kong mas angat ka sa mga pangit na 'yon, kaya nga sinasabihan kita ngayon na magpakasal ka na kay Jomari! May pera, may negosyo, at mahal na mahal ka—"

Natatawang napailing si Glinda at napayuko. "Ma, alam nating mahal lang ako ng etits no'n! Pakakasalan niya lang ako para makama at magluwal ng bata!"

"At anong masama ro'n, Glinda? Kung mas dadami naman ang pera mo—"

"Pera ko? Kailan pa ako nagkaroon ng sariling pera? Lahat, Ma, sa inyo napupunta! Kinailangan ko pa ngang rumaket ngayon para bayaran mga utang niyo! Hindi kasal ang solusyon sa problema natin—"

"Kung hindi kasal, ano? Ano, Glinda?"

At that moment, Glinda's mind went blank. A faint ringing filled her ears, drowning out the world around her, and everything fell into a surreal, muted silence.

Alam niyang wala siyang mabibigay na kasagutan sa magulang. Alam niyang tama ang punto ng kanyang ina. Alam niyang wala na siyang ibang pagpipilian. Kumbaga sa exam, ito ang pinakaayaw niyang identification.

Glinda felt lost, unable to identify the right path anymore. Her hands trembled uncontrollably, and her feet grew colder with each passing moment. Tears gathered in her eyes, reflecting the madness and weight she felt inside.

"Ay basta! Ikaw na bata ka, huwag ka nang tumanggi sa proposal ni Jomari! Binigay ko na rin naman ang blessing ko. Payag na payag naman na ako noon pa! Glinda, hanggang dito na lang aabot ang ganda mo dahil tumatanda ka na. Huwag ka na umarte-arte diyan.

"Mapapasa'yo pa ang kita ng grocery ni Jomari kapag pinakasalan mo. Titira ka sa bahay niya at bubuo ng pamilya! Ang ganda-ganda na ng kinabukasan mo kaysa sa aming lahat dito! Huwag mo lang kalilimutan magpadala ng pera para sa—"

Pera... puro na lang pera!

Finally, Glinda found the courage to hang up on her mother. Her hands trembled, and her heart pounded with rage and confusion. She couldn't believe she had been pushed to this point.

Glinda looked at her reflection again, this time to fix her appearance. She pulled some tissues to fix her makeup, reapplying everything her tears had ruined. After all, she still had an event to finish as a saleslady for the most anticipated phone and game launch from Alveva Incorporation.

Ito ang pinakamayamang multinational technology company sa buong mundo, at ito ang unang beses na nagkaroon sila ng malaking event sa Pilipinas. Hindi naman talaga empleyado si Glinda ng Alveva, nakahanap lang siya ng paraan kung paano makapasok kaya siya nandito ngayon.

Hindi na sumagi sa isip niyang tumanggi noong ni-recruit siya ng dating katrabaho dahil mas malaki pa ang kikitain niya rito sa isang gabi kaysa sa kinikita ng grocery ni Jomari. Hindi niya pa nga pinaniwalaan noong una dahil tunog scam, pero ngayong nandito na siya sa building ng Alveva sa Makati at nakasuot ng itim na fitted black dress, saka niya napagtantong totoo nga lahat ng ito.

"Dalawang oras lang, Glinda. Dalawang oras mo lang kailangang tumayo at ngumiti sa mga guest. Pagkatapos, makukuha mo na ang sweldo mo na pambayad sa hospital bill ni Efren," bulong niya sa sarili upang patibayin ang loob.

Glinda glanced at her reflection once more. This time, the mirror revealed a demure woman with sophisticated features. Her short hair faded elegantly from red to black, her brows were impeccably drawn, and her eyelids and cheeks glowed with perfect highlights. Standing tall at 5'9", she slipped into a pair of gold heels she had just bought from a thrift shop, adding a bit more height to her already statuesque figure.

"Tang ina, ang ganda-ganda at sexy ko para ikasal kay Jomari na mukhang aspalto!" Glinda ranted as she packed up her things. "Kung magpapabuntis man ako, sa mayamang mabango at gwapo na. Lord, mahabag! Kailan mo ba ako bibigyan ng gano'n?"

Napailing na lang si Glinda at sa wakas ay lumabas na ng comfort room. Sumalubong sa kanyang paglalakad ang kaibigang nagdala sa kanya rito. Halos sabunutan na si Glinda ng kasama sa sobrang pag-aalala.

