"Why do you look so down? Did you miss the big big sale?"

I glanced at Diana who was busy rummaging through an entire suitcase filled with dresses. She was probably looking for one that I could wear tonight.

"I'm just...thinking."

She looked at me with a bored expression, "Kilala na kita, Ysabelle. You can fool the entire world, even your mother, but not me."

I sighed and walked towards her. I took both of her hands in mine as we both sat down on the bed in the middle of the fancy hotel room. I never would've thought I'd be staying in one, because years ago, I could only enter hotel rooms to clean them.

"I have to tell you something, Dee... I did something stupid."

She scoffed at me, "You always do. At this point, wala ka nang pwedeng sabihin na ikaka-gulat ko pa-"

"I'm engaged."

"What?!"

Diana looked at me like a deer caught in headlights. Her mouth was agape, then she stopped moving. She sat there, not blinking, and her hands around mine tightened so much that I winced in pain.

"You...did...what?!"

I felt the unreleased tension from every pause she made.

Tears brimmed my eyes as I recalled the night I wished I could replay.

"I was going to say no to Rylie. I...There was a paparazzi and I didn't want a scandal.."

"But you created an even bigger scandal that's waiting to happen, Belle! What were you thinking? Kasal 'yan! Hindi mo 'yan pwedeng paglaruan.. Ano nga 'yung kasabihan? Ang kasal hindi mo pwedeng itulad sa mainit na kanin na kapag napaso ka iluluwa mo!"

The always-calm Diana Grace's face turned red as she emphasized my mistake, "When push comes to shove, I'd go through with the wedding. Ry as a husband wouldn't be so bad.."

"I'm not talking about him as a husband, Bee. Are you seriously willing to spend a lifetime with someone you don't even love?"

"I-"

I was going to say I'm not, but I never got to finish.

"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!"

Speak of the devil, and the devil shall appear.

I quickly wiped away my tears, hoping that the man clad in skinny slacks and a white button up shirt with folded sleeves didn't see them. I smiled big when he approached me, pretending like nothing happened.

"Hey, Babe. I sent you a text, 'di ba? Sabi ko nandito kami ni Dee sa kwarto"

He landed a kiss on my lips, not minding that we had an audience. That's Rylie Allegre for you- a romantic with a thing for PDA. 

To my disappointment and the fans' delight.

"No worries. You had your GPS on anyway... So, have you chosen a gown for tonight? My tie would be maroon, let's match.."

He threw a knowing look at my PA, and the girl just plainly nodded.

"I'll leave you for a while, Babe. I need to get ready too.."

"Alright"

"I love you"

"I love you too, Ry.", I lied for the thousandth time.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, but the door opened again, leaving me and Diana on high alert. Rylie's head peeked from the other side, "Don't forget your ring, Ysabelle"

With a wink and a smirk, he finally left and locked the door behind him.

"I just hope you have a fallback plan, Bee. I'm your best friend. I don't want to watch everything you've worked so hard for burn to nothing. Okay?"

Malungkot kong tiningnan si Diana, "If that's what was meant to happen, it's gonna happen and you know it"

Sometimes, fate is just that cruel.

"I'll be with you, Belle. Lagi, kahit anong mangyari..."

I shook my head and gave her another sad smile, "Too bad, Dee. I might be a little mean sometimes, but I won't let you fall and burn with me."

We were both silent after that conversation.

I took a shower to freshen up, and minutes later, my glam team arrived to prepare me for the event.

A party would be held to celebrate the official casting of my upcoming movie. As usual, me and Rylie would be the main characters.

Now, this movie was a big deal. It's huge, and it has been controversial ever since the producers released what the storyline would be. 

Most things considered taboo- this movie would have.

It wasn't a question why we were given the main roles. People expected it to happen, and it would cause an outrage if they didn't give the fans what they wanted. Me and their precious angel, together in a movie that was seventy percent daring scenes.

"Shall we go with the maroon dress, Belle?" Diana asked, her voice muffled by the closed door.

It's not like I had a choice anyway, "Yes please, Dee. Thank you!"

The door opened and my PA handed me a sparkling maroon evening gown. It had a plunging neckline, and the slit on the right side would probably run just five inches below my hip bone. I would definitely end up looking like a slut.

I went outside the bathroom barefoot.

"You look sexy, Ms. Elyse.. Are you ready for hair and make up?"

I nodded.

I wordlessly sat down in front of the vanity mirror and closed my eyes. Not a second later, I was attacked by hair curlers, brushes, and the chemical scent of cosmetics. Having my face and hair get played with calmed my nerves down a bit.

"Ma'am Ysabelle, okay na po..."

I opened my eyes, and saw a beautiful girl looking back at me from the huge mirror I sat in front of.

She didn't look restless, she didn't look like she was out of her wits trying to think of ways on how she'll escape the path she blindly chose.

"Wow.."

The team of make up artists beamed at my reaction, their satisfied smiles mirrored my own.

I looked alive.

My amber eyes were framed by thick lashes, my eyelids were the color of a juicy cranberry- the metallic shade of the eyeshadow glittered like diamonds under the light. My lips were coated with a lipstick as dark as blood and as glossy as glass.

