"HINDI KO NA talaga alam ang iisipin ko!" irit ko habang hawak hawak ko ang aking buhok. Sinasabunutan ko na ang sarili ko dahil sa sakit ng ulo. Napapikit ako habang nanggigigil na muling nag-isip. "Tingin n'yo ba alam na niya na ako si Angeles?"

"Alam mo ewan ko sa'yo! Pati kami sumasakit na ang ulo sa kakaisip rin, lalo na ako! Mukha bang may laman ang utak ko?!" naiinis ring wika ni Maria sa video call. Nakailang irap rin ito sa'kin habang may hawak na tasa na may tsokolate. She's also wearing a bath robe like me.

"Feeling ko alam na n'ya." Matipid na komento ni Aura habang katabi nito ang natutulog na si Jorgy.

"Tanungin mo kaya ng diretsahan? Kung ako 'yan kanina ko pa 'yan tinanong." Maging si Yvette ay may bahid na ng inis sa komento nito at mukhang rin nitong malaman ang totoo. Nasa may banyo naman ng kwarto ang dalaga habang naglalagay ng lotion sa hita at nakatutok ang camera ng phone nito sa kanya. "Mahirap maging curious ang lalaking 'yon, Serena. He's persistent. He'll dig what not to dig."

"Oo, pati 'yang bruhang 'yan, na-dig rin." Bulgar na komento uli ni Maria tapos inirapan uli ako.

"A-ang bastos mo!" gimbal kong anunsyo sa kanya.

Isa pang irap ang hinataw n'ya sa'kin. "Kailan ba naging malinis ang bunganga ko aber? Sakmalin ko dede mo d'yan 'eh. H'wag ka ngang pa-virgin."

"Do you think alam na niya?" Muli kong tanong sa kanila. Yvette and Maria groaned while Aura was just shaking her head as if she gave up on me already.

"Gamitin mo 'yang alindog mo para malaman mo. If she really knew that, you are Serena Angeles then seduce her to know it. Kung may nararamdaman nga 'yang lalaking 'yan sa akala niya na ikaw then seducing him would lessen his madness towards you." Maria tried to provide an alternative. "Kung 'di mo na-gets ikaw na bruha ka, makipag-sex ka para malaman mo!"

Napapikit ako habang nakataas ang dalawang kilay. Nagpagulong gulong na ako sa kama pero 'di ko alam kung dapat ko bang sundin ang suhestyon ni Maria.

"At kapag napigilan n'ya ang sarili na makalampungan ka, ibig sabihin, he doesn't know it yet," Yvette said while trying to see the other side of Maria's plan.

"'Eh paano kung likas na sa kanya ang malibugan?" I asked.

"Then he should've kissed you back and fucked you sa Bar palang kanina. We saw it, girl. He rejected your advances." Yvette reverted immediately.

Bigla ko siyang sinimangutan. "Thank you for reminding me that I was rejected. That was so helpful."

Should I try it?

Hindi ko alam na mas may ilalala pa pala ang naramdaman kong kaba kanina. Ngayon mas malala. I'm fucking fidgeting because of what Troy had whispered to me.

True to his words, kwarto nga niya ang pinagdalhan sa'kin ng isang staff ng Hotel. I saw his luggage still open on his bed a while ago and his laptop on the study table area of his Presidential suite. Halatang kararating lang ng binata kinahapunan dahil most of his garments and things are still in his luggage.

"... your room is my suite, wait for me there. Susulitin ko ang ginawa kong eksena sa media kanina."

Shit! I felt my face turned into the red once again when I remembered his whisper a while ago. His voice was so husky that I couldn't do anything but nod at him. That was his voice whenever he's seducing me! Isn't a factor to consider that he really knew it?

"W-wait! I should wash, right? I should clean myself." Untag ko sa aking sarili pagkatapos ay humarap sa malaking salamin at sinuri ang sarili.

Nakapaligo na naman ako kanina. I made sure that I'm cleansed and shaved. Pero bakit pakiramdam ko kulang pa? Damn! You're not Serena Angeles just to be settled na sex agad na lagi niyong ginagawa ni Troy! Paano kung 'di pa pala n'ya alam? I should smell better, right?

Nang makumbinsi ang sarili'y nagmamadali akong tumungo sa banyo ngunit nang tumunog ang pintuan ng buong kwarto'y mas naging mabilis ang pagtakbo ko pabalik sa kama. I even dived exaggeratedly para lang 'di n'ya ako maabutang papunta sa kung saan.

"Are you... okay?" Mabilis akong umahon mula sa pagkakasuksok ko sa unan at humarap kay Troy. I smiled at him... awkwardly. For sure ang pangit ng ngiti na pinapakita ko sa kanya. Halatang pilit.

'Eh ano bang magagawa ko?! I should act normal right? Act damn normal, Serena Gabrielle!

"I'm fine, I'm f-fine." Ani ko.

Magkasalubong pa rin ang dalawang makapal na kilay ng binata at nagtungo na lamang sa kalapit na lamesa at nilapag roon ang mga supot na hawak.

