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Chapter 35 part 1 Birthday "Ugh! I wanna swim! If I just don't feel cold," Georgia ranted. I laughed. I approached the poolside and left him there. I sat on one of the sunloungers. I wanna swim, too, but just like her, I feel cold. Both internally and externally. After a while, he sat down on the sunlounger next to him. We are both now dressed in our beach attire. Hardly working for La Sirene. I just hope Georgia's colleagues won't hate her because of her privileges because of me. "Hay! I'm thirsty," Georgia sighed. He stood up and turned to me. I looked up at him. "I'll just get some drinks for us. What do you want?" She asked. "Can I ask for whiskey?" Her brows shot up. "Kidding. Pineapple juice, please. Thanks," I smiled. He shook his head to leave in front of me. I just laughed. I am starting to think, why don't I ship her and Aldrin, right? They are both engineers. Georgia's the easy-go-lucky type just like me while Aldrin's the serious type. They say, opposite do atttacts. They will look good together! Unless there's something about Aldrin and your model that I saw at the ball. But if not … Hmm. When he left I lay down on the sunlounger. I put my shades on as I watched the busy pool in front of me. Male expats scattered around. And man, I feel like I'm in a women's club. Almost all of them were hunks. By the way, I'm not obsessed. I still seem to hate it. I think only one body drives me crazy when I see it. I shook my head at the thoughts. What is that, Thalia! You used to think only negatively of Jared, now you're here again and spitting on his body? You're really fragile, aren't you? My thoughts stopped when the group of men approached me. Suddenly I woke up. "Hey, beautiful. Are you alone?" The guy in the group said in a British accent. Obviously. Do you see anyone with me? I would have liked to file a lawsuit, but he was polite when he said that. But, who am I kidding? These Brits are obviously hitting on me and I am not damn interested. "No. I'm with a friend," I smiled and stood up, trying to get away from them before they could try me. "Oh. Where are you going now?" It was as if my heart jumped when one of them held my arm. He also immediately removed it. "I'm sorry. As much as I want to talk to you guys, my friend is already looking for me. I'll go to her now," I lied. At times like this, it's better to keep your cool and talk to them politely. To avoid rudeness. "Is that so? Can we get your number, then? So that we can contact you. You said you wanted to talk to us," The guy licked his lower lip. Yuck. "Sure. Give me a pen and a paper. I'll write it down," I smiled fakely. Chapter 35 part 2 I just said that so they would stop me. That's the only thing I could do to avoid being harrased or something. Let them believe that I am interested in them. They ride on their trip. Delay them. Then, escape. Their smiles widened. But before they could provide me what I asked them, a big, warm hand scooped my waist. I don't know if I'll feel relieved or more tensed now that Jared's already beside me, looking darkly at the group of men in front of us. My heart throbbed badly, though. When he turned to me, his eyes became soft. "Baby, I was looking for you all over the land. Didn't I tell you to stay in my bed?" He said hoarsely, making sure that the group of men heard him. My eyes rolled and my chin became hot. It says so? The men in front of us dropped their jaws. Apparently saw a ghost. "Uh, Miss, we forgot, our diving lessons will start five minutes from now. We need to prepare. Excuse us," said one then unconditionally left the group in front of us. My forehead furrowed at their reactions. I admit I wanted to get rid at them but seeing them wanting to get rid at me amazed me. Is Jared's authority really that strong? They had big bodies and they were many but they said nothing to Jared. "What happened here?" Georgia asked as she approached us. Maybe he had seen it earlier in the distance as he came back here the scene earlier. He handed me my pineapple juice. I accepted that. "Thanks, Georgia. That's nothing." He nodded and sipped his drink. It just doesn't seem to matter to him that Jared is here with me now. But when his gaze landed on my waist where Jared's arm was still wrapped, he choked. My cheeks grew hot and I felt like I just wanted to be swallowed by the earth in embarrassment. She's not used to seeing us like this! I looked up at Jared and gave him a sharp stare as he tried to untie his hand from my