MELISSA QUIZON

"Babe, are you jealous again?" He said to me.

He sat on the table while I stood between his thighs. He hugged me from the back and he squeezed his face between my shoulder and neck. At the back of my mind, I don't want to respond to that question. Because isn't that obvious? Raquel has feelings for him. Is he naïve or he knew but didn't mind?

I pinched his arm when I felt so pissed. "Why is she so close to you?"

I didn't bother to drop the name because I know that he has an idea of who I'm pertaining to. Wright is the lead guitarist while Raquel is the band's vocalist. I can't stop them from seeing each other. Earlier as they were practising I noticed she is looking at Wright like a delicious meal!

And I'm sick of the kind of stare she’s giving to him! Damn, this is why I don’t want to get involved with him. He is making me crazy.

"She's my bandmate. What do you want me to do?" He pulled me even closer to him. I looked up and our eyes met. Three months in a relationship and I'm still mesmerized by his brown eyes.

"I don't want you to leave the band. I can't stop you from doing the things that make you happy. But," My eyes narrowed. "Be conscious. Do you think I didn't notice that she likes you?"

"Judgmental Princess." He said laughing and gave me a quick kiss on the side of my lip. "'Don't give malicious meaning in our friendship.”

"And I'm still the one putting up the malice?" I pushed him away. I grabbed my bag that was on the seat and put it on my shoulder. "I'm going home."

I was about to get out of the room’s door when he pulled my arm. He was looking at me seriously. "Don't you trust me?"

"I do. The one I don’t trust is her. She is a flirt."

His eyes darkened when I said the last word. I know it’s too harsh, but I cannot take back what I said. The key to a healthy relationship is communication.

"The flirt you’re calling is my friend, Melissa." I raised an eyebrow at him. He took a deep breath and combed his hair with his hand. "You don't have to worry. I cannot reciprocate if she wants something from me. I'm just yours."

I smiled. Remember, I'm happy with what he said. Wright and I had only been together for three months. It took me two months to get used to his behaviour and the behaviour of the women around him. I can't blame them; a lot of them want Wright.

I thought he only wants to play with my feelings. You know, making me fall in love then drop like a hot potato kind of thing. So, I continued to reject him. But, he kept on pestering me for a month and his sweet side made my knees melts.

It’s a crazy roller coaster ride of feelings. After a month of pestering and courting, I became his girlfriend officially.

The faculty don't use this room often so it became our hideout. The reason why we're using hideouts is that we can't be alone! Anywhere we go, there will be girls clinging to him like I'm not there!

“Hey, I’m about to kiss you. What are you thinking?”

I blinked twice and raised my head. “H-Huh?”

His face dropped to mine. I closed my eyes as our lips touched. The effect of his kiss on me still hasn't changed. It was as if I was still flying in the clouds and my knees were softening. I hugged him and reciprocated his soft kiss. The arms around my waist tightened even more.

We were stopped by a bit. We looked at the doorway and found Raquel leaning on the frame while her hands are crossed over her chest.

"Wright. Practice again." She said.

Wright nodded. "Yes. We'll be right there, Racky."

Racquel looked down at me. Her stare was heavy, and then she looked back at Wright. She nodded as a response and left.

"What? Are you jealous again?" I sighed as his lips touched the tip of my ear. I bit my lower lip as his lips slowly dropped to my cheek. "Come on. I might forget we're in a public place."

When we entered the music room, Wright's bandmate turned to us. Fier, the drummer. Leon, the bass guitarist. And Raquel, the lovely vocalist. They were sitting on the sofa and holding canned drinks. The Fier stood up and hugged me and I just smiled at him while Leon stayed with Racquel. I heard Racquel clicked her tongue.

In seconds, Wright pulled my body away from Fier. He glared at him. “Don’t be too familiar with her.”

“Brother, you’re too possessive.” Fier jokingly tapped Wright’s shoulder. “Remember, we are your friends, not enemies.”

"Fier, don't tease him too much or he'll cry," Leon said coldly.

“Wright, you’ve changed.” Fier made a sad face but it's fake. He stood in the corner, removed the flower from the vase, and then he kneeled and place the flowers on the ground. “Here lies Wright’s playboy image. You will never be forgotten!”

“I’m not a playboy, for God’s sake! Fier, I will bang your head in that corner.”

“Here lies the face of the sexiest man alive.” I can’t help but laugh at Fier’s punch lines.

“Don’t laugh at his jokes! That is his way to make women go crazy with him!” Wright scolded me and tighter his embrace.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” I said, smiling. I tiptoed and my lips touched his earlobes. “That made you jealous, huh? Now, you know how it feels.”