"I brought some food from the restaurant. I figured out we haven't eaten anything. Gusto ko sanang ako nalang ang magluto but it would take time. I'm also famished." Anas ni Troy habang isa isang nilalapag sa lamesa ang laman niyon.

The smell of newly cooked Carbonara couldn't spread out without leaving my nostrils. That made me famished too. Sabay ng pagkulo ng tiyan ko na tiyak na narinig ng binata.

I awkwardly smiled at him. He just smirked and moved his two eyebrows, signaling me to go ahead and eat.

I didn't waste any time. Nawala na ang tama ng alak sa sistema ko at napalitan nga 'yon ng gutom. Tahimik akong umupo sa lamesa at gano'n rin ang ginawa ni Troy. He sat in front of me. When he's done putting the carbonara in a bowl, I immediately dived my fork to get some.

Pagkakuha ng tamang dami, I didn't waste any time but to eat lavishly. Gosh, I missed this! I missed my favorite. The last time that I ate this was two weeks ago. Bago kaming mag-away ni Troy—

Natigilan ako sa pagsubo at nanginginig ang mga mata kong nakatingin sa pagkaing kinakain. Muntik na ring mahulog ang hawak kong tinidor dahil nanginig ito sa kaba.

"Oh, are you done already? Feel free to eat more." Anas nito matapos mapansin ang pagkakatigil ko. He spoke coldly, when I move my sight to him, his eyes glistened with anger while seriously eating.

My breathing became rigid. Ang lakas ng kalabog ng dibdib ko. Shit, Serena! You have a good brain to use pero hanggang ngayon you can't still spell what's obvious?

He knew. He knew it already.

"I-I'm f-full..." I want to bitch-slap myself because of what I said. Ito na yung pagkakataon mo, Serena! You should have asked if he already knew it or not! Bakit 'yon lang ang sinabi mo?!

"You're not. Nakakalimang subo ka palang."

Halos maibuga ko yung iniinom kong tubig sa sinabi n'y'a.

S-Subo? What's subo? Shit! Pakiramdam ko nag-init ang buong pisngi ko sa meaning na naiisip ko. Setting aside the other meaning of subo, 'di ko napansin na nabilang pa nito kung ilang beses akong sumubo ng pagkain. He's that attentive to me?

"I-I'm on a diet." 'Yon nalang ang ni-reason out ko at tumayo na rin

"Really? I thought... this is your favorite?" muli akong napatda mula sa paglalakad ko palayo ng kusina nang marinig ko 'yon.

Kung siguro may sakit ako sa puso, feeling ko kanina pa ako nakabulagta. Napapikit nalang ako nang mariin. I'm losing it. Nawawalan na ako ng pake kung alam ba n'ya o hindi. Balak ko sanang singhalan na ito para matapos na nang pagharap ko'y nagdugtong ito.

"I saw your commercial for a pasta brand. You said that it's your favorite and comfort food." Anas nito habang kumakain pa rin at nakatingin sa'kin ng inosente. "It's still airing... kaya ko nakita. Huwag mong isipin na stalker ako."

Napakuyom ako ng kamao. I gritted my teeth. Naiinis na talaga ako ginagawa ng lalaking 'to.

He knows how to manipulate me with his words. He knew how to make me tremble using it. Kung may isa man ako natutunan kay Troy maliban sa love lessons na na-realize ko nang dahil sa kanya ay yung marunong s'yang baluktutin ang mga salita to assert and push someone to its limit. Hinding hindi ko pa nakakalimutan ang ginawa niya sa meeting noon.

Sinasagad talaga nito ang pasensya ko. I breathed inwardly. Ito ba ang ganti niya sa'kin? Sa pangloloko sa kanya? Kaya niya ito ginagawa?! Enough with this. I'm pretty sure he's enjoying my frustration and agony. This has come to end. I have no choice but to do it then.

I smiled at him. I saw his eyes flickered a slightest shock on his eyes but immediately shook it off.

"You're quite updated about my... TV exposure, huh." I stated... teasingly.

My lips thinned when I saw him gulped. I definitely saw that!

Ibinalik ni Troy ang atensyon nito sa pagkain, obviously diverting his attention unto it.

"Not sure if I'm getting what you meant." He murmured.

Hindi na nawala ang ngisi sa labi ko dahil sa inakto niya. Bumalik ako sa pwesto ko kanina at pumangulambaba sa harap ng binata. Pinakatitigan ko siya habang nasubo ito ng inorder nitong Baked Meatball Parmigiana. The way he munched the food was honestly and incredibly... hot. Kung paano gumagalaw ang mga pinong panga nito habang may bakas ng sauce ang mga labi sa pagkasubo. His thick eyebrows met in one line and his eyes were trying to really avoid my contact. I almost gulped the same when I saw his munched food ran deep when he swallowed it. Gumalaw ang adam's apple nito na s'yang nagpatikom ng mariin sa mga labi ko. How can he be so delectable even when just eating?

"Enough with the stares, Serena. It's... disrespectful." He commented as soon as he finished what's left on his mouth.