"Gaga ka, saan ka galing? Kanina pa kita hinahanap! Nagagalit na boss ko dahil kulang pa ang salesladies sa harap!" Emma said, pulling her left arm to walk faster.

"Twenty minutes pa naman bago mag-start. Nag-ayos lang ako ulit at tumawag ang napakagaling kong ina," Glinda attempted to explain as they strolled through the product showcase area, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air.

"Hindi mo ako sinabihang sobrang lamig pala rito tapos naka-sleeveless dress pa tayo," bulong ni Glinda ngayon. "Kanina pa nakatayo mga balahibo ko, baks. Mukha na akong manok—"

"Ewan ko sa 'yo, Glinda. Pera na nga 'to, ang dami mo pang sinasabi. Itapon na lang kaya kita sa ilog?"

Glinda chuckled. "Huwag mo 'kong hinahamon ngayon, Emma. May bagong dating na problema pa naman sa buhay ko! Di ako si Robin Padilla, pero ang lakas ng urge ko ngayon. Di ba hanggang 30th floor 'tong building—"

"Tang ina, in heat ka na naman," natatawang sabi ni Emma, sa wakas ay nadala na si Glinda sa tamang pwesto niya.

"Oo, in heat magpakamatay."

Inirapan lang siya ni Emma. "Gaga, mawawala na 'yan mamaya kapag nasa kamay mo na sweldo mo. Ilibre pa kita ng samgyup pagkatapos. Akin na rin 'yang pouch mo, ako na magbabalik sa staff room. Umayos ka, puro mayayaman at VIPs ang guests dito. Kabisado mo na ba ang mga sasabihin kapag tinanong ka?"

Malapad na ngumiti si Glinda at inabot ang gamit. "Oo naman! Basic lang 'to sa 'kin—dating alipin ng call center ata 'to."

Emma had a proud smirk on her face. "Hayaan mo lang silang tumingin sa mga product at lapitan mo lang kapag need ng assistance, okay? Nasa kabilang table lang ako kapag kailangan mo ng tulong."

"Ako na bahala rito. Promise, aayusin ko!"

Emma left Glinda's side after receiving a reassuring nod from her. Alone now, Glinda took a deep breath and used the remaining time to meticulously recall the lines she needed to memorize, preparing for any potential scenario.

The past two days had been intense; she'd undergone rigorous training to master every feature of the newly released Alveva phone, the Vibra 13. The device lay before her on a sleek black phone holder, its glossy surface reflecting the overhead lights.

Surrounding Glinda, a collection of Vibra 13 samples in various colors and versions was strategically displayed, each showcasing the elegant design and cutting-edge technology that Alveva prided itself on. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and Glinda steeled herself, ready to confidently present the product.

"Ang ganda talaga rito," bulong ni Glinda sa sarili nang nalibot na ng tingin ang buong ground floor. "Ano kaya itsura sa taas? Gaano kaya kataas to? Mababalian lang ba ako ng buto o mababasag bungo ko?"

Naramdaman ni Glinda ang bombastic side eye ng isa niyang kasama sa kanan. Mukhang narinig siya ng babae kahit isang metro ang layo nila sa isa't isa. Imbis na magpaliwanag, dinaan na lang ni Glinda sa ngiti. Madalas naman kasi siyang ismiran ng mga tao dahil sa mga pinagsasabi niya.

"Tang ina, kahit naman kasi malaki ang kikitain ko rito, wala pa ring mapupunta sa 'kin. Kapag tumalon ako mamaya kasama ang perang 'yon, e 'di wala na silang makukuha sa 'kin tapos tahimik na buhay ko sa langit... o impyerno."

Glinda's mind was consumed with dark thoughts, contemplating the unthinkable as she stood there, wondering where she might jump to end her life after the event. Her heart pounded in her chest.

Suddenly, the entrance doors swung open, reporters and guests began to file in, their chatter and camera flashes breaking through her grim reverie. The room quickly filled with the buzz of excitement and anticipation, contrasting with the uneasiness raging inside her.

The group of VIPs was led by two men in impeccably tailored black suits, their wrists, ears, and fingers adorned with gold luxury accessories. Glinda recognized them immediately; the older man was the chairman, and the younger, almost a mirror image of his father, was his only son, Frost Alvaro.