"Alright! Enough, mom and dad! We are not used to watching romantic scenes. We're minors." said Fier.

Wright looked at me and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. His comrades whistled. "Watch me."

I smiled at it. "As always."

I sat down as I watched them put things in order. I turned to Racquel who was looking sharply at me. I just made a face. When they finished arranging the equipment, they took their places one by one. Wright looked at me. My cheek warmed as it winked at me before playing his guitar.

Raquel began to sing. If I didn’t know her, I would think she has a good attitude because of her angelic voice. It's very serene. It draws men to listen to her angelic voice. That is why Kiss n 'Tell fans aren't just women.

I felt the call of nature, so I entered the bathroom which was also located inside the music room. I did what had to be done. Then I organized myself first before going out.

By the time I exited the bathroom, they're deciding on their next song. My eyes narrowed when I noticed Raquel talking to him. I approached him and held his arm. He kissed me on the forehead and turned back to Raquel. She's frowning.

The displeasure is noticeable in her round expressive eyes.

"Ahh. Go ahead, Wright. I'll wait for you, alright?"

"I'll think about it." Wright put his arm around me.

She nodded. “Okay.”

“Should we play some more?” Leon asked.

“I’m tired. I’m going home.” Raquel said as she walked towards her bag and put it on her shoulder.

When Raquel left the room, I turned to Wright. "What was she saying? 'I'll wait for you, what was that for? I'll make her swallow my shoes with three inches heels!" I said, pissed.

Leon and Fier also left the room. Now that we are alone, I will be honest with my feelings.

I sat down on the sofa and folded my arms over my chest. I don't like Raquel. Ever since Wright introduced me here I didn't immediately like her habit. Wright kneeled in front of me and rest between my thighs. He reached for my waist.

"Tsk! How many times should I say this? Don’t let the green-eyed monster eat you, baby." He pinched my nose. "It's her brother's birthday tomorrow and she invited the band."

"Oh. Are you going?"

"Yes." He smiled. I frowned. He didn’t consult me before accepting the invitation. "You're with me, babe."

"I wasn't invited. I have no place in there. They’ll just outcast me."

"Alright. You don’t have to come. I'll drink all the liquor they have and get drank." He laughed.

I raised an eyebrow at him. "So ?! Alright. Let's break up, is that what you want?"

It's not that I forbid him to drink with his friends. But Wright is different when he gets drunk. He is losing his mind. He is a huge monster. I didn't know what he looks like when he's under the liquor's magic, but that was the first thing we argued about. Fortunately, we fixed it.

He winced. "Hm... On second thought, I'm not going anymore."

"Good. Now, we're talking." I looked at my wristwatch. "It's six o'clock. Let's go home."

I was about to get up when Wright pulled me to sit down again. "Wait."

"Hm? Why?" I asked.

He grinned. His eyebrows also went up and down. My cheeks turned red and looked around. I know that look, I know what he wants. "H-Here?"

"Uh-huh." Wright squeezed my waist.

"M-Maybe someone will see us. I don't want to."

"Come on, baby. It's just a kiss."

"A kiss?" Shit!

"French kiss." His grin widened.

My forehead furrowed. "What's that?"

I unconsciously bit my lower lip when his eyes looked at it like sweet candy. "Lips and tongue, babe."

I blushed. Shocks! I don't know that. "I-I don't know how."

"I'll teach you."

He covered my mouth with his. He held me closed against him. Oh, God. It's mouthwatering good! I gasped when his tongue darted out to lick my bottom lip. His fingers threaded themselves farther into my hair while his thumb traced slow circles on the sensitive skin at the back of my neck.

He lifted me onto his lap, arranging me so I was straddling him. My dress hitched up around my legs. He deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue between my lips. He sought out my tongue and swirled over it. The taste of him assaulting my senses and making my knees wobble.

This is the French kiss!? Shit, am I doing it right?! Hot! I sighed as his hand dropped to my chest. I touched that. "W-Wright .. not t-there .."

"Hm... Sorry." He said and continued kissing. My eyes rolled again as his lips pressed against mine again. The hand on my chest dropped to my waist.

I am still a virgin. I'm not ready to give that to Wright. We are only at our three months relationship. I want to take it slow and savour the moment we spend with each other.

We were both chasing our breath afterwards.

"Awesome! Are you sure you haven't done that before?" Wright said, mesmerize. I want to print the playful smile on his lips and pinned it on my wall!

I raised an eyebