MY EYES WIDENED. Anger started to stir up.

“You!” At the same time, I pushed him hard as my eyes narrowed.

“Hey, I have no intention of offending you,” he said. Then he smiled, which caused me to see his white teeth and his deep dimple.

“Well, nice try!” I arched my brow at him.

“Look, I’m sorry. I was just chasing a meeting that day,” he replied in a calm voice.

I did not answer. Instead, I walked to the door and violently opened it.

“You can go out now!” I said emphatically before averting my eyes.

He smirked and slowly walked toward the open door. I stepped back to give him away, but he stopped right in front of me.

“Thanks for the coffee,” he muttered under his breath.

I remained expressionless. When I think about how stupid I looked in the middle of the road when I hit him, my annoyance with him gradually returned.

“Leave,” I said with finality. I don’t care if I sounded arrogant or lacking manners, but my annoyance really rises.

He took another step, and then I bowed for a moment.

He took another step while his eyes were staring at me, which cause my heart to pound erratically.

“Your ex-boyfriend will surely regret breaking your heart,” he said in a calm voice.

I slowly looked up at him, mesmerized by his gaze. My lips parted because I want to say something but decided not to continue.

“And you know what?” he started, “We look better than your ex-boyfriend.”

***

MANY DAYS PASSED. I kept myself busy at work and spent my time alone at my condo.

It was Sunday morning when Cindy came to visit me.

“Best friend!” she shouted at me before hugging me tightly. I just laughed at what she did.

“Margaux, Carrick finally proposed to me!” She was in tears as she spoke.

“OMG! I am so happy for both of you!” My tears welled up before I hugged her tightly.

“Margaux, we need to celebrate!” she said excitedly. Suddenly the smile faded from my lips as Lester entered my mind and the postponement of our wedding.

“Hey, bestie, are you okay?”

“Of course. I’m okay, and I am happy for you, bestie, so let’s celebrate!” I said delightedly.

“Really? Are you really okay?” She even held my hand, then raised an eyebrow at me.

“I want to celebrate your engagement with Carrick.” I smiled.

We decided to go to the mall and watch a movie. Cindy cried a lot for Popoy and Basha, the leading characters of the movie. Cindy has a soft heart and is happy to be with. She never runs out of stories that made me laugh so hard.

“The movie was great!” I commented while entering the shopping mall to buy some dresses and bags.

Cindy treat me a dinner at a famous restaurant. So I ordered a lot of expensive food. I do not know why it seems like I want to pour all my frustrations in life into food. Maybe this is just my stress reliever.

Our happy dinner was interrupted when I noticed a couple entering the restaurant entrance. My lips quivered at them as they sat at a table in the corner.

My eyes warmed at what I witnessed. I also couldn’t help but stand up, which surprised Cindy.

“Oh, bestie, are you done? You only eat a little, huh?”

But I didn’t answer. My eyes were focused on the couple, who seems to have a sweet conversation.

“My God!” Cindy exclaimed as she turned her gaze to them.

“Margaux, what are you trying to do?” a warning voice from Cindy stopped me.

But I just saw myself stepping closer to the pair. Lester immediately lost his color when he saw me. He also moved a little away from the woman next to him, who frowned at me.

“Miss, is there a problem?” The woman raised an eyebrow at me.

“To you, nothing, but to him, yes!” I said bluntly and looked at them with angry eyes.

“Margaux, calm down.” I felt Cindy’s hand over my shoulder as she leaned close to me.

“Please, Margaux, don’t make a scene here,” Lester said in a low tone.

“Let’s talk,” I said. I walked out of the restaurant, but I fire them a sarcastic look before I could do that.

“Margaux!” Lester restrained my arm when he reached the parking space.

“Is she the one who took my place in your heart?!” I asked angrily.

He just bent down and said nothing.

“So, it’s true? You b*stard!” I shouted and slapped him hard on his face.

“I am really sorry,” he said softly. He was about to hold my hand when I immediately avoided it.

“Can your apology make any difference? I don’t think so,” I told him boldly and decided to return to the restaurant.

“She’s pregnant!” he revealed.

His words exploded like a bomb in my ears that made me stop on my track and could not move.

“She’s carrying my son,” he added.

I shut my eyes firmly. I feel like heaven and earth fall on me. Gradually a grain of tears fell on my cheek.

