Chapter 21: Self-love

My fingers traced the black dress I had chosen to wear tonight. It was a deep, dark color, adorned with black roses. Although the invitation I received suggested a bright dress, I decided to go against the norm. Because, in the end, it's my dress, my choice.

No matter what color it is, whether it's bright or not, I would wear it. I had chosen black, and nothing could deter my decision. I had even intentionally selected black as my dress color.

Why not? The lives of the Quinto and Siran clans were about to become a storm. It seemed only fitting that my attire should match the impending chaos.

In the afternoon, I visited my café. There, I saw him once again – the girl Tres was courting. She waved at me, and all I did was nod in response. I quickly checked my café's stock and realized I had forgotten to do the grocery shopping.

Without delay, I left the café and headed straight to the market. I purchased the necessary items for my café. After paying for my purchases and placing them in my eco-friendly bag, I loaded them into my car's backseat and drove to a mall.

There, I visited a cosmetics store, drawn to their selection of high-end lipsticks. I found myself enamored with a red lipstick. The sales lady enthusiastically explained its benefits, and I was persuaded to buy it. I then returned to my car and drove back to my café to deliver my purchases.

Tres was nowhere in sight, so I had to carry the bags myself. I was surprised when someone suddenly matched my pace and took the heavier bags from me, carrying them inside the café. I was still taken aback when I saw Tres and the girl he was courting.

What was her name again? Had I asked before?

"You're here again," my cousin remarked, which made me raise an eyebrow.

"Of course, this is my café," I retorted, irritation lacing my voice.

The girl beside him laughed, seemingly entertained by our familial banter.

"What's your name again?" I asked her.

"Hey, Yvonne!" Tres reprimanded me.

I glared at him before closing my car door.

"What? I don't know her name, so I asked. You didn't bother to introduce her to me," I explained.

He scratched his head in response.

"Her name is Wada," Tres finally answered.

"Oh. Nice name," I commented, trying to be polite.

Leaving them behind, I entered the café first and saw Tres's friend, Zach, who was already seated and engrossed in his MacBook.

I looked around the café and noticed that the groceries I had bought were neatly arranged on the sofa. It seemed that the day was progressing smoothly, despite the initial surprises.

I made my way over to the counter, donning a black apron. I picked up a slice of cheesecake and a blended coffee frappe, then placed them on Zach's table.

His gaze was fixed on me. He was observing my every move. I didn't pay him any mind and continued to set his table with the items I had brought him.

"I did not order this," he stated.

"I know," I replied casually.

"That is for helping me, anyway," I added.

He responded with a smile. I couldn't help but get distracted by the dimples that appeared on both sides of his cheeks.

"It's nothing anyway. I'll pay for this," he pointed towards the treats I had brought him.

I immediately shook my head in disagreement. "That is for helping me, Sir. You do not need to pay for it anymore," I said with finality.

He pursed his lips and slowly nodded his head. He continued to watch me silently. Feeling slightly uncomfortable, I quickly left his presence, carrying away the black tray.

"Thanks for this then," I heard him say.

"It's nothing," I replied to him once again.

I then headed towards my office. I took charge of stowing away the items I had purchased, placing them in their respective jars.

Once I finished, I handed over the counter to Sassa since Tres was busy courting someone. After she took over, I removed my apron.

I informed her that I was leaving, to which she nodded her head and waved me off.

I got into my car and drove towards Makati. On my way, I passed the Gucci store in Greenbelt. I found a parking spot and parked my car.

Upon entering, the staff greeted me delightedly.

I returned their greetings with a smile, and they promptly attended to me. My eyes roamed around the store, taking in the sight of the extravagant items.

I purchased a pair of branded dresses. They were white, sleeveless, long, and flowy. I had plans to change my outfit, hence the purchase.

Before I knew it, I had picked out three dresses. I shared a laugh with the manager. I also bought some branded bags and shoes.

I'm not sure what came over me to splurge a few million pesos today.

"Cash or card, ma'am?"

"Card," I replied, and promptly took out my ATM card from my sling bag.

I left the store with six Gucci bags. The staff helped me carry them to my car.

"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude.

"Thank you, ma'am! Come again!" their manager responded. I smiled and nodded. I revved up the car's engine and started driving.

I began looking for a salon and when I found one, I headed straight there. A security guard pulled open the door for me. I had plans to get my waist-length hair cut.

A hairdresser quickly approached me.

"Oh my! I have a beautiful customer today! I'm so lucky!" He exclaimed excitedly.

I gave him a modest smile. He quickly ushered me to a seat and handed me a book filled with different hairstyles to choose from.

I had chosen to go with a shoulder-length haircut. My hair, as black as the darkest night, was naturally curly. It was thick and silky, which made me think a shoulder-length cut would suit me the most. This length would allow my hair to beautifully frame my face, enhancing my features.

Rea, the stylist, had done his job wonderfully. He had asked me to call him by his first name, Rea, and I had agreed. I was thrilled with the outcome once he was finished with my hair. Rea's face seemed to glow as he admired his work, looking at me.

With this new haircut, I felt more attractive and sexy. I smiled at the transformation, extending my ATM card to him for payment. His eyes sparkled again when he saw the card in my hand.

"Wait a minute, dear," he said, moving towards his counter.

As he was away, I took a moment to survey the salon. There were quite a few customers, and the staff were busily attending to them. Still, from time to time, some would glance my way. I waited on the sofa, then decided to step outside to my car.

From there, I retrieved the dress I had bought earlier and a pair of white stilettos. When I returned to the salon, Rea was waiting for me with a smile, handing back my card. I smiled back, albeit a bit sparingly, and asked him where the restroom was. His eyes kept darting towards the branded shopping bags I was holding.

I reached into my sling bag and pulled out a thousand peso bill, handing it to Rea.

"Consider this your tip," I said. I was feeling generous that day.

His eyes widened in surprise, almost as if he wanted to kiss the money I had handed him.

"Where's your restroom?" I asked again. This snapped him out of his daze.

"Over there, ma'am! Let me escort you!"

I nodded and followed him. We turned a corner, and there it was. I went into the ladies room, entered one of the stalls, and began to change. I undid my polo shirt and slipped out of my black skinny jeans. In their place, I put on the new dress.

I swapped my sneakers for the stilettos and put my old clothes into the shopping bags. I then took out the lipstick I had bought earlier from my sling bag.

Applying it sparingly to my lips, I didn't want it to be too bright. I stepped out of the stall and faced the full-length mirror in the restroom. I turned around, admiring my reflection.

I smiled at myself. That's right, Yvonne. Self-love comes first...