The party went on. The audience began to dance by partners just like Valjerome's parents. I couldn’t help but smile and be jealous of the couple. Today is their 50th anniversary, yet the love in their eyes were still intact.

"You're drinking too much," a deep voice whispered beside me.

I slowly glanced at him and smiled. "Are you going to stop me from this too?" I laughed and shook my head as I drunk the whiskey that I was holding.

I guess, I’m really drunk because I can now answer him in a pedantic way without feeling nervous. Well, I am always like this when drunk. It was like I'm opening a door from a room I'm locked in.

I do not know how many shots I've had. All I know is that I’m putting all my frustrations right now through drinking¾with my husband, with this necklace and with our lives living with each other.

"Oh, son. Why don't you dance with Jazzie? It's getting late, it was a pity if you do not make the most of coming here," asked Valjerome's father when they returned to our table.

It was already dawn.

"Jazzie's tired, dad," Valjerome replied simply as he gently put his arms around my shoulder.

I wanted to scoffed, but I refused to. He just doesn't want dance with me.

"Excuse me, I'll just go to the restroom," I politely said to everyone, including my husband.

"I’ll go with you," he said and quickly supported me as I stood up.

"I can handle myself," I snapped and pushed him slightly to have distance between the two of us.

Even though he still wears a masked, I could feel the tension of his clenching jaw. "I will go with you," he said in dismissive tone and guided me for a walk.

I just bit my lower lip and drifted as he pulled me along. When we reached the bathroom he just let me go and leaned against the wall as if he is telling me that he will wait for me.

I was blown away and did what had to be done. I peed and then retouched a bit. Although I do not want to always put any make ups on my face, I have no choice because I am carrying a reputation. After retouching, I decided to go out of the bathroom. As much as my knees shook at the sight, I smiled bitterly and began to walk away — leaving my husband kissing another woman.

Instead of going back to the table where Valjerome’s parents were, I directly went to the mini bar counter on the side. I immediately asked the bartender for a margarita and quickly gulped it down once he filled it up. Not minding the lime here, nor the salt.

I continued drinking until my surrounding’s already spinning. I laughed for a moment because minutes have passed but my husband was still not looking for me.

Can't he see me?

Or is he just not looking for me because he was doing something disgusting right now?

With that thought, I drank another shot. I was about to order again when a man approached by my side and offered his hand to me. I stared at him with dizzy eyes. Half of his face was behind a black mask but that didn't make me mesmerized about him. His ocean blue eyes captured my entire attention.

"Why don't you dance with me, gorgeous lady? I swear it's more fun than drowning yourself in alcohol," he uttered in a manly voice.

I couldn't answer right away and just kept staring into his beautiful eyes. I was about to speak when a strong arm wrapped around my waist with possession. I just closed my eyes and leaned on him, I already knew the presence of my husband by the scent.

"You're hitting on my wife, mister," Valjerome said in a stiff tone.

Silence prevailed over them. I only heard the music all over the place so I slowly opened my eyes. I saw the guy staring at me instead of talking to my husband.

"You do not deserve someone like him," he said and walked away.

I could feel Valjerome's hard grip based on his heavy breath. I could assure that if I wasn’t leaning on him, he would have quickly followed the man and killed him right away. I just closed my eyes again and let myself jailed by his body.

I felt that he was carrying me carefully so I slowly opened my eyes again. Our eyes met. I couldn't read the emotion on his face but I just chose to smile thriftily

"No one deserves you better than me," I whispered and finally drifted to oblivion.

I woke up as if my head was being hit by a loader. "Fvck!" I cursed out and massage my temples.

I slowly opened my eyes and was so shocked when I saw Valjerome standing on the side of my bed. One of his hands was in his pocket and I could see the slight tension in his jaw.

"Get up and eat. I'm going to work," he said in an emotionless way.

I blinked and stared at him several times.

What?

Am I hallucinating?

Is he talking to me now?

"Aren’t you going to speak?" he asked frowning.

I fell silent and averted my eyes. "Be careful," I stuttered in a low tone.

I heard him scoffed. I was surprised when he suddenly bent down and held my chin towards him.

"Is that all?" he asked while staring at me.

I was swallowed. "A-what ..." I trailed off.