waist but he shot me a sharper stare. My courage melted away. He tightened his grip on me even more. He turned to Georgia who was now red-faced. Jared didn't seem to notice what Georgia's reaction meant. Gosh. He's too confident to hold me like this in front of her! "Engineer Ragojos, Engineer Roque is looking for you. You can finish your drink first before going to his office," He said formally. "Oh? It's fine. I'll just bring my glass there, Sir. I'll go now." "Well then, thank you for favoring my request," Jared said. "No problem, sir." She glanced at me. Confused, I turned to the two of them, not knowing what they were talking about. Maybe her accompanying me today? I don't know. "Thanks, Georgia," I said. The teasing passed through his expression but he also immediately stopped you. She smiled at me sweetly. He turned back to Jared. She nodded her head at him. "I'll leave you two now. Bye, Thal!" When Georgia left, a strange nervousness flared up inside me again. "Your meeting's done?" I asked despite my throbbing heart just so this won't be awkward. And wow. I'm talking to him like I didn't think ill of him a while ago. I am supposed to be indifferent or what but just like what I said, if that's the case, I will go with the flow. And that's just a possibility. Trust him, Thalia. He nodded. Chapter 35 part 3 "What did you do?" His voice turned sweet as he threaded my hair. The feathers stood out on my nape. "N-Nothing much. We just strolled here …" "Then?" I was swallowed. His damn voice is distracting me too much! "That's it n-again," I sighed and turned to him when I remembered something. "Next time, please don't bug an employee anymore just so I could have an assitant. I don't need that. I'm just bothering with his real work," My voice turned small when he sniffed on my hair. Dammit! I'm trying to divert his flirtiness and reprimand him but he keeps on seducing me! "Uh-hmm," He only replied. I just sighed. My head hurts at him. How can I make it work for me! "And please, don't excuse Georgia on her work just so I won't be alone. That's unfair. She has to work. Don't use your power over her," I warned. He turned to me. The two thick eyebrows met and smirked. There. I finally caught his attention. "Why? So you could entertain other boys?" His voice turned vile. My forehead furrowed. "Who are those? Your boys?" He said in a controlled tone. My lips parted, now I understand his reaction. What's this? He's jealous to those expats? That seems impossible. "Are your guys like that? Tss. They don't intimadate me. Even a bit. Soybeans." I rolled my eyes. The yabang. Yes. He's that handsome matured! I don't know if I'll laugh or get irritated. It's like he's telling me I won't find a man like him in this lifetime! He's mocking me and I feel so embarassed even though I shouldn't. "They're not my boys. I don't even know them!" He just raised an eyebrow. "It is true!" I cried angrily. Damn. What if I'm not them men? It's not like it's my obligation to convince him. You're so obvious, Thalia! "Okay," He smirked. My lips parted. I was about to speak but it hung in the air when he pressed me against the wall. He pulled me closer to him to whisper. "I'm the only one you can like," He breathed. "I don't want you," I said bluntly despite the abomination of my heart. Even though I liked him and he said he still liked me it seemed like I wasn't ready to enter into a relationship. But, maybe not really. After all, why do I let him do these things to me? Because I know deep inside, I want this. I really want this. I'm just too afraid. He chuckled. "I know, baby. But I'm sure I can do something about it," He nipped my ear. My heart was pounding. "You'll fall for me, too. Like how I fell for you." He said it like a curse. I was swallowed. Maybe it really is. 'Coz I already fell for him. A long time ago. He moved away from me to face me. His eyes watched my reaction. I averted my eyes. He chuckled. "I'm done with work. Let's go home now, baby." Chapter 35 part 4 Days went by and we were like that. But work is mingling with my emotions too much. It won't give me time to think of all of these. We're on the sixth week of the project now. That is why there are more deliveries for La Sirene. Deliveries are still being made to other places, mostly in Manila. I am almost always on my phone or in front of my laptop. Jared was busy too. He is hands on with the project especially since after two months we will be returning to Manila and he will just visit here. His meetings are also reciprocal. Sometimes