Nakatuon pa rin sa labi nito ang mga tingin ko nang marinig ko ang sinabi niya. Saka ko palang ito tiningnan sa mata. His eyes are serious, but I don't know why I saw a glint of shyness on it, maybe because of my vulgar staring.

"Disrespectful?" tanong ko sa ginamit nitong salita. "How can it be so disrespectful to watch someone's eating?"

Troy's eyes scrutinized me when he heard my reply. "Wouldn't you feel so awkward kapag ikaw ang tiningnan ng ganoon?"

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko at nagkunwaring nagtataka sa gusto nitong sabihin. "It wouldn't be so bad if you're the one will stare at me just like what I did."

My flirtish remark made a slight effect on him. I'm obviously flirting and I'm curious kung ano ang susunod nitong gagawin.

Kapag kumagat 'to, ibig sabihin alam na nga n'ya na ako si Serena Angeles.

"What are you doing?" Troy asked when he put down his fork and table knife and looked at me with his intense brooding eyes.

I hissed mentally because it seems like he's being a hard-to-get type of a man now. Patibayan ba 'to? Ang tigas na apog nito ah. Napapalaban ang pagkababae ko.

"Uhh, having a conversation with you?" tugon ko na may pagkapilosopo. Then, I scooped a little pasta and put it on my mouth. One of the strands of pasta almost fell but I immediately sipped it while looking at him.

"You know that I have a girlfriend, right?" he reminded me as if like I'm a dumb woman who has a lower IQ.

Hindi ako nag-atubiling pag-ikutan siya ng mata at nagwika. "Ang tanong, aware ba siyang jowa mo s'ya?"

And as if I hit a spot, Troy was stunned with my question. His eyes glistened that shows a thousand emotion but his mastery to hide it was truly superb. Bigla tuloy akong na-curious. What's his thoughts about my question?

"I don't know." Mahina nitong tugon na s'yang nagpahabag sa'kin. His tone was sad. As if he's just trying to put his hopes up for Serena and believing his self that he's committed but doesn't know if the woman feels the same way.

Naumid ang dila ko sa kung ano man ang dapat kong sabihin. Biglang hindi ko makapa ang mga salita sa utak ko para lang mapatunayan kung totoo bang alam na ng binata ang sikreto ni Serena Angeles. His sad tone disturbed me beyond expectation. Hindi ko sa hinagap na marinig ang malungkot nitong boses. Considering what's happening to his family makes me want to hug him instead. To make him feel that I'm just here. Her Serena.

I can tell him the truth right now. Besides, there is no reason for me to continue this now that my job was done. I helped him already. Pero sa t'wing nasagi na naman ang mga sikreto ng pamilya niya na nakakabit sa pamilya namin ay nauumid ang dila kong magsabi ng totoo. Nagdadalawang isip kung ano ang dapat na gawin.

"Why you don't know?" I finally had the courage to ask. I don't know if he would reply because I know for a fact that it's his personal space that I'm invading— that is if he doesn't know yet about the Nerdy Serena.

Isang buntung-hininga ang nilabas nito tapos ay umiling iling. His eyes bore to me afterward then he asked... "Kung ikaw ang babaeng 'yon, would you accept me as your boyfriend?"

Lihim akong napasinghap dahil sa katanungan niya. Hindi rin naitago ng mga mata ko ang panlalaki sa tanong nito at ang paglandas ng init sa aking pisngi. I suddenly felt my body heating. Sheez! Kung pwede lang ako himatayin ay baka nagawa ko na.

His question... if in different circumstances like I don't really know him personally, I'd say. Who wouldn't want a Troy Davis Monteverde as their jowa? I know its cliché, but women will flock on his knees and bend just to have some piece of his attention. A true godsend to women.

Pero dahil nakilala ko na s'ya sa isang buwan na pagsasama namin, his question became a reflection of being insecure to himself. Iyong tipong hindi ito kumpyansa sa sarili na magiging sila ng babaeng gusto nito. Kaya talaga namang nakakagulat na marinig mula sa kanya ang ganitong klase ng tanong. May insecurities rin pala ang isang Troy Monteverde? Kung ivivideo ko 'to at ibibigay sa paparazzi, I would gain more money. It's a good scoop.

Napailing iling ako sa aking utak dahil sa huling naisip. Really, Serena? Gain more money, talaga?

Hindi ko alam kung magiging honest ba ako sa kanya o magbigay nalang ng isang sagot na sobrang clliche din para sa katulad niyang maraming nagkadarapa.

"Y-You have it all." That's all I can say. Awkward pa kasi 'di ko talaga alam kung paano sasagutin ang tanong n'yang 'yon.

"Sometimes it's better to have something that you don't have." He murmured.

"P-Paano mo naman nasabi?" I cursed myself because I stuttered.

He scoffed silently and grinned. "So, your partner won't feel inferior towards you. To make them feel insecure about the things that she doesn't have."

Napakunot noo ako. "Is that what she's thinking? O baka naman ikaw lang ang nag-iisip niyan?"