What should I say?

"Souvenir?" I added.

He raised an eyebrow and released me slowly. I heard him cursed silently as he brushed his hair through his fingers.

"What will you do today? I heard you cleared your schedule," he casually asked.

I looked away when I remembered the reason why I cancelled my schedule for this week.

"No. I'm just going to rest here, I'm got tired of the consecutive shoot," I lied.

He stared at me.

"W-What... I'm going to get ready and go down for breakfast." I quickly got up and went to the bathroom to avoid him.

I looked in the big mirror and my face turned red when I noticed that I was now home.

He dressed me up again!

I jumped a little when I heard a knock outside the bathroom. "Why?" curiously biting my lip.

"I'm going," he informed.

I could not answer immediately. I heard her footsteps leave as I quickly opened the door. He stopped walking and frowned at me.

"A-ahm... Are you coming..." I bit my lower lip and met his gaze, "home early?" I carefully said.

He didn't answer, he just kept staring at me like I am a solving puzzle.

"I'll try," he answered sparingly and then finally left my room.

I couldn’t help but smile as I went back inside the bathroom.

Maybe he also remembered what we have today that's why he was acting nice.

I happily took a shower and groomed myself. I was still in the room, but I'm already planning what should I cook for tonight. Valjerome maybe a mafia boss, but he still has his legal company to take care of. He is running a company named ABCD Construction Corporation — a leading engineering and infrastructure firm here in the Philippines.

I blew dry my hair and finally went out of my room. I was happily whistling as I walked down the hallway when I was interrupted by a woman coming out of my husband’s room. All the joy and happiness I had felt disappeared so quickly. My memory came back to me last night when I stared at her face.

She's that girl. She was the one who he was kissing with last night.

I secretly smiled bitterly and reluctantly continued to walk. I even met Valjerome’s right hand Jaime climbing the stairs. I know at that moment, Valjerome ordered him to kill the girl.

"Oh, hija. Eat all of these, I cooked a lot today," Manang greeted me with joy.

I forced a smile and sat on the chair. I couldn’t swallow my food, Manang seemed to notice my lethargic aura so she sat in the chair next to me and gently caressed my shoulder.

"You alright?" worriedly she inquired.

I lazily curved up my lip and nodded.

"Did your husband greet you?" she asked cautiously.

I stopped scooping my food and tremblingly dropped the spoon I was holding. I glanced at Manang and smiled again despite a lone tear fell on my cheek.

"I guess he doesn't even remember our wedding anniversary today..."

Despite my loneliness, I still forced myself to prepare a dinner date when the night came, hoping that he'll celebrate with me on this special day.

After decorating the kitchen, I decided then to go upstairs to change my clothes. Somehow, I felt a little excitement as I look for a dress.

I chose a pinkish above the knee tube dress and carried it to the bathroom. I took a shower and fixed myself after. I put some more powder on my face and a little pigment of liptint on my lips before I moved quickly when I heard the engine of Valjerome's car.

I may feel so nervous, but I couldn't help to laugh, thinking that we still lasted this long despite the way he treated me.

I walked over to my window and watched him arrived. My remaining delight was erased instantly the moment he got out of his car with a woman hugging him. I bit my lip as they started kissing as if they were the only person around. I held my chest and tightly closed my eyes as my tears fell.

"H-Happy anniversary..." I whispered and hurriedly walk towards my bed.

I lied down and let my tears flowed. I cried over my pillow and silently asked myself why.

Why can't he love me back?

Why don’t he try loving me?

I remained in that situation until I decided to leave the room. I was walking silently on the hallway until I stopped at Valjerome's room. I smiled bitterly as I thought of the scene happening inside. Instead of staying in front of his door I continued walking until I made it downstairs. Even though the scattered staff didn't pay attention to me, I knew that their pity for me was there.

"Hija," there was sympathy in Manang's voice the moment she approached me.

I forced myself to smile. "Has he eaten?" I strained to stabilize my voice.

Manang shook her head slowly. "They immediately went to his room. He didn't even notice the surprise you prepared for him," she said. "Do you want me to call him and tell to go down?"

I shook my head quickly. "No. It was better that he didn't even see me because...I’ll still be embarrassed in the end," I sobbed.