During training, they were instructed not to misidentify the key figures of tonight's event. These men represented Alveva, and their presence commanded respect and admiration from everyone attending. As they moved through the crowd, conversations hushed and heads turned, all eyes following their every step.

The ground floor became warmer as reporters and guests arrived, dispersing the biting chill previously permeated the area. Glinda's eyes remained fixed on the two distinguished men from Alveva, following their every move. They made their way to the center of the platform, where they paused, their presence immediately drawing the focus of everyone in the room.

"Good evening, and welcome to this momentous occasion. We are gathered here tonight to celebrate the launch of two groundbreaking products poised to revolutionize the market: the Vibra 13 phone and the highly anticipated game, Elysium Heroes. These remarkable innovations result from the vision and dedication of the brilliant Frost Alvaro, who has brought us to this moment," the host officially started the event.

Pumalakpak lahat ng mga nakikinig. Hindi sigurado si Glinda kung dapat ba papalakpak din sila. Nagkunwari na lang siya nang napansing gumaya ang mga kasama niya.

Napagtanto ni Glinda na tama nga si Emma—puno nga ang event ng mga mayayamang tao. Iyong tipong mga may sariling golf course sa likod ng bahay, may sariling yacht, at may luxury brand collections sa walking closets.

Nagpatuloy ang host sa pag-aliw sa mga guest. Hindi na inabala ni Glinda makinig sa napaka-boring na speech ng chairman. Pakialam niya ba kung siya ang pinakamayaman dito? Hindi naman siya ang magpapasahod sa kanya.

Isa pa, wala naman siyang maintindihan dahil puro technical terms ang binitawan ni Boss Chairman. Sinuyod ng tingin ni Glinda ang lugar at napansing nakikinig ang lahat. Siya lang ata ang hindi seryoso kaya minabuti niyang tumingin na lang sa ulit gitna.

"That's right, Mr. Chairman. Tonight, we celebrate Frost Alvaro's brilliance. His creativity and dedication have brought groundbreaking products to life. His contributions to technology and entertainment are truly inspiring, and we are honored to witness the launch of his latest masterpieces."

Glinda frowned slightly when the host didn't interview the other Alvaro despite him being the reason for this event. Gusto niya pa naman sanang marinig ang boses ng lalaki. Muntik nang matawa si Glinda sa biglang sumagi sa isip niya.

Ganitong ganito kasi ang pantasya niya sa lalaki—sobrang tangkad, sobrang laki ng katawan, sobrang gwapo, at sobrang yaman. Paniguradong sobrang bango rin ng lalaking 'yan dahil napakalinis ng porma.

Dito niya lang pala matatagpuan ang matagal na niyang hinihiling... pero hindi na inabala ni Glinda pairalin ang delusyon niya. Hanggang pang-grocery owner lang ganda ko.

Alam ni Glinda kung gaano kalayo ang mundo niya sa mga taong 'to. Higit sa lahat, alam ni Glinda na hindi mapapansin ang tulad niyang ordinaryong tao lang—na in heat pa ngang tumalon sa tulay ngayon.

Glinda understood very well where she stood. The affluent individuals before her, dressed in designer attire and surrounded by luxury, could never understand the reality of her life. They had never experienced the gnawing hunger of a day with hardly any food on their plates or the stifling confines of a cramped home.

Their lives of wealth were worlds apart from her daily struggles. The disparity between their worlds felt even more evident as she stood there.

"Pwede kaya akong magpaampon dito?" bulong ni Glinda sa sarili nang natapos ang formal segment ng event.

Hinayaan na ngayon ng host ang mga bisita libutin ang buong product showcase area. Nasa harapang bahagi si Glinda at doon nagsipuntahan ang mga amoy milyonaryo.

Glinda tried to maintain her composure as she eavesdropped on the conversations buzzing around her.

"This version is only 2000 dollars? The price is cheap compared to the features! This is wonderful," a woman exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

Glinda wasn't exactly a math whiz, but she knew enough to realize that 2000 dollars translated to a hefty six-digit figure in pesos.

She stifled a chuckle, thinking, "Tang ina, tuition ko na 'to noong high school, ah?"

Naalala ni Glinda na sinubukan siyang pag-aralin sa isang private school ng magulang niya noong hindi pa sila gaanong lugmok sa kahirapan. Siya lang ang nag-iisang babae sa tatlong magkakapatid at bunso pa, kaya lahat ng luho sa kanya napunta.

Isang school year lang tinagal niya sa sobrang hirap ng lessons at mahal ng tuition fee! Ipinaglaban ni Glinda sa mga magulang na pang-public school lang talaga kapasidad ng utak niya.

Ang ending, ginamit ng papa niya ang natirang pera pang-abroad. Kulang pa nga iyon kaya umutang sila sa dating kaibigan ng papa niya. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin nababayaran ang utang na 'yon at kailanman, hindi na bumalik sa kanila ang perang tinangay ng tatay niya.

"Nandito ka lang pala, Glinda," a familiar voice whispered sharply beside her, sending a shiver down her spine.

Glinda's eyes widened. "J-Jomari? Bakit ka nandito?"

Hindi sinabihan ni Glinda si Jomari kung na saan siya ngayon kahit ilang beses nagtanong ang nobyo, kaya laking gulat talaga ni Glinda nang makita si Jomari at naka-suit pa talaga!

Pilit na ngumiti ang kanyang nobyo. "Bawal ba, Glinda? Boyfriend mo ako at kagagaling ko lang sa inyo sa Antipolo para humingi ng blessing kay Tita."

Tang ina, tita raw? E tatlong taon lang tanda ni Mama sa kanya!

"Nasabi na niya sa 'kin kanina, Jomari. Pwede bang mamaya na natin 'to pag-usapan dahil nagtatrabaho pa ako—"

"Mahal, kung pakakasalan mo ako, hindi mo na 'to kailangang gawin—"

Napahilot sa sentido si Glinda. Ayaw na ayaw niyang tinatawag siyang mahal.

"Mamaya na, please. Maraming guests—"

Marahas na hinawakan ni Jomari ang kanang braso ni Glinda—muntik pa siyang mawala sa balanse. Ininda ni Glinda ang sakit at pinilit makawala.

"Hihintayin kitang matapos. Dito na ako magpo-propose para hindi ka na makatanggi—"

"Excuse me, Miss. Can you assist me with this one?"

Laking pasasalamat ni Glinda sa kanyang guardian angel nang may foreigner na lumapit sa kanya. Mabilis siyang bumitaw sa hawak ni Jomari at sumama sa foreigner patungo sa isang version ng cellphone.

"Was that guest hurting you, Miss?"

Glinda blinked, surprised by the man's genuine question. The man was probably in his 30s. He towered over her, exuding sophistication in his tailored suit with a faint scent of high-end perfume. Despite the rugged stubble on his jaw, he looked impeccably lustrous.

"Yes. I'm sorry about that, Sir," pag-amin ni Glinda. "Anyway, what can I help you with?"

"Oh, right. This device isn't functioning. Could it be turned off?"

Alam agad ni Glinda ang gagawin. Marahan niyang kinapa ang switch ng phone at hinintay lumabas ang logo ng Alveva. Huminga nang maluwag ang kasama niyang customer nang lumabas ang pamilyar na diamond logo ng brand.

Gusto na namang matawa ni Glinda dahil naalala niya ang experience noong bumili siya ng Alveva Vibra 7 sa Quiapo. Gamit niya pa ang unang sweldo sa call center. Mura at original daw ang benta kaya nauto siya bilang isang dakilang clout chaser. Pagbukas niya ng biniling cellphone, biglang powered by Android ang lumabas imbis na ang diamond logo ng Alveva.

Gustong gusto niyang balikan at sunugin ang tindahan pero hindi na niya naalala kung saan. Pinagtiisan niya na lang ang Alveva phone na Android, at hanggang ngayon, ito pa rin ang gamit niya.

"Are you perhaps laughing at me?" natatawang tanong ng customer, mukhang napansin ang pagpigil ni Glinda ng tawa.

Mabilis umiling si Glinda at tumayo nang maayos. "No, Sir, my apologies. I got momentarily distracted. Would you like me to demonstrate the features of this version for you?"

Aliw na aliw tumango ang foreigner. "Absolutely, go ahead! I'm not much of a tech expert myself. By the way, your English accent is charming."

Sa wakas, may rason na si Glinda para ilabas ang konting tawa niya sa katawan. Sumagi kasi sa isip niya 'yong meme na "I like your Filipino accent, say it again" dahil sa compliment ng customer.