"She left me because I've been an asshole to her. I scared her of what my status can do to make her feel used. She did something that must be out of her comfort zone and entered a war that she's not supposed to be part of."

Napipilan ako sa naging kasagutan ng binata. Hindi ko inaakala na maririnig ko ang mga nasa isip niya ngayon. He said those words while looking at me. Not sure if she's imagining that I am her because his emotion was like asking for forgiveness. Na akala mo'y para sa'kin talaga ang mga sinabi niya.

My fist clenched involuntarily. "What if she is just concerned about you being an asshole to her and not your status? What if you're just overthinking? Or what if... ginagamit mo lang 'yang rason para i-justify mo ang kasalanan mo sa kanya? Playing victim, aren't we?"

"Why are you so hyped up?" bigla nitong natanong dahil sa naging emosyon ko sa bawat salita na sinabi ko kanya. "Iniimagine mo bang ikaw ang Serena na—"

Hindi ko s'ya pinatapos. "What if... ako nga s'ya?"

Biglang naging seryoso ang mukha nito sa'kin.

"Papaano kung ako nga s'ya at nagpapanggap lang?" tinapangan ko na ang loob ko tutal tinrigger n'ya ako. "Kung ako nga s'ya, tatanggapin mo pa rin ba o icoconsider mong girlfriend mo ako kung malaman mong niloloko pala kita?"

Ang lakas ng kalabog ng puso ko nang matapos ko 'yong tinanong. I immediately replayed my question to my mind to check if tama ba ang mga salitang ginamit ko.

Hindi kaagad nakasagot ang binata and that made my eyes watered. Nilunok ko ang mabigat na bagay na bumara sa'king lalamunan upang itago at pigilan ang mga luha kong lumandas roon.

"You will be mad, right?" sinegundahan ko. "Sino ba namang lalaki ang gugustuhin niloloko rin sila? If I am her, Troy, then I must say, we are quits, and I can finally move on with my life."

Troy was about to say something when his phone rang. Doon tila naputol ang koneksyon naming dalawa dahil sa topic na aming binuksan. Troy excused his self to answer the call. Ako nama'y malalim na huminga nang makatalikod ito at napahawak pa ako sa gilid ng lamesa dahil sa panghihina.

Nakailang mura ako sa aking isip dahil sa tanong na binatawan ko— na ngayo'y nagsisisi na kung bakit 'yon pa ang lumabas sa bunganga ko. I obviously gave him a hint! Paano pala kung 'di pa n'ya alam na niloloko ko s'ya? Na 'di pa pala niya alam na ako si Serena Angeles? What if he used this chance to get a confirmation?

"Gab Gab, Daddy is still busy looking for your Mom. I promise that I'll get her back for you." Sa lalim ng iniisip ko'y do'n ko lang napansin kung sino ang kausap ng binata.

It's Gabriel! Medyo nagrigudon muli ang kaba sa aking dibdib dahil unang una, baka madulas ang bata at sabihin n'ya ang totoo sa ama nito. Although, hindi alam mismo ni Gabriel ang tunay kong apelyido, still, he might have described me to his father. Second, I trust the kid, I just miss him now that he's talking with Troy.

"N-No, son. We didn't fight. Your Mom was just busy. I'll bring her home as soon as I found her. I'll even offer my help to make her finish what she's been doing here in Palawan."

Shit, ito na nga ba ang sinasabi ko. Malakas ang kutob ko na marahil galing sa bata ang impormasyon na narito ako sa Palawan. Hindi man n'ya siguro sinabi ang totoong itsura ko, the information that the kid got from Aura can be a possible reason kung bakit narito ngayon si Troy.

"W-What? N-no! I didn't... cheat on her." Napatuwid ako ng upo nang biglang tiningnan ako ng binata matapos n'yang sabihin 'yon sa bata. "I won't do that to her. Takot ko lang sa'yo, son."

I rolled my eyes and I let him see that. He does really know how to make amends with his son. For sure napaniwala na nito iyon. As soon as he dropped the call, I asked him. "You already have a son?" Hindi ko alam kung ang tono ko ay tunog kuryoso.

Natigilan ito ng sandali ngunit sumagot naman. "That's a private and personal question, and that's disrespectful."

Mabilis na umangat ang dalawang kilay ko sa kanya at hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan s'ya, "Ang OA ng reaksyon, koya? Pwede mo namang sabihing 'Shut up' Serena? So, defensive."

Bumalik ito sa lamesa at kapagkuwa'y nagsimula nang magligpit ng pinagkainan. "You should rest." Untag nito at hindi na ako tiningnan pa.

I squinted my eyes on him. Mukhang talagang iniiwasan n'ya akong umabante pa sa ginagawa kong panlalandi sa kanya. Does this mean he doesn't really know it yet? Hmm, I'll try one last time. Tutal wala na rin naman ako sa mood pang itulak ang sarili sa binata.

"Where will you sleep?" I asked him sa malambing ko tono.

Hindi ito sumagot sa akin at hindi na ako tiningnan pa sa aking mata. He's really avoiding making any eye contact with me. Nagpipigil o sadyang wala lang siyang interest sa'kin? Tss.

"Should I sleep on your couch instead?" I tried to make another conversation.

"Take the bed. I'll take the couch." Malamig ang tugon nito sa'kin. "End of discussion."'

I sighed. Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba akong masaktan o maiinsultong muli. Matutuwa kasi it seems like he took commitment with Serena Angeles seriously and he applies loyalty with his feelings towards her. Maiinsulto dahil, he rejected me... again. Kanina n'ya pa 'yon ginagawa sa'kin at ang sakit na sa pakiramdam. My self-esteem was depleting because of it and mind you, hindi magandang pakiramdam 'yon. I felt so insecure tuloy towards my other-self. Iniisip ko na sana nga ako nalang s'ya.

I shook my head to push those thoughts away from me. It's not healthy to deal with it. Mas lalo ko lang maalala muli ang pagkukulang ko. I became like this to prove that a woman can also do what a man can do to be a leader. Nagsumikap ako sa posisyon kung nasaan man ako ngayon para lang punan ang pagkukulang ko ng kabataan ko.

"SERYOSO BA 'YAN?!" hindi makapaniwalang untag ni Maria sa'kin nang ikwento ko ang nangyari kagabi. Her both eyes and mouth made a horrific O, patunay sa naging sambulat nito. Yvette snickered at my side while she's drinking her morning Caramel Macchiato espresso. Aura was munching her favorite croissant and her face only says that she's listening. Jorgy, on the other hand, is busy giving a piece of her bread to the cat on the floor.

We all decided to take our breakfast here in the hotel before we head back to Yvette's private island. The hotel gave us their VIP breakfast area so we can have our privacy especially now the news of me being seen here has widely spread all over the country. The media was flocking downstairs trying to get a scoop. Those journalist naman na naka-check-in rito ay naharang kaagad ng mga private guards ni Troy. So, in total, we are having a somehow silent breakfast.

I replied while I'm slicing my waffle with maple syrup, "Sira ang ganda ko do'n."

"Sinabi mo pa!" Maria replied exaggeratedly and munched her French toast. "So, he doesn't know it yet. Though, he might have an idea kaya gano'n s'ya makapagparinig sa'yo. Mind you, galawang chismosa 'yung ginawa n'ya so, I should know."

I raised a left eyebrow and smirked. "You're starting to emulate the real you, huh. That's nice." I said then giggled.

Maria rolled her eyes at me and bit another portion of her bread.

"So, ano nang mangyayari?" Yvette smoothly asked the question. "He has an idea, so you need to be careful only if... 'di mo na paninindigan ang nauna mong planong mawalan ng pake kung malaman ni Troy."

"Hey! I still don't c-care kaya!" I immediately clarified but Yvette just showed me her middle finger when she made sure Jorgy is not looking at us.

"You don't care pero grabe ang kaba mo kagabi pa. Hilahin ko 'yang bulbol mong babae ka." Maria snobbishly replied.

"Maybe you should tell him?" Aura suggested at napatingin kaming tatlo sa kanya. Naging kabado bigla ang mukha nito na akala mo'y biglang na-intimidate. "I w-was just suggesting."

"She got a point though." Yvette agreed. "Kung papanindigan mo 'yang wala kang pakialam kung malaman n'ya then go tell him. 'Pag nagalit, then eskapo! Tutal, pinakausapan ka lang naman ng ama mo 'di ba? Unless..."

Nagdikit ang dalawang kilay ko sa pabitin effect ni Yvette. "Unless...?"

"Unless kung inlababo ka na sa kanya." Si Maria na ang agad nagdugtong.

"Inlababo?" takang tanong ko.

Maria rolled her eyes. "'Yan ang nagagawa ng matagal hindi nabalik sa pinanggalingan! 'Di na aware sa mga bagong jargon ng panahon ngayon. Inlababo means, in love! Love mo na s'ya."

I exaggeratedly gasped upon hearing that. "W-What?! H-hindi ah! W-well, like palang. But definitely not in love."

"Sus, gano'n na rin naman 'yon. Love is just the intensified term of like." Maria explained.

"No! Mali ka Ate Maria!" napabaling kami kay Jorgy nang nakangiti itong nag-react sa sinabi ni Maria. "Love is not the same with Like. Love is something that you can't explain, something that you won't assess just by saying you love the person. It's the feeling of you can't get enough of not seeing the person you have feelings with. It's something that you can't easily moved on unlike like. Love is happiness but also personifies pain in which simultaneously part of the package. It is intensified, yes, but it's not the same."

Napahawak ako sa aking dibdib sa narinig na ekplanasyon ng babaeng 'to. That's a lengthy explanation of love, huh.

Hindi napigilan ni Maria ang hindi matawa ng sobra kay Jorgy. Yvette's still in shock and Aura's just smiling proudly to our friend.

"And you know that because...?" I probed dahil hindi talaga ako makapaniwala na manggagaling talaga ito sa kanya.