Manang took a deep breath and then hugged me. "Just break up with him, dear," she whispered.

I slowly shook my head and bit my lower lip to suppress my tears.

I still can. I can still handle it.

I let go of Manang’s arms and smiled. "You can go to sleep. I'll take care of the kitchen. I'll just drink a little to make myself to bed.

She looked at me softly and caressed my face. "I am just here, hija."

I nodded slowly in understanding of what she said.

Like I said, I took care of cleaning the kitchen. I put the leftovers in the containers while I gave some of the foods to Valjerome’s men. After that I went to the mini bar counter of the house and poured myself a wine.

I started drinking as I let myself drowned on my own thoughts. I remembered the times we pretended to love each other in front of other people because that was the only memory, I could say, was happy throughout our togetherness. I was already on my third bottle of wine when I smelled Valjerome’s familiar scent. With my sleepy eyes, I turned to him as he sat in the high chair next to me.

"You should sleep. You've already drank a lot," he said coldly while staring at me.

I scoffed and laughed sarcastically. "As if you do care, Valjerome," I shook my head and then poured the wine into my glass.

"Enough, Jazzie," he said sternly while holding my hand to get the glass from me.

I stared at his hand and chuckled painfully. "Now you're holding me," I said in amazement and sadness before looking up at him.

My eyes began to tear up as I looked at his eyes. "Why? Why don't you just take me with you, Valjerome? Why do not have sex with me instead? I can also give you what they give you. I can fill your needs as a man so why not me?” I shouted resentfully and finally burst into tears.

He did not move from his position. He just let me cry and talk all by myself.

"I love you. I do love you! We are already married, but why do you have to treat me like this? Did I do something wrong to you? Have I sinned in order for you to punish me like this?" I tried to hit him in the chest but due to drunkenness, I just stoop low.

I cried hard to let him know my pain. He did not speak. Instead, he gently wrapped his hand around me in support.

"I'll bring you to your room," he said hoarsely as I felt him caressing my hair.

I didn't say a word and just quietly sobbed into his chest. We stayed like that for a few minutes until he carefully lifted me up. I leaned my head against his chest and closed my eyes as he started walking.

"Can you stay with me for tonight?" I murmured, still not opening my eyes.

I no longer expected him to grant my request. I knew he'll object, but I still want to try.

He didn't answer my question until I felt him tucking me in my bed. I didn't even try to open my eyes and just hugged my pillow sideways. Waiting to cry again once he left the room.

I held my breath as the other side of my bed sank. I slowly open my eyes and looked around when he spoke immediately.

"Just sleep, Jazzie. Do not ever dare to look back," he said lazily with his bedroom voice.

I blinked a few times as I properly laid back to my position.

"Rest now, Jazzie, or else I'll leave this fvcking room," he warned.

I instantly closed my eyes. Despite of the pain and frustration I have felt, I still couldn’t help but rejoice in the little time he had given me.

"Goodnight, hubby..." I whispered unconsciously before I finally fell into dreaming.

The next morning I woke up with a throbbing head and a broken heart as I saw an empty space beside me.

Yeah, right. Everything will always be the same.

"You are the only one I have seen who took a break from work who was not happy," Azy commented as the make-up artists fixing my hair and face.

I rolled my eyes and did not bother to talk. Even if days have already passed, my chest pain still doesn’t go away every time I remember what had happened on Valjerome and I’s anniversary.

"By the way, you already know, don't you?" said Azy.

My forehead knotted as I glanced at him¾waiting for him to continue.

“You will be having a partner for today’s shoot,” he said.

"What?!" I exclaimed.

His lips parted and put his hands on his waist. "Do not tell me again that you have not read my messages yet?!" he growled at me.

I closed my eyes and then avoid my face from the artist’s brushes. I signaled them to step aside as I looked straight at Azy.

"What do you mean by I will be shooting with someone today?" I asked him, clarifying things.

He massaged his temples before shaking his head. "Jazzie, we can't stop this shoot. I've got paid and I have already signed a contract," he explained before I even try to say whatever.

"Bullsh*t, Azy! You know I do not just hang out with anyone," I reminded him.