he even travels to Manila on their private plane to attend meetings there. Just go back. He doesn't spend a day there. "Okay, Monette. I'll just send you the files-yes, yes. Bye!" I swallowed my senses after the call. I thought I could escape the paperworks because I was here in Zambales. By the way. Even worse. Now that I am here, I will make a monthly report on all the items here. I'm alone. Darn. I wish Dad hires a new inventory manager sooner. A knock on my office's door stopped me from my thoughts. "Come in," I said, eyes remaining closed and hand still in the sense. "What's wrong?" Jared's low baritone made my breathing hitch. I immediately adjusted to sitting. He is wearing a crisp white longsleeves and a black slacks. His attire told me he went straight here from his office. "Uh, there's … will you take me here?" I will ask. I texted him earlier that I won't go to La Sirene today. I have so much work to finish today so I'm just here all day in Dad's office here in the warehouse. His brows shot up. He came over and laid the paperbag he was carrying on my desk. I frowned and turned there. It's from an expensive restaurant. I looked up at him. "I want to eat lunch with you but then you're busy so …" He shrugged. My lips parted. "You bought us lunch?" "Yeah," his voice trailed off. "We're going to eat here so you won't be disturbed." I blinked. "Uhm, actually … I plan to eat while working," My voice trailed off. Damn. If only I hadn't been so busy today, eh! He stared at me coldly. I only gave him an apologetic look, near to being miserable. He sighed deeply after. "Fine. Maybe your presence is enough. I'll just eat there," He pointed at the center table of the sofa. "While you work and eat. We're still together." I sniffed and nodded, suppressing the smile that wanted to disappear from my lips. Eat together, huh? How clingy, Jared. That's exactly what we did. He ate his lunch at the sofa while I ate mine on my desk. Chapter 35 part 5 From the side of my eyes, I know Jared's attention was all on me even when he's eating. Yet, I couldn't care less. With so much I was doing I couldn't even pay attention to the attention he was throwing at me. When I finished eating Jared appeared at my side. He quietly took my meal. "Thanks …" I said. He just nodded. I thought he was leaving after he ate but I was wrong. He stayed there watching me like I'm his favorite movie. And to be honest, I am uncomfortable. Not because I thought he was going to do something bad to me but because I was already conscious. My mind is nearly going blank because of his stares. Hopefully he's back at the hotel! When I am halfway down, I felt my head spinning. I stopped typing. I held my temples and slightly massaged it. I should really get an anti-radiation glasses. I stopped squeezing my senses when I felt Jared's hot and rough fingers there. I stilled at his touch. I seem to be weakening. My hands fell back on my lap. "Baby, you shouldn't tire yourself too much …" He crooned as he massaged my temples gently. My mouth ran dry as my heart thumps fast. The way he does circles on my temples relaxed my dizzy head. Every soft touch of his finger on my senses was delicious to feel, it seemed to be licking me. "Take some rest," he added. I seemed taken aback by what he said. I can't rest. Not when I'm almost finished. I won't rest until I finished these all. For the rest to go straight. I shook. "I'll just finish first then I'll rest," He sighed. "Then I guess, I'll just keep on doing this till you're finished," "Huh ?!" I immediately turned to him causing his hand to be removed from my senses. "Keep on working. Don't mind me. I'll just be brave so you don't get a headache," My jaw dropped. "H-Don't!" Does he really think I can work properly with him massaging my temples? And what is he, my help? Darn! His forehead furrowed. "I-I'm fine. There's no need …" I said a few words. He shot me a sharp stare. "You still have work, don't you? Go back to the hotel," I said just so he'd stop what he's planning to do. "Are you firing me?" His voice was cold with ice. My eyes widened. "H-No! I'm just saying …" His jaw clenched. "You keep on saying you disturb me when it's not. I want this. Now," He gestured for me to turn my back on him so he could continue massaging me. "But-" Chapter 35 part 6 His brows shot up. He gestured even more that I was fine. I bit my lower lip. I fail to follow his wishes. I continued typing on my PC until I felt his gentle fingers circling my on my temples. I simply sighed. I feel like I'm even more dizzy from what he's doing. The sensation I'm feeling is too much. Damn. That's all he does but I'm overreacting. My mind got haywired. All the ideas in my brain before disappeared like bubbles. The fact that he's behind me, massaging my temples is making my hands tremble. I was suddenly embarrassed by what I was typing. I suddenly got conscious about my grammar. "What's the date next week wednesday?" He suddenly asked. "Uh …" I quickly clicked the PC calendar. "15," He didn't answer so I shrugged his question. Maybe he's just randomly asking. I was stunned after a while. I clicked the calendar button again. My eyes widened. November 15. Shit. I slowly turned to him. He let me face him. "It's your b-birthday," My voice shaked. He smirked. "I thought you won't remember," I mentally calculated the days before his day. That's just three days from now! He chuckled at my priceless reaction. He then crouched to whisper at my ear. "I want a gift from you," I was swallowed. "W-What do you want?" He laughed softly again in my ear. "What can you give? Hmm?" My cheeks grew hot, someone else thinking about what he said. Darn. "Uh, I'll see what's available on the mall. Can you …" I bit my lower lip. "List down what you want?" I wanted to give him a gift. Back then, I didn't give in to him. So … His brows shot up and his lips twitched. "You'll give me a ready made gift?" I blinked. What does he want then? Scrapbook I made? Damn it. "I want a gift made by you," He whispered. I was swallowed. "What particular gift do you want?" He laughed again in my ear. "You're really asking me, huh?" I blushed. "So that I can give you what you want! Maybe later you don't want me to give you a gift!" I sighed angrily He grinned. "You really want to give me what I want from you?" "Yes!" Chapter 35 part 7 The corner of his lips rose. "D-Don't be that hard …" I averted my eyes. He chuckled. "That, I'm not sure," I looked up at him. "Cook for me," He said. "Huh?" "You'll cook a special dinner for me on my birthday. That's what we'll eat on our dinner date." He smirked evilly. My eyes rolled. "I don't know how to cook!" I protested. Even eating rice, until now I still can't get enough. Well, unless he wants fried eggs, noodles and bacon for our dinner, then fine. But of course I won't let that! He arched his brow. "Please. I'd do anything. Just don't cook. I know you know how I suck at cooking, right?" I said, miserably. I don't want to feed him fake dishes. It's his birthday for pete's sake! And … Dinner date? He sniffed to suppress the threatening smile. "Let's just uh … Eat outside? My treat," I smiled cutely. He looked at me lethally. "Do you think I'd let a girl pay my food? No." He shook his head. I frowned. "But I don't know how to cook. It's hard, you know …" "That's why I wanted you to cook for me. To work hard," He smirked. I stared at him. To toil. Damn. "What? Are you going to cook for me? Hmm?" I snorted and nodded weakly. He chuckled. He bent down to kiss the bridge of my nose. I was stunned by what he did. "I'll be looking forward to it, baby." He whispered sensually at my ear. Chapter 35 part 8 I let out a deep sigh. I really need to finish my report now so that I can browse the internet for authentic dishes. I will also rehearse if necessary. That's what I did. I spent the remaining two days searching for the 'perfect dish' and preparing for his birthday. I want to indulge myself. I want to make him happy in the way I can. A knock on my door woke me up from my dreamless sleep. I rolled my eyes and lazily headed for the door. Jared's morning face welcomed me when I opened the door. My eyes rolled. "Morning," He said playfully. "M-Morning …" I was suddenly ashamed of myself. He's now in his office attire while I'm still on my pajamas. The mixture of aftershave, shower gel, and his perfume attacked my nose. I wish the earth would swallow me up. I sure look like a potato. I looked down at the tray he was holding with only food. I chuckled when I realized what he wanted to happen. "Breakfast in bed," He pointed out. I went home. Does that mean he's going to come into my room? It's so messy! And I haven't taken a bath yet! "Care to let me get inside?" His brows shot up. I sighed and leaned over to let him pass. I bit my lip watching him as he set the tray down on the side table. Seems like he's oblivious of my messy room, though. My breath hung in the air as I remembered. "Happy birthday!" Taranta kong bati. He turned to me with pure mockery on his face. He seems to know I