"Because it's the same with the love we have to our parents! We are happy with them, but we're also in pain because of them."

Natigilan kaming apat at mabilis na nagkatinginan sa huling parte ng sinabi nito. Her tone was different, there's sadness and pain. And we all know why.

"But at least, you know the difference between Like and Love, right?" Maria immediately interjected so the mood will get back again.

Jorgy shook her head and blinked a couple of times before smiling us again. "I'm okay naman po mga, Ate."

I tried my best not to be sad in front of her. She's trying to be happy now so, I should do the same for her. Her past is still haunting her for sure but she's one of those people I'm proud of because she's willing to be better and be brave to forget it and move on.

"Maiba nga ako, Jorgy. May crush ka na ba?" biglang tanong ni Yvette nang ipagpatuloy nitong kainin ang inorder na Bagel with Cream Cheese.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Jorgy at naging halata ang pagpula ng magkabilang pisngi nito nang marinig ang tanong ni Yvette. Napasinghap rin kaming apat sa naging reaksyon nito.

"D-Did you just blush?!" OA na reaksyon ni Maria tapos ay mabilis na nilapitan si Jorgy para hawakan ang magkabila nitong pisngi. "She really is! My god! Nagdadalaga ka na?!"

"At sino naman ang malas na lalaking mapagbubuntungan ng galit ni Serena, Jorgy?" tanong ni Yvette habang nakangisi sa'kin.

Talagang mapagbubuntungan ko ang talampasan na lalaking 'yon! Sa oras na pormahan niya 'tong bebe girl namin, matitikman niya ang galit ko talaga! Jorgy is still... young for me! And very innocent. I don't want her to experience the cruelty of romantic relationship. Ayaw kong maramdam n'ya ang mga naramdaman ko noon.

"C-Crush lang naman p-po. 'Di naman n'ya ako mapapansin. I'm not as beautiful as you mga Ate."

Bigla naman tuloy ako nahabag sa naging reaksyon ni Jorgy. With her statement, parang nahati bigla ang kagustuhan kong pigilan s'yang magkajowa o hayaan s'ya para itaas ang self-esteem nito. I'm an advocate of women empowerment, kung ang iba ay naiinspire ko at natutulungan, bakit 'di ko magawa para sa sarili kong kaibigan 'di ba?

Yvette leaned on me and whispered. "You know that she's emotionally manipulating you right?"

I sighed and nodded. "Yeah, and she's really good with it."

Yvette chuckled. "That's her expertise, my friend. Get a grip."

"At sinong nagsabing hindi ka kasing ganda namin?! Walang pangit sa grupong 'to! Sino nagsabi n'yan para pagchismisan ko buhay n'yan." May halong inis na wika ni Maria habang naglilintanya sa harap ni Jorgy.

"A-Ate, h'wag na." Naiiyak na pagpigil ni Jorgy.

"For sure it's her stepsisters." Aura said while sipping her hot chocolate.

"A-Ate Aura!" nagigimbal na wika ni Jorgy.

"You don't know how to lie, Jorgy. Reaksyon mo palang halatang tama ang iniisip ng Ate Aura mo." Wika ko while looking at her seriously. "And please, don't believe them. Believe us."

Jorgy pouted like a cat and looked down. Maria immediately raised her chin and said, "Napapalibutan ka ng matatambil ang mga dila 'di ba? Do you think they know how to lie either kapag sinabi naming maganda ka?"

Umiling iling si Jorgy, still pouting.

"Now, repeat after me." Sunod na sabi ni Maria matapos bitawan ang pisngi ng dalaga. "Maganda ako."

"M-Maganda ako."

"'Yung mas confident. Isa pa."

"Maganda ako?"

"Bakit patanong? Ulitin mo, girl. Tapyasan kita ng patilya d'yan."

Jorgy cleared her throat, "Maganda ako."

"Lakasan mo. Ang hina."

"Maganda ako!"

"Ano? Pipi ka ba? I said louder!"

"Maganda ako!"

"Isigaw mo!"

"Sabi nang maganda ako!!!"

Pare-parehas kaming napangisi na apat. "Sa susunod na maniwala ka sa mga gaga mong step-sisters, sabihan mo lang kami. Sisirain namin buhay nila sa susunod."

"H-Huwag naman Ate Maria." Nalulungkot na anas ni Jorgy. "They're nice naman."

"Like how many times na naging nice sila sa'yo, Jorgy?" Yvette probed.

Napatingin pa sa itaas si Jorgy habang nagbibilang naman ang mga daliri nito. "Mga three times lang?"

"Being nice should be constant. Hindi 'yong paminsan minsan lang." Yvette explained.

"So, ibig sabihin 'di rin kayo nice?"

"Kami hindi nice? Paano mo nasabi?" tanong ko.

"Kasi you love to bitch-out other people po 'eh." She reasoned out that made us chuckle.

"You belong to the group nga. Matabil rin dila mo. Kaunting practice lang." Maria commented while she's walking back to her chair and continued eating.