"I am sorry, okay? I thought it was okay with you this time because you did not reply. I am used to the fact that when you do that, you let me decide," he reasoned out.

I did not utter a single word and just quietly troubled in my mind.

"Is it a man?" my confirmation.

He bit his lower lip and nodded slowly. I gasped and closed my eyes in frustration.

This is why I do not want to accept any partners in the shoot because I am sure that this will be a guy. No one in the world I live in knows that I'm married, that's why my fans are so excited to pair me up with anyone.

Valjerome will also get angry when he finds this out.

No, he probably already knew it.

"Just let this one pass, Jazzie. I am begging you." Azy took my hand then looked at me softly. "I'm sorry. I really don’t know," he said.

I let out a deep breath and nodded my head. "Fine," I said sparingly.

He immediately stretched his face and smiled big. "Really?!" he said unbelievably.

I took off my hand and rolled my eyes. "You know, just go outside and take care of the photographers there, I know you like one of them," I scoffed.

He grinned at me and came slightly closer to my ear to whisper. "I'd rather hit with the make-up artist's assistant." He giggled before finally leaving the dressing room.

I just shook my head because it looks like he wants a woman now.

Deceptive heart.

A few more minutes later and I am done with my make-up session. I changed my clothes to what will I be wearing in the shoot and left the room as Azy started calling.

I calmly walked while wearing the red flowing dress with a slit in my thigh. The neckline of the dress is also a bit deep so my chest is much more defined.

"Jazzie!" Azy happily greeted me and held my arm. "Come on, I will introduce you to your partner," he said happily.

I did not object and let him guide me to where my partner is. As we took our steps, I already noticed the guy sitting on a high chair while sipping his drink. Even though he is turning back, that didn't stop me from seeing what he was doing.

"Mr. Hevion!" Azy called cheerfully.

The man stopped drinking and slowly turned to look at our directions. I stopped walking as soon as our eyes met each other.

His eyes.

I can not remember where I saw them but I am sure I have met him before.

"Hey, Jazzie. Are you okay?" Azy asked me which brought my attention back.

I cleared my throat and looked at my friend slash manager. I smiled sparingly then continued to walk.

The guy did not speak a word. He just stared at me as if he is analyzing my actions.

Where did I see him?

"Hi, Mr. Hevion. She is Jazzie, my beautiful model. She will also be with you in the shoot," Azy said.

The guy hummed while nodding his head and then reached out his hand to me. "Chaos Hevion," he formally introduced, not losing his stare at me.

Even though I felt uncomfortable in his stares I still chose to work professionally. I was about to reach his hand when a strong arm wrapped my waist and pulled me away.

I was ready to pull off myself and scream but I was stunned to what I saw.

"She is not working with you," Valjerome, my husband, coldly said to the Chaos guy.

I blinked thrice as I kept staring at his face. "V-Valjerome," I uttered with my shivering lips.

His cold eyes slowly turned to me. "You are not working with him," he commanded.

It was like I was under a curse and just nodded to his wishes.

A sarcastic laugh grabbed our attention. From where he was sitting, Chaos slowly stood up and stared at my husband.

"Sorry, Mister whoever you are, but apparently she needs to work with me or else..." He then looked at me and smirked. “She will be imprisoned.”

I looked at Valjerome nervously. I was afraid that he might think I really liked what was happening right now, but he did not look at me.

Few seconds after, I saw the edge of his lip lift. "I will pay for the damages," he said lazily.

Chaos laughed again before looking at Valjerome seriously. "Do you even know what was written in the contract?" he mocked.

I suddenly became nervous so I focused my attention onto others. Most of the staff are silent and just remained staring. Instead of thinking what is really happening, I looked at Azy for an explanation.

He looked at me, apologizing, before heading out. "Mr. Hevion said that if you ever breached the contract, you will be dating him for a month or else you will be imprisoned," Azy whispered just enough for us to hear.

My mouth parted in disbelief.

Pardon?

"Azy!" I shouted annoyingly and combed my hair with my fingers.

"I am sorry. I just thought it was a fair deal, I did not know you had a boyfriend, Jazzie," he explained.

Damn!

"Just give me the price," Valjerome spoke coldly.

Chaos flashed an evil smirk. "Let her work or let her date with me, choose."