Lip Gloss. Rylie would be pissed. He hated those things- all the more reason for me to love them.

"We hope you like it, Ms. Elyse. Ang ganda ganda niyo po..."

I gave her a genuine smile, "I love it. Thank you..."

I almost jumped out of my seat when someone knocked on the door. Diana was the one who opened it, "Yes?", I heard her say.

She came back to where I was with a giant bouquet in her hands. It was almost as big as her.

I raised an eyebrow, "Who was it from?"

"Rylie. He won't meet you anymore, he went ahead to the ballroom. He says he'll meet you there." she scooted closer and cupped a hand beside her lips to whisper in my ear, "He wanted you to know that he thinks you should skip the ring tonight."

That's just weird. He told me to wear it.

I didn't have the slightest idea on what Ry was planning, but I had to follow his instruction without question. As soon as the group left, I slid the huge diamond ring off my finger. I used it as a pendant, to contrast the plain silver necklace that rested around my neck.

"They're waiting for you, Belle.. Are you ready?"

Was I?

"Tell me, what choice do I have?"

"Well, you could always run away, look for the love of your life, get married, have kids, and live long until you die from old age... You know, choose the quiet life."

I gave out a tired sigh, "Dee, I wish it were that easy... but this isn't a fairytale, is it?"

I walked out of the hotel room with my head held high. It was the mask I wore everyday, pretending to be high and mighty.

Diana walked beside me, the both of us in a deafening silence.

The harsh tapping of my heels on the marbled floors kept ringing in my ears, like a ticking time bomb. The slit of my gown made it easier for me to walk, but it wasn't a good cover up for my trembling knees.

I could hear the buzz from the inside of the grand ballroom, the chatters were muffled by the closed doors.

"Showtime, Elyse", it was Diana whispering beside me, calling me by my stage name to remind me of the show I had to put on.

Smile for the camera.

Stay beside Rylie.

Pretend to be in love.

Don't drop the facade.

Repeat.

I planted a big smile on my face, and imagined that I was about to see the love of my life.

I released a deep breath, and then finally, I walked in.

People looked towards me, and they all looked with awe and adoration. I wasn't surprised. With how my gown was made and how my make up was done, I was fated to steal everyone's attention.

Rylie opened his arms when he saw me, and as planned, I half-ran into his embrace.

"Someone missed me..."

I nodded against his chest, "I did.", not.

I felt his chest vibrate as he let out a low laugh.

"You look beautiful, Babe", he said. 

He cupped my cheek and placed a strand of stray hair behind my ear.

"Thank you, Ry.. You look dashing.."

Our staring game was cut off when the man beside Rylie cleared his throat, and it seemed to pull my fiance back into reality.

"Oh, yes, I'm sorry. Babe, this is Mr. Juancho Gomez. He's Heather Gomez' father.."

"Heather?.. The supermodel?", the man smiled in confirmation.

"Yes, Elyse... Mr. Gomez, this is Elyse Tuazon. My girlfriend"

Relief flooded my system when he didn't introduce me as his fiance.

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Tuazon.. You look lovely tonight, you should meet my daughter. I'm sure you'll get along very well..."

I reached my hand out to accept the handshake, "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Gomez. I would be honored to meet your daughter.."

"She came here with me tonight.." he looked around the venue and frowned, "But she kept on disappearing with her cousin."

He kept on looking around, the creases on his forehead kept on getting deeper the longer he searched.

"Please excuse me.. I have to find out where those two went."

He left after tapping Rylie's back, and the latter encircled his arm around my waist to lead me towards a table.

"Hey, Babe?", he questioned as soon as we both sat down.

"Yes?"

"Are you mad at me?"

I gave him a confused look, "Why would I be mad?"

"Because I kept our engagement a secret.."

Oh Rylie.. If only you knew how ecstatic I was..

"It's okay, Ry.. I trust you. We can hide it for as long as you need."

He smiled, "I hate it when you wear lipgloss, I can't kiss your delicious lips..." he landed a kiss on my forehead before drawing circles on my cheeks with his thumb, "I love you. "

"I-"

The universe has a weird habit of not letting me finish. I guess it's tired of hearing me lie.

"Elyse Tuazon and Rylie Allegre, the nation's number one love team."

A person with an ID that said 'Press', cut me off. I didn't know whether I should be pissed or grateful.

"Hi! Can we help you?" I asked.

"Actually, you can." I almost raised an eyebrow with the way he spoke back, "I need you to answer a few questions for me.."

"Were you informed that we weren't allowed to entertain interviews tonight?" Rylie butted in.

But he just went on like nothing happened, "First question, Elyse. How did it feel to land the role of the protagonist?"

I held Rylie's hand under the table to control myself from lashing out at the guy. He's just doing his job.

"I felt over the moon, and of course, I felt grateful.." I spoke through a fake smile.

"Pero sinasabi nilang kaya lang daw 'yun ibinigay sa'yo ay dahil boyfriend mo si Mr. Rylie Allegre. How true is that claim?"

My grip on Ry's hand tightened, kinda thankful he was there. "It's not true. I auditioned for the role just like everybody else who wanted the part."

He nodded, not looking the slightest bit convinced with my answer.

"Ano naman ang masasabi mo sa balitang kumakalat na ginamit mo lang daw si Mr. Allegre para sumikat-"

"Enough!"

Rylie caught everyone's attention when his voice thundered in the entirety of the ballroom.

"How dare you come in here and insult my girlfriend?!"

The guy stood up, "But, Sir, I only asked questions.."

I saw how Rylie's face flushed in an alarming shade of red in anger, I knew I had to step in. I placed a hand on his chest and tried to meet his gaze. But Ry was furious...

"Then here's your fucking answer..." Rylie exclaimed as he rose to his feet, "Ysabelle never used me for fame. She fucking worked her way up to achieve whatever she has now. With or without me, she would've succeeded. She loves me, and that's the only reason why we're together. Did that answer your shitty question?"

The guy visibly swallowed. Rylie Allegre's anger surprised him. I applauded him in my head for not breaking character, for not melting in a pile of disgusting goo.

"Yes, it did, but you made me more curious... Bakit ikaw ang nagsasabi na mahal ka niya? Hindi ba dapat si Ms. Elyse ang nagsusumigaw ng nararamdaman niya para sa'yo?"

"I do," I exclaimed as fast as I could.

"Talaga ba, Ms. Elyse? Because it seems to me that you're not sure of your answer. Who are you trying to convince? Ako? O ikaw?"

It all happened so fast. 

I blinked, then Rylie's fist connected with the guy's face. There was a sickening crack, then there was blood. Someone called for security to take the guy out. Ry only calmed down when the interviewer disappeared from his sight.

"Babe, are you okay?" my heart ached at how worried he sounded. 

"I'm okay. Your hand is bleeding.."

"I'll get it washed and checked in a bit. Would you be okay here?"

I gazed at the crowd, feeling a bit suffocated. "I heard there's a garden upstairs. I think I'll head there to go get some fresh air."

He looked hesitant to leave me, but gave in anyway. "Okay. Come find me later."

Rylie gave my forehead another kiss before walking away. I walked towards the door, not minding the concerned looks everyone, including Diana, threw my way. 

I had to get out fast.

I went inside the elevator and pressed the button for the upper floor. I was welcomed with a cool breeze as soon as the metal doors opened, and my hair moved with the wind. It was cold, but at least I was able to escape the drama.

I leaned against the metal railing, and stared at the stars as I was too afraid to look down.

After a good minute of having my eyes closed to feel the moment, I realized that I wasn't alone. The air became suffocating once again.

"It's odd to see a girl like you alone."

"A girl like me?"

He flicked the butt of his cigarette, "Yes, a girl like you."

It was still unclear to me what the man meant, but I decided to let it go.

"Has nobody ever told you that smoking kills?"

"Has nobody ever told you that you should mind your own business?"

I was taken aback with his reply. He was handsome, but a little rude. And I had no idea whether he recognized me or not.

"Do you know who I am?", I inquired.

"Why? Does it matter?"

I held back a groan, "Would you please answer the damn question? Please?"

"Well, since you asked politely... I do know who you are.." he took another drag of his cigarette and blew the smoke away from my direction. But the wind had different plans, and I ended up in a coughing fit.

A chuckle escaped from his lips. He threw the killing stick on the ground and stomped on it with his shoe to put out the ember.

"You starred in a friend of mine's favorite movie. My little brother's best friend has your song on repeat in his car. His girlfriend hates you for stealing her boyfriend's attention all the time. My cousin, who just disappeared to the bathroom, uses your choreography to keep herself in shape.. I think I know you quite well, superstar..."

I was shook, but I couldn't let him know that. So, in typical Ysabelle fashion, I dared ask another stupid question.

"Do you think I'm beautiful?"

"No"

What the?

"Get rid of that disgusting shit on your face, maybe I'll change my mind.."

"Disgusting shi- you mean my makeup?"

"Like I said, disgusting shit."

He took two long strides towards a bench, and on top of it was a black shoulder bag. He looked inside and pulled out a pack of makeup remover wipes. He tossed it to me, "Use it! So I could see your face clearly.. You look so manufactured..."

I didn't know what got into me but I obliged. I took out sheets of wet wipes and used them to rub my face.

I was guessing that the bag belonged to said cousin who left for the bathroom.

A half pack of wipes later, I stood before the huge man- completely barefaced.

He stared at me, and the glow that came from the fairy lights wrapped around the trees helped me see his features better. 

He had smooth, olive skin. His onyx eyes were deep enough to drown me and leave me breathless. His nose bridge was angled perfectly and his brows were to be envied. His lashes were every girl's dream, and his lips..

His lips made me crave.

I thought that was the last of it, but his kissable lips formed into a smile that revealed a dimple on his cheek.

It took everything I had not to reach out and poke it.

"I could see you better now, superstar..."

The stare he gave me was enough to make my breath hitch.

And with a damning smirk, he continued, 

"You look divine."