"Uhm, Ma'am Serena?" napatingin kami sa waitress na dumating. She looks nervous but amazed upon seeing us.

"Yes?" I asked.

"U-Uhhh, pinapasabi po ni Sir Troy na hihintayin n'ya raw po kayo sa lounge area ng Hotel. P-Pakibilisan raw po."

"Pakisabi sa kanya, I'll be there as soon as we're done eating. Okay?" I told her.

Para namang nahintakutan ang waitress sa sinagot ko. "P-Pasensya na po pero mahigpit pong utos ni Sir na sa pagbalik ko raw po dapat kasama na kita."

"Wow, he's bossy." Yvette murmured on my side.

Nagsisimula na namang uminit ang ulo ko. Same old Troy, huh. Still bossy as ever. I awkwardly smiled at her and replied, "Then wait for me outside, we'll be finished in a while. May concern pa rin ba s'ya na gusto mong ihabol?"

Mas lalo namang nahintakutan ang waitress sa tono na ginamit ko. "W-Wala na po. S-Sige po, m-maghihintay na po ako sa labas."

"Lady Elle, relax." Aura advised and I really did relax. Ang hirap talaga kung ang alam mo kung gaano kagago ang boss mo dati.

"What's his deal? Bakit pinapapunta ka sa lounge?" tanong ni Yvette.

"Magpupublic chukchakan daw sila do'n para mahisterikal ang publiko." Maria replied and my shocked face was so evident.

"Maria! Ang bunganga mo nga!" Pagsita ko.

"What? Jorgy is in the right age to know things. Hindi naman habangbuhay magiging clueless s'ya sa mga ganon'ng klase ng usapan."

"Kahit pa, it's inappropriate to even discuss it in front of the dining." Dugtong ko pa.

"Sige, pag-usapan namin pagkatapos kumain." Natatawang segunda ni Maria. I glared at her.

"It's probably about the stunt he did last night." Tugon ko sa tanong ni Yvette. "Para mapagtakpan ang nangyari sa bar."

"Ano na nga palang balita ro'n. Did you ask your Araldo about what happened to those assholes?"

The mood of our breakfast suddenly changed when Yvette used the term that means Herald. The term that's being used only by a few groups of people.

"Baka may makarinig." Nag-aalalang anas ni Aura habang patingin tingin ito sa paligid. "Though, I secured that no one would try to spy on us."

"Then there's nothing to worry about, Aura." Tugon ko rito tapos ay si Yvette naman ang sinagot ko. "No need to worry about them. Karma has been served accordingly. I am the Karma, remember?"

They just shrugged upon hearing my reply.

The waitress assigned to assist me after my breakfast was shaking and uncomfortably walking ahead of me. Halata ang takot nito sa kung sino. Troy must have threatened this woman to do his bidding. I rolled my eyes because of it.

Nang magbukas ang elevator ay ang pagsambulat sa'kin ng mga camera lights. My face cringed because of irritation. Matagal tagal rin akong hindi exposed sa mga ganito kaya pati mata ko'y biglang nanibago. I walked flawlessly outside of the elevator. My face was stoic and unreadable but also not friendly. Some of them tried to ask questions habang pinapalibutan ako. The guards of the hotel and guards of Troy joined forces to protect me against their advances. I ignored them and just continued walking together with my unprepared outfit.

The media will surely talk about my outfit today. Pati kasi 'yon ay walang nakakaligtas sa kanila. I am part of the elite for fashion that's why. Pero it's not my concern anymore. Wala akong pakialam ngayon kung nakasuot lang ako ng simpleng white t-shirt, partnering with maroon square pants. My black bucket hat is on fleek while my eyes are being hidden through my wide black sunglasses.

The moment I've seen Troy with his obvious fake smile towards me, I rolled my eyes. Good thing I wore my sunglasses para walang makakita sa ginawa ko.

"Serena, love. Come here." Untag nito tapos ay nilahad nito ang kamay.

And what?! Love?

I didn't take it. Is this the continuation of his actions last night? How dare he used me?!

He awkwardly withdrew his hand and fake his laugh. I'm shocked when he advanced towards me at iniakbay ang maskulado nitong braso sa leeg ko. For them, it looks romantic but for me, since I felt a heavy feeling on it, it's a warning for me to get along.

"She's not really in the mood because I said no last night."

I gasped really hard with his statement kung bakit ako nagsungit. Ako?! Walang mood kasi tumanggi s'ya sa'kin kagabi?!

Well, it was true! B-But he shouldn't told them that!

The people surrounding us reacted with glee and some of them even whistled like they heard a sweet and smooth pick-up line. Hindi na ako nakapagpigil at siniko ko na ang matigas nitong tiyan and hissed at him.

Troy reacted as he got hurt seriously because of what I did. "See? Let's forget it or else she'll say no later this time."

Wow! Ang feeling ng lalaking 'to! At talagang may gana pa siyang dugtungan ang malisya nitong siniwalat!

People are murmuring that we are a sweet and feisty couple. That Troy is sweetly funny because of what he had said.

I am fuming mad now!