forgot his birthday now. I bit my lower lip and pinched my fingers. How could I almost forget that today's his day when last night, I just finished my plan for our dinner later? Damn "You finally remembered …" He trailed off. "I still remember earlier, no!" I defended. He raised an eyebrow. The corner of his lip rose for amusement. I was suddenly embarrassed. It's like I'm insisting that I am looking forward to this day. Darn. "M-I'll take a shower first," I pointed to the bathroom's door. Without waiting for his response, I proceeded to the walk-in closet to get my clothes. I went into the bathroom afterwards. Upon entering I let out a deep sigh. My heart is crazily hammering against my chest. How can he have this effect on me while I seem to not affect him at all? The trick! I would have liked to be ashamed that I would have to wait for the food but I think it would be even more embarrassing when I shared with him without taking a bath. I just shrugged my thoughts. It's still early so maybe he's not too hungry yet. I stayed a bit long in the bathroom. I make sure I come out clean and fragrant. Knowing that Jared's waiting for me outside is making me more conscious than ever. And we'll eat our breakfast in my bed. It means we are closer than usual, when at the table. I also got dressed in the bathroom. When I came out I caught up with Jared with a call. He was relaxed and seemed to be thinking deeply. I heard business jargons so it was definitely from the office. He turned to me while talking to the man on the other line. I sneezed and laid the towel on the sofa. I went to bed afterwards to look at what he or Manang Tess had cooked. Chapter 35 part 9 My movements were sparing because Jared's gaze was fixed on me. Even with a call, his full attention seemed to be on me. It's making me tremble and fucking conscious. On twitter and what a feeling I took my phone to the side table and fiddled with it to lose weight to reduce my feeling of deprivation. After the call he also went to bed and sat down. My heart rate doubled. We're just going to eat but I'm feeling worse! "Let's eat," He declared. I nodded and picked up the cutlery. "How's your gift for me?" He suddnely asked while we're eating. I almost choked on what I was eating because of his question but I recovered immediately. "Fine," I said proudly. His brow arched and he sported an amused grin. "Should I expect high, then?" "You should expect higher," I said loftily. He chuckled and tousled my hair. "I'll be looking forward to tonight for the whole day, then," he grinned. I pouted. I immediately regretted my boasting. I think I planned for the dinner carefully and meticulously naman but now that he's expecting too much, I feel like I will fail him. After we had breakfast we sailed out. He drove me to the warehouse as usual. My plan is that I will only be there for an hour now because I will be grocery shopping and I will cook later. I think it's even better today that I cook should I buy for fresh especially your vegetables and meat. Jared offered to accompany me in the mall. Of course I did not consent. How can I surprise him at dinner later when he sees me shopping for ingredients, right? Won't he have an idea of what I'm going to cook? He agreed to my reasons but with conditions. He will send me a driver to drive and accompany me. Um, of course, yes, I'm just trying to calm him down. I went out at nine-thirty in the morning. It took a while because I was still handling the deliveries to Manila. It was exactly ten o'clock when I arrived at the mall. I told my brother's driver to just wait for me here in the parking lot because I can go grocery shopping on my own. I immediately regretted that I didn't go to the grocery store yesterday even though it was just those canned goods I needed for cooking. I think I'll spend more time. There are no other ingredients for the ones I cook at the mall. I even had to go to the market to buy them. More traffic going there. My head is hurting. It looks like I'm slapping it. A musty smell greeted me when I opened the wet market. I'm not used to it so I barely breathe. The road was still wet so I was too slow to walk. I almost drowned an ale earlier with water filled with tilapia. I want to step up my plan. Why else would those are the dishes I chose, e. My brother's driver followed me to help me carry my groceries. I bought all the ingredients I needed. I'm very happy because compared to the mall, it's really cheaper here. The vendors are also friendly. This is how it is here. I can't