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.

I JUST CLOSED my eyes and continued dancing but was immediately dilated when someone held me. “What are you doing here?” Instead of answering, he took off his coat and covered my body. “You’re drunk!” he shouted because the music is too loud. “No, I’m not!” I felt his hand on my wrist, and I was stunned. My heart was pounding. “Bestie, we have a problem. Carrick is here!” I heard Cindy say, and I succumbed to her tow as we saw Carrick approaching. “Hello, love! What are you doing here?” Cindy asked with wide eyes. “The group decided to continue the bachelor’s party here,” he replied and kissed his fiancée on the cheek. “You should not be here!” Cindy muttered. “It’s alright, love. They seem happy to see us,” Carrick replied before glancing at some of his companions. I looked to his companions. I think they are at ten. Some of them are familiar. “Okay, love,” Cindy agreed before hugging her groom and giving him a kiss on the lips. Suddenly people shouted as the host introduced the newcomers. Then I look for Lawrence. I saw him sitting on the high stool in front of the bar while drinking a glass of vodka. My heart almost stopped. I was overwhelmed when his dark eyes and authoritative aura hit me. I couldn’t stand his hot stare, so I quickly cut my gaze to it and looked for the way to the comfort room. *** WHEN I RETURNED, I sat right next to Cindy in front of Carrick’s guests. I stared at them. I was familiar with Jocko, the son of one of our business partners, and Lawrence, right in front of me. I shifted in my seat uncomfortably. Until now, I can still feel the heat of his stares at me. “Bro, introduce us to your partner.” I glanced at Carrick, who turned his face at me. “Guys, I’d like you to meet Margaux Collins, my fiancée’s best friend,” said Carrick. Then they started introducing themselves one by one until someone extended a hand to me. “Hi! I’m Peter Monteverde. Nice to meet you, Margaux.” “Nice to meet you too, Peter,” I replied. I couldn’t help but gasp because of the tightness of his grip on my hand. I looked at him. He is handsome. His eyes were pale with his white color, his lips were redder—and I think absolutely soft—and his nose seemed to be perfect. His haircut gave him a stronger appeal. I slowly pulled my hands from his grip and smiled. The night deepened. Almost everyone in the room was already dancing. Carrick and Cindy were also there, and they were in charge of the dance floor. Peter approached me again. “Hi! Will you dance with me?” he asked in a resonant voice. For a moment, my gaze flew to Lawrence. He had been quiet the whole night. I did not have a chance to talk to him and return the coat I’m still wearing tonight. I finally turned to Peter, who had already held out his hand to me. “Sure,” I answered. We quickly reached the dance floor and danced to the melodious music. “You’re so beautiful, Margaux,” Peter whispered to my ear. I shut my eyes when he wrapped his arms around my waist. “Can I ask you something?” he whispered again. “Hmm, what is it?” I met his gaze. He bowed slightly to me. “Can I court you?” he asked sweetly. I was about to answer when Peter’s grip tightened on my waist. He slowly lowered his face and looked at my plump lips. He was about to kiss me, but I was surprised at what happened next. Lawrence grabbed Peter’s arm and pulled me away. Then he quickly punched him that catching the attention of some people at the party. I was about to answer when Peter’s grip tightened on my waist. He slowly lowered his face and looked at my plump lips. He was about to kiss me, but I was surprised at what happened next. Lawrence grabbed Peter’s arm and pulled me away. Then he quickly punched him that catching the attention of some people at the party. “What’s wrong with you?!” Peter tried to stand up, but Lawrence kicked him again. That’s where I intervened. “What is your problem?” I glared at him. Lawrence did not hesitate to answer. Instead, he pulled me out of the room. The next thing I knew, I was already in his car and shouting because of the speed of his car. “Stop this car, Lawrence! Where are you taking me?! I will call the police!” “Shut up, or I will f*cking kiss your lips!” he said in a serious voice. “D*mn it!” Who is he to do that?! I leaned my head against the backrest and did not realize that I had fallen asleep due to extreme dizziness. When I opened my eyes again, Lawrence greeted me. “Here we are,” he said in a low voice. I quickly sat up and rolled my eyes at him. The air I took was not enough to relieve the nervousness rising in my heart. “Where are we? Why did you bring me here?” I asked alertly. He did not answer, but he got out of the car and went to my side to open the door for me. I still wanted to protest, but I was amazed by the beauty in front of me when I turned around. I’m at the Saavedra Resort. This is the place where Cindy and Carrick’s wedding will be held tomorrow. “Let’s go inside. It’s too cold here,” Lawrence told me. He headed to the front desk to ask for a key. I followed quietly until my feet stop on their presidential suite. After he opened the door, I was immediately amazed at what I saw. The room is very large with white and gray walls. The couch matches the color of the wall. The patchwork carpet in front of the flat-screen TV is wonderful. There is an open bookcase near the mahogany table and a blue armchair. Everything is perfect. I couldn’t help but admire some of the more expensive items, such as the chandelier and plant pots. I was already enjoying the sight when I noticed Lawrence was no longer beside me. I glanced at the open door in the distance. I slowly walked to the door and touched the handle to open it. I wandered around the room carefully. I was even more amazed to see the king-size bed. I lay down slowly. I closed my eyes and felt the warmth and softness of the bed. But I suddenly woke up when I heard the rush of water from the shower. The nervousness immediately rose to my heart. But I just chose to lie down and turn a blind eye. I was so shocked when I heard the shower was turned off. My heart almost stopped. I heard the door open and its soft closing. But after a while, I didn’t hear anything, so I slowly open my eyes. But I was shocked to see Lawrence standing in front of me—half-naked.