“I’m sorry, Margaux.” He took my hand again as he approached me. “I’m sorry if I didn’t tell you.” His voice cracked. “She is the daughter of Mr. Mondragon, my family’s business partner. When her father found out what happened, he wanted me to take responsibility for the child; otherwise, they would cut all of the connections we have with them.”

***

CINDY TOOK ME home to my condo. On our way to my condo, I silently stared out the window with so much pain in my heart.

She silently turns to me while driving. “Margaux . . .” she started.

“Why, Cindy? What have I done wrong in our relationship? Why do I have to be hurt like this?” Gradually, tears welled up in my eyes.

“No. You have done nothing wrong. If anyone is responsible for this, that’s him!” The unspeakable anger was also evident in her voice. “He is the one who lost and not you. You do not deserve such kind of a jerk. It’s good that you know everything now.”

I sighed and nodded.

It has been two hours since Cindy left my unit, but I still do not feel sleepy. I will never forget the scene at the restaurant. Starting today, there will be no more tears to fall. I promised myself that that would be the last time I would cry over the same thing, and I would never be hurt again.

I MADE MYSELF busier in the office the next few days.

“Bestie, is everything okay with your wedding?” I asked while slicing the grilled pork chop on my plate. Cindy invited me to have dinner outside tonight.

“I’m working on your gowns. I want you to wear something a little daring,” she said while her eyes were glowing.

“Don’t make it too pretty. Your brides’ maid might beat you up. You should be the only one who is beautiful there.” I chuckled.

“No. Of course, my gown also looks fancy and gorgeous for me just because Carrick thinks so.” She even touched both her cheeks and then shook her head.

I just rolled my eyes and continue to eat my food.

“We will do the fitting of your gown this coming Saturday. Carrick’s cousin is with you to fit his too. Oh, bestie, he’s so handsome! My gosh!” she said with a red face.

“Tsk. Here we go again, Cindy. I don’t want to be linked to boys yet. I want to focus on our family business,” I said with a smile.

“Hmp! I just want you to enjoy your life. Also, bestie, Lawrence seems to be single now. Although, from what I heard, he’s a certified Casanova and many women are chasing and crying for him.”

“So he’s a playboy.” I lightly shook my head.

“Well, despite that, he’s a good catch. I met him at their family reunion, and Carrick took me to their resort,” she said, still thrilled.

I just shook my head and continued eating; seems not interested at all.

***

SATURDAY CAME, THE day of my gown fitting. Lucky to have a generously proportioned body, so I’m not used to dieting.

I got out of the car wearing a white long sleeve polo and spaghetti top underneath. I just matched it with skinny black jeans and a white stiletto. I let my wavy hair blow over my shoulder. Wearing my sunglasses, I went straight into the boutique owned by Cindy.

“Good morning, Lenny!” I greeted the receptionist at the front desk.

“Good morning, Miss Margaux.”

“Is Cindy already there?”

“Not yet, Ma’am, but she seems to be on the way,” she answered.

“Thanks!” I turned my back on her and started roaming around the boutique. I see a lot of dresses and mannequins displayed near the glass window. I can say Cindy is successful. This has always been her dream—to become a famous fashion designer.

I was busy looking at the clothes when the man who had just entered the boutique caught my attention. A man in his late twenties, wearing a blue long-sleeve polo and black jeans. He slowly walked toward the front desk full of authority.

I immediately frowned when I saw the man Cindy was referring to.

“Hi, I’m looking for Miss Cindy Fajardo?” I heard the man ask.

“Are you Mr. Lawrence Saavedra?” Lenny asked uneasily in her seat.

“Yes.”

“She’s on her way now. Maybe you want coffee or tea first?” she offered with a huge smile on her face.

My eyebrows rose at what Lenny had done. Why didn’t she even offer me water?

“No, thanks. I’ll just wait here,” the man said in a baritone voice and sat down on one of the couches there.

“Okay, Sir.” Lenny’s smile immediately faded from her lips, and she returned to her working table.

I secretly smiled because Lenny’s strategy did not work.

***

I KEEP LOOKING at Cindy’s work, but I can’t help but return my gaze to the man who was now staring at me. I quickly divert my eyes to the gowns in front of me. Until I felt him stand up and slowly walked closer in my direction.

“Hi!” he greeted.

I slowly nodded. I have to admit, he is breathtakingly hot with his angular face, dark brows, expressive pair of eyes, and heart-shaped lips. I also noticed he didn’t lose his smile as he looked at me.