remember when was the last time I went to the market. Our maids were the ones going here. We, on the other hand, usually shop at the mall. In the middle of shopping Jared called me. I couldn't answer him properly because I was busy bargaining with the salesman. He was chuckling at the other line and I couldn't care more. I was too engrossed with my business. It was past twelve when I finished shopping. I feel so sticky all over. My foot also hurts a lot. I don't seem to have the strength to make my plans anymore. I felt hungry when I got in the van. I invited my older driver to have lunch but he said it wasn't possible. He said he would just wait for me. I felt guilty so I just didn't go. It must have been the first time I had arrived at Jared's house. I just heated the dish last night because I was really hungry. After I ate I went upstairs to take another bath. I realized I'm too exhausted because when I lied down for a while in my bed, I fell asleep. And it wasn't just a nap because when I woke up it was already three o'clock in the afternoon! I hurried out of the room. I went to the backyard where I will set up the table and chairs. I wish we were facing the beach later. It took me almost two hours to finish decorating the place. I even brought a table and chairs because there was no one else to help me here. Even designing the table I had a hard time with. I watched it from youtube the other day but I didn't know it'll be hard in actual. All that folds and so on made me sweat si bad. I wish I had helped anyone not just Jared. I was almost discouraged when I saw that it was five o'clock in the afternoon and I was still cutting spices. Jared and I talked at six o'clock in the evening and I'm sure he'll be here later, I haven't cooked yet. I really hope I just accepted Manag Tess's offer of help. I still don't know how to cook. It's just my first time cooking these dishes so I'm super slow and I'm not sure if I'll get the taste right. Chapter 35 part 10 I jumped when my phone rang. In shock it was my finger that I lost. Instead of enduring the pain, I was even more apprehensive when I saw Jared calling! With blood, dripping on my fingers, I answered his call. "H-Hello?" My voice shaked. I went to the sink to wash my wound. "Thalia …" He trailed off. I was shocked to hear his tone. He sounded so tired. "Why? Are you going home?" I heard him sigh deeply. I turned off the faucet and focused full attention on him. "I will be a bit late for our dinner. Is that okay with you?" He said. Instead of being disappointed, I was encouraged. Of course, it's okay with me. I haven't cooked yet! What a good timing! "Of course!" I sounded so happy. "You sound so happy. Why?" His voice turned stone cold. I bit my lower lip. "So that I can prepare well. What time can you go home then?" He sighed again. "I don't know. I'm not sure. I'm going to … Manila minutes from now," I was stunned. "Manila?" "Yeah …" He said wearily. "But I won't stay there for long. I'll be back here in less than an hour. There's just an emergency," Confused by the events, I was still able to speak. "It's okay, Jared. Take your time. I know it's for business. Don't be in a hurry. I'm still cooking, eh …" He was silent on the other line. My forehead furrowed. He then sighed. "No. It's not okay. I'll be home at seven thirty sharp. We'll have our dinner as planned. I'll eat what you cooked," I bit my lower lip and my cheeks flushed. Again it reminded me that I should improve cooking! He chuckled when I stayed silent. "Yes! All right. Go to Manila now and be home at seven thirty," I demanded. "I'm sorry …" I winced. "It's okay. I'm still cooking. It's good you'll be a bit late," He chuckled. "I can't wait to go home. This will be fast, I promise." I rolled my eyes. "Okay, okay. Be careful." After the call I continued cooking. I suddenly felt recharged with the fact that I'll have more time to prepare. It will be seven o'clock when I finish cooking. My sweat drips. I cook each dish slowly because I don't want to make mistakes and I have a hard time. I tasted the three dishes I cooked by myself. They tasted so good for me. I hope they taste good for him, too. I translated the ones I cooked into beautiful bowls. I glanced at my phone. No call from Jared yet. Maybe he's traveling back here. I just rested a bit and took a shower again. I hurried because I knew Jared would be coming anytime soon. I was already smiling unknowingly in the bathroom while thinking about the reaction that would be later. Damn. It was exactly seven -thirty when I finished dressing. I wore a dirty white polyester dress since I was told by him that it's going to be a dinner date. I blushed at the thought. I looked out the window to see if Jared's car was there. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw nothing more. I don't mind if he goes late. Not when my plans are not yet fully furnished. With my stilletos on, I graced the way to the table with a tray containing the dishes on my hands. I almost struggled on the sand because I was wearing stilletos a bit high. I wish I had worn slippers first. Chapter 35 part 11 I set up the utensils. I took a look at the whole place. The artificial lights that I put made the ambiance romantic. My cheeks got hot. I made this one too romantic. Hope he doesn't notice! I fixed everything without him still and that was just fine with me. I went inside again to retouch. I was a little sweaty again from what I did. When it was eight o'clock in the evening and he was still gone, a strange kind of nervousness arose in my chest. He still hasn't called since earlier. If he'd be late, I'm sure he'd call me like what he did kanina. But there is none. With trembling hands I dialed his number. His phone is out of reach. It seems to have killed. My chest is too strong. What's happening? He should be home now! Earlier, actually. Did he … met an accident? Oh my gosh! I hope not! Maybe the weather in Manila's not good so his private plane trip was delayed? But why is he out of reach? No, Thalia. You're just praning! I wonder who I called. His office. The front desk of the hotel, even Engineer Roque. They were all the same I couldn't contact Jared. I'm shaking too much. Tears welled up in my eyes. I do not know what to do. I am silently praying that he's safe. I left the cooked ones and went inside the house. I walked back and forth into the living room, not knowing who to call to get news from Jared. Should I swallow my pride and call his mom? Damn. When my phone rang for a call I was encouraged. But when Brent saw that I immediately lost my strength. I answered his video call. "I thought you got Jared back?" He was kind to me. I frowned. "Huh?" He showed his phone on the screen. At first I didn't understand what he did but when I saw what was on the screen of his phone my jaw dropped and my knees weakened. It was a picture of Jared and Miara on a stage. Miara clung tightly to Jared's arm and smiled broadly. Jared, on the other hand, just looks at the camera seriously. "This was uploaded a few minutes ago. Jared's currently at a party thrown by Miara for his birthday. His family and the Torres are also there," He said. I was rendered speechless. What should I say? And instead of being hurt I even felt comfort because nothing bad had happened to Jared. He was only at a party so he hasn't been home yet. "I thought you were getting along well again. What's the meaning of this, then?" He mocked. I seemed to realize what he said. I swallowed before speaking. "B-Maybe that picture has been around for a long time, Brent …" I defended. He was shaking in the middle of my speech. "My friend is the hired photographer for that event. I got that picture from him and he confirmed it, too. Jared is at the party now with the Torres. If you want I'll show you our convo." There seemed to be a rock in my throat. My knees are weak. "Impossible. He told me he's going back to Manila because there's … an emergency," I managed to say, convincing him and myself. Chapter 35 part 12 I need to trust him! He said there was an emergency! Maybe he'll tell me if it's about Miara that he's going there because he knows I have an issue with him! But, wait. He never told me what is about the emergency. I didn't ask either. Damn. He sneered. "Emergency, huh? The truth is right in front of you now, Mare. If he informed you of an emergency, then he's lying. He is with Miara right now. You can ask our friends if you're doubting. They 're in the party, too. " Pain and bitterness slowly crept on my system. Brent would never lie to me. If anyone was lying, it was Jared. Damn him. He knows I'm here waiting for him and he's there partying? He told me this. How could he put all my efforts to waste? Or … is this intentional? "Don't get me wrong, Mare. You know I like Jared for you. I'm just concerned. You know …" I sigh. The thoughts I disregarded for days came crashing to my mind like a whirlwind ready to destroy a tall and tough wall. The image of the two of them rejoicing in turning on me weakened my body. Fuck. I am tripped.