"So, si Miss Fontanilla ba ang tinutukoy mo sa huli mong TV interview na current girlfriend mo ngayon?" tanong ng isang journalist.

Troy looked at me with his smile— evil smile, I must correct that, then he gave me a smack on the lips that made me shocked.

Sa ginawa nitong lalaking 'to, mas nagwala ang mga taong nanunuod. It was like they are watching a Korean drama where in reality, I really wanted to put some bullets in Troy's head and murder him with a swiss knife and a katana!

"You're such a sweet couple! Are we expecting a grand wedding soon?"

Napabaling ang tingin ko sa isang reporter sa naging tanong nito. Troy decided to ignore it when his bodyguard leaned on him to whisper.

"Let's go, love." Aya nito sa'kin tapos ay nakangiting tiningnan ang mga reporters. "We'll go ahead. Thank you, everyone."

The crowd of reporters became aggressive again when we started walking away from the hotel.

"Don't mind them, let's go and leave now. Nagkakasala na ako ng sobra sobra." Rinig kong anas ni Troy na ako lang ang nakakarinig. Ramdam ko ang takot nito sa kung sino.

Yeah, talagang lagot ka kung sakaling andito ako bilang Serena Angeles at hindi nga ako si Serena Fontanilla. Iyang Junjun mo lang ang walang latay sa'kin.

Pumasok kami sa isang malaking black van. The van is spacious at halatang pagmamay-ari ng isang lalaki. "What did you do?" agad kong bungad rito nang makapasok at maisara na ang pintuan.

Troy raised his eyebrows at me, bewildered to my question. "Just continuing what I have done?"

Nanginig ng husto ang galit ko dahil sa pilosopo niyang sagot. "I let you last night but there's no way that I'm agreeing to what you did again!"

Napapikit na si Troy na halatang ayaw makibangayan sa'kin. "Look, I saved you and your friends from being exposed to a kidnapping incident and this is what you are going to repay me? The last thing that I want from you is just to shut up and get along with it."

I scoffed, "I'm pretty sure na maraming pwedeng paraan para itago 'yon and being attached with your image is not one of them! I hate having scandals!"

"And as if I wanted to do something with you either! I have someone already!"

I was stunned with his reply. Mas lalo yata akong namula nang biglang may nag-react sa likuran naming dalawa sa van.

"Ouch?"

Napatingin ako bigla sa likuran and I don't know what to react anymore when I saw my girls staring at me with shock while Troy's boys are grinning from ear to ear.

"Sis, I wanted to help you out but that was so... epic." Travis, my dear and fucking brother commented. "Aww, that hurts!"

Yvette elbowed him and squinted her eyes on me.

I pursed my lips and looked away from them.

Fuck! Nakakahiya!

Buong byahe kaming walang imikan lahat sa loob ng kotse. No one started a conversation even my brother who's for sure enjoying my stupidity. He knew that ones he said something or even a stutter, I'll make sure na magbabayad siya ng matindi sa'kin.

Even Maria na dapat nangunguna sa pagtatanong ay tila nanahimik sa upuan nito matapos na mag-react ng ouch kanina.

Pagkarating sa port kung saan kami sasakay ng yate pabalik sa island ni Yvette, Troy grabbed my arm and forced me to look at him. Ako naman na sobrang pahiya kanina ay sinubukang itulak ito but I failed.

"Look, I didn't mean to be... mean. But I want you to take this event as an advantage."

I scoffed and snickered at him with dismay because of what he wanted me to realize of his awful act. "Gago ka talaga ano? And what the fucking mean take this as an advantage?"

Troy shortly cringed with my curse but he set it aside. His face became serious and navigate his phone. Tinapat nito iyon sa'kin para ipakita kung ano man ang binuksan nito.

Napaatras ako nang ma-realize ang footage na pinakita nito sa'kin. It was my father and his... father. Kasama ng mga ito ang ate nito na si Adrianna.

"This is their meeting after a few days of my investor meeting with the Joaquin stakeholders." Panimula nito habang ako'y patuloy na nanunuod.

Nanginig ang mga kamay ko dahil hindi lang si Dad ang kasama sa video. Naroon rin ang stepmother ko. Troy's father and my father shook someone's hand. May isang lalaking dumating at mas napaigtad ako sa gulat nang mamukhaan iyon.

It's Rolando Martinez.

What's the meaning of this? Galing na sa bibig ni Troy sa meeting noon na they're plotting a revenge against my family. Bakit magkakasama sila ngayon?

"They are all hiding something from us... I've been monitoring them since I had doubts and I need your help on this."

Sa sobrang pagkabigla ay hindi ko agad nakuha ang sinabi nito. Pero nang ma-gets ay tiningnan ko si Troy. The passion and hope on his eyes are too obvious not to notice. It seems like he's seeing me as his last card to finally figure out what's the deal between my family and his. At anong koneksyon ni Rolando sa kanila.

"If I have to beg in front of you, let me know. I'm willing to kneel if you want. But please, think about this. They're all doing something behind our back and I have a bad feeling about this."