"Thank you, Sir. I used to work as a call center agent, where I picked up the accent."

Tang ina, sino kayo ngayon diyan? Ang charming ko raw! Di niyo 'yon kaya. May epekto naman pala ang kagandahang 'to sa mga foreigner. Ngayon natin testing-in!

Habang abala si Glinda sa page-entertain sa kasamang guest, hindi niya mapigilan ang mga katanungang namumuo sa kanyang isipan. Ilang taon kaya ang tanda sa 'kin nito? May unang asawa na rin kaya siya gaya ni Jomari? Aba, ayaw ko maging second wife kapag nagkataon! Handang handa na akong iwan si Jomari, sabihin niya lang!

Glinda's bubbly personality and witty remarks drew people in like a magnet. A crowd began to form around her, eager to learn more about the product she was showcasing.

Her infectious enthusiasm made her the center of the area's most lively and engaging group. Glinda found herself genuinely enjoying the conversations with these affluent guests for the first time.

🌹

"Sir Frost, hindi niyo po ba talaga hihintayin si Chairman?" his personal driver asked.

Frost waited for his security to close the vehicle's door before answering, "No, Manong Ben, I'll head out first. I only agreed to stay for an hour, and it's already been nearly two. I'm exhausted."

"Copy, Sir. Magpahinga na ho kayo riyan sa likod."

Frost muttered a thank you as Manong Ben maneuvered his car from the building. Tonight, he had forced himself to remain calm and composed in front of hundreds of guests despite his heated argument with his father before the event started.

The applause for the Chairman felt like a slap in the face as if Frost owed everything to him. These people had no idea of the struggles Frost had endured just to launch his first and very own version of the renowned Vibra phone series.

The Chairman had also despised his idea of innovating Alveva into a gaming company. It had taken Frost years of relentless hard work to finally prove his worth.

Tonight was supposed to be his moment of triumph, but he still felt defeated. His father refused to transfer the chairmanship to him because he still had no successor.

"So fucking ridiculous," he muttered under his breath, sinking comfortably into his seat as he watched the streets pass by.

"Sir, may gustong pumara sa sasakyan natin."

Frost's initial instinct was to ignore whoever had the audacity to stop their car in the middle of the highway. However, something in Manong Ben's tone made him look. Manong Ben deliberately slowed down, letting Frost decide to help the desperate woman outside.

She stood on the cold, cemented road, both hands clasped together in a pleading gesture, almost on her knees. Frost immediately recognized her as one of the salesladies from the event, her black dress and striking red short hair unmistakable.

Although he wasn't usually one to play the Good Samaritan, something about the woman's desperation compelled him to act.

"Pull over, Manong Ben. Let her in."

Even in the dim night, with only the streetlights and the car's headlights illuminating the way, Frost could see the instant relief wash over the woman as they drew closer.

He was about to open the door for her from the inside when she suddenly dashed toward it, frantically searching for the handle. Frost nearly jumped out of his seat as the woman aggressively flung the door open and clambered inside.

"Shit, shit, shit! Thank you, Manong! Thank you talaga! Tang ina, mamamatay na ako!" she exclaimed, gasping for breath.

As Manong Ben maneuvered the car back onto the road, Frost caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure emerging from the back door of the Alveva building, where the woman had come from.

"Who was that man coming after you?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

At that moment, the woman, her dress hiked up and almost revealing her upper thighs, turned to look at him with wide eyes. It was as if she had just realized someone else was in the car with her.

"Ay, shet... sorry," she trailed off. "Akala ko Grab car."

Frost chuckled. "A Mercedes-Benz for a Grab car, really?"

"Ay gagi, Mercedes 'to? Tang ina, muntik ko pang masira 'yong handle..." Frost heard the woman whisper.

As the vehicle passed through a series of street lights, Frost caught glimpses of the woman's face in an alternating pattern of light and shadow. Her eyes remained locked on his, creating a fierce connection.

He couldn't help but be captivated by her small, delicate features. Her skin had a warm, sun-kissed glow, and her figure was like an hourglass, emphasizing her graceful curves.

"What's your name, Miss?" Frost asked.