“What’s that smile for?” I asked irritably.

“Nothing. It’s just . . . what a small world!”

I rolled my eyes and ignored him.

His jaw tightened before turning around and walking towards the front desk. I followed her gaze as I spoke to Lenny. I think the two are getting along well with Lenny’s boisterous laughter as if they were the only person inside the boutique.

I rolled my eyes again and removed my sunglasses impatiently.

I started to step out of the boutique.

“Ma’am Margaux, are you leaving?” Lenny asked me with a big smirk on her face.

I looked at her sharply, then at the antipathetic man who seemed to lose his grin.

“Yes. I will reschedule my meeting with Cindy because I have a sudden meeting,” I said.

“Ah, is that so? All right, I’ll just tell Ma’am Cindy when she arrives. Just be careful,” she said.

I finally went out with irritation. I opened the door of my car and rushed into it, but I just sat there. I can’t understand myself. I suddenly felt annoyed at the scene earlier.

I calmed myself down before turning on the ignition but was surprised to hear a series of knocks on my car window.

There, outside my car, I saw a big smile on Cindy’s face. I quickly lowered the window.

“Margaux, where are you going? Aren’t you going to measure your gown now?” she asked with a wrinkled forehead.

“I have a sudden meeting, so can I just reschedule it? But don’t worry, Lawrence is there,” I said firmly, not looking at her directly.

“Oh my God, have you met him? What can you say? Isn’t he handsome?” she asked tremblingly.

Yes, he is handsome! I whispered at the back of my head.

“Ah, yes, I met him,” I replied before restarting the car engine.

“Wait, are you really not going to fit your gown today?” she asked with wrinkled brows.

I felt guilty because I really didn’t have a meeting to go to. I just wanted to avoid the scene earlier.

“Alright, I will cancel all my meetings for today,” I said, turning off the engine again and then getting out of the car.

Cindy’s face lit up, and she hugged me tightly. “Thank you so much, bestie!”

I COULD FEEL the heated stare of Lawrence behind my back. Maybe that’s the reason why I felt my face turn red as I measured the gown.

I glanced at him. The heat in his eyes made me uncomfortable. “Isn’t he handsome?” the coordinator whispered to me.

“That look is not my type,” I denied.

“Really? But why do your eyes say otherwise?” he added.

I just did not comment because I admitted what he said.

After fitting the gown and measuring some more clothes, Cindy finally chose what I would wear.

“Alright. You will be wearing a baby pink heart-shaped corset gown. It will definitely lift you up that night,” she said.

I shook my head. “It’s okay with me even if it’s not too pompous. Besides, it’s your wedding day, not mine.”

“Bestie, I want you to be the most beautiful after me because I know you deserve it. Even if you wear rags dresses, you will definitely shine,” she said as if she encouraging me.

“I want you to wear my best work because you deserve it.”

I smiled at what she said. I was so lucky that Cindy became my best friend. Even when we first met, I was weirded out by her because of her immaturity.

“It’s lunchtime. Come on, let’s have lunch together,” said Cindy.

“Lawrence, join us for lunch,” Cindy said.

I darted a warning glare to Cindy, but she seemed not affected and ignored my protest.

“Sure. No problem,” Lawrence responded.

“Then let’s go!” Cindy said promptly, and without hesitation, she grabbed my hand out of the boutique.

Cindy took us to a famous restaurant. We were already eating, but Cindy couldn’t stop her mouth from asking Lawrence.

“You really love business, huh? Margaux is also concentrating on their family business. I’m sure you two will get along. Try to invite her for some dinner, maybe?” Cindy looked at me when I glared at her, but she just ignored it.

“It’s good to hear that. I actually manage my own resort, and if Margaux wants to have dinner with me, then why not?” said Lawrence, whose attention was already on me.

My cheeks got hot because of his hot stare.

“I heard about the upcoming celebration for Collins Hotel,” he asked.

“Yeah,” I replied sparingly.

“Great. You and Margaux should work together for that event,” Cindy said again. “Saavedra Catering Services is well-known when it comes to big events. They serve high-class food and beverages. It’s a brilliant idea, right?”

“Dad is the one who takes care of everything, but I still suggest one,” I said even though the truth is that Daddy is really the one I assigned for the event.

Lawrence just nodded at me before returning to his food. Not long after, a woman approached our table.

“Baby?”

Lawrence was shocked. He almost choked while drinking his juice.

“Terris, what are you doing here?!” he said in surprise.

“Why aren’t you answering my calls? I was worried about you! That’s why I flew back here!” the woman answered slangily, and without hesitation, she pulled up a chair to sit next to Lawrence.

Lawrence was unable to talk right away. He still looks shocked. I could not help but look at the woman in front of us—tall, slender body, corn-colored hair, silky complexion, and somewhat revealing clothing. She was wearing a mini skirt and a spaghetti strap top.

Cindy cleared her throat to grab the attention of the visitor. “Oh, you have company!” she exclaimed. And that caught Lawrence’s attention.

“Yes. By the way, this is Cindy, Carrick’s fiancée, and her friend, Margaux,” Lawrence introduced us. “This is Terris Mondragon, a friend of mine.”

The woman just glanced at me before facing Cindy. “So you are the beloved fiancée of Carrick. I’m glad to finally meet you!” She grabbed Cindy’s hand.

Cindy quickly drew her hand back. She seemed uncomfortable with what the woman did.

“Would you mind if I join you, guys?” she excitedly said. We did not wait to answer because she already called the waiter.

Cindy and I just looked at each other and quickly finished eating to leave the two.

I went straight home to the condo. I was lying on the bed to rest when my cell phone rang on the nightstand.

‘I’m sorry for what happened earlier . . .’ A sender is an unknown number, but I immediately knew who texted it. It was Lawrence.

‘Where did you get my number?’ I replied.

‘Cindy . . .’ he answered.

I simply massage my temple before emphatically typing a reply.

‘Okay!’

I closed my eyes and was getting ready for bed when the cell phone rang again.

‘Are you upset?’

I bit my lower lip before typing a reply again.

‘Of course not!’

‘Sorry if I get your number without your permission and for texting this late.’

‘No problem. It’s just a phone number.’

‘I know we didn’t have a good start. But I think it’s better if we can give ourselves a try and can be friends.’

I bit my lower lip and shook my head slowly. There is nothing wrong with me making friends with him after what happened between us, right?

‘Sure!’ I quickly replied.

‘Alright, thanks. Good night!’ he answered.

I smiled and turned off my phone before going to sleep.

***

“IS IT REALLY okay for me to wear this?” I asked Cindy as I tried to lower my skirt.

“Of course. You are really sexy, bestie!” she exclaimed before fixing a few strands of my hair.

“Why do you still need sexy attire for your bridal shower?” I complained while trying to lift the tube.

“Gosh, bestie! That is not very revealing. There is still a classy look,” she told me with a smile that reached her ears. “Let’s go!”

He pulled me out of her room.

As we entered the function room, where the bridal shower was being held, my lips parted because of what the guests were wearing. Only Cindy’s colleagues, close friends, relatives, and workmates were there.

My eyes wandered. The light was dim, and smoke was clouding the area. I chose to sit quietly in a corner when some guests pulled Cindy. A little later, I heard Trix, the host, speak.

“Good evening, everyone! Let us greet our bride-to-be, Cindy Looper, I mean Cindy Marie Fajardo, our soon-to-be Mrs. Carrick Saavedra!”

People were shouting. I was also one of the people who applauded. Cindy quickly climbed the stage.

“Good evening, guys! Thank you for coming here tonight. I’m getting married and I’m f*ckin’ freaking out!” she blurted out with a palm on her face which made the guests laugh. “Anyway, let’s enjoy this beautiful night! Let’s start the party!” she shouted after raising the glass of wine she was holding in the air.

She came down from the stage accompanied by deafening applause and boisterous music. I immediately greeted her with a tight hug.

“I’m so happy for you, bestie,” I whispered.

“Thank you, best friend,” she said to me and wiped away her tears.

“Please, don’t cry. Let’s enjoy the night!” I said.

As the night goes on, many of us got drunk, so we danced on the dance floor. Cindy pulled me in the middle. As the melodious music soared, my body swayed. I’m not literally dancing, but I’m on the beat. The audience shouted at us as the music changed to a sexy one. I feel like dancing, maybe because of the spirit of alcohol in my body, plus we are all women here, so I do not feel ashamed.

Until I fixed my eyes on the door where the last man I expected to see tonight stood. His eyes roamed my body. There was something in his eyes that I don’t fully understand.

No, he shouldn’t be here.