"G-Glinda. Uh, sorry talaga kung pinara ko kayo. May iniiwasan kasi ako kanina—'yong lalaking tinanong mo. Uh, ex ko 'yon. Magpo-propose sana siya sa loob kanina pero ayaw ko kasi siyang pakasalan... sorry, hindi ko rin alam bakit ako biglang nagkukwento na para bang nasa MMK," she chuckled.

"It's okay," Frost said, totally immersed in her story. "So you ran away from him. Where are you staying? We can take you there."

Glinda looked down. "Uh... paano ko ba sasabihin? Ganito kasi, dalawa ang madalas kong inuuwian, sa bahay ng ex ko sa QC at sa bahay namin sa Antipolo. Ang kaso ngayon, since tinakasan ko nga siya... wala akong mauuwian. Kapag umuwi ako sa Antipolo, susundan niya ako—BFF kasi sila ng Mama ko."

"So you have nowhere to go," Frost said with a blank expression.

"Oo... sorry kung biglang niyo pa akong naging responsibilidad. Kahit sa madadaanan nating tulay na lang po ako—"

"Huh? What are you going to do at the bridge?"

"Tatalon."

Frost frowned. "What?"

"I mean, doon na lang ako sasakay sa ibang—"

"You're already in my car, and I'm willing to help you. There's no need to switch vehicles. I'll let you stay at my friend's hotel. Don't worry about the expenses, I'll cover it until you can get back on your feet—and don't joke about things like that."

Glinda blinked several times. "Ah... sorry. Sige, salamat sa pagtulong... pero Manong, pwede po bang tumigil muna talaga tayo saglit sa tulay?"

"Ma'am, narinig niyo naman—"

"Hindi na po ako tatalon, promise! May kailangan lang akong gawin."

"And what is it?" Frost intervened, but Glinda didn't answer.

"Sige na po, Manong, please? Last favor na po talaga."

Manong Ben glanced through the rearview mirror, seeking Frost's permission. After a moment's hesitation, Frost nodded. Though he couldn't fully grasp Glinda's thought process, she had reassured them she wouldn't jump off the bridge.

Upon arriving at the bridge, Glinda gathered all her belongings and exited the car. Frost followed, concerned she might do something crazy.

Without a moment's hesitation, Glinda retrieved her phone from her Chanel shoulder bag and tossed it into the river. She emptied a red pouch, tossing various makeup items and jewelry into the water.

Frost stood beside her, both bewildered and amused by her actions. He could sense the simmering resentment in her clenched fists and the burning anger in her eyes. With a final flourish, Glinda threw the pouch into the river.

Just as Frost thought it was over, Glinda bent down to remove her shoes, her short dress riding up dangerously high.

"Let me help you with those," Frost offered.

"Wag na! Ako na! Kaya ko 'to!" she insisted.

It wasn't a matter of whether she could do it herself. Frost was worried that people might catch a glimpse of her undergarments. Instead of arguing, he removed his coat and quietly stepped behind her, using it to cover her up.

Glinda closed the distance between them after discarding her pair of golden heels. He was now so close to her that he could see the tears glistening on her eyelashes. Her lower lip trembled as she bit down on it, and she swallowed hard despite the lump in her throat.

"Ikaw gumawa ng Vibra 13, 'di ba?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Yes?"

"Bigyan mo 'ko ng bagong phone. Wala na rin akong bag, makeup, at sapatos. Bilhan mo 'ko lahat ng bago, ng mamahalin."

"Okay, no problem," Frost said without any hesitation. "Let's go back inside—"

"Saglit lang, hindi pa ako tapos!" Glinda closed her eyes and put her head up as she opened them again.

Frost was distracted by her perfect collar bone and jaw line. Glinda finally went back to her senses as she stared at him again.

"Naghahanap ka ba ng sugar baby?" Glinda asked.

Frost chuckled. This woman kept surprising me. "A what?"

"Sugar baby," Glinda reiterated.

This wasn't part of Frost's plan tonight—to ask a random woman he picked up on the street to take on such an important obligation for him. Looking into Glinda's deep brown eyes, he saw she had nothing left but herself.

His brilliant mind realized this woman needed saving, and he knew he could provide that salvation in exchange for her service.

"No, I'm not looking for a sugar baby," Frost said word by word. "Instead, I need a wife. Can you be my wife?"

As Glinda's tears streamed down her cheeks, Frost didn't need to hear her response—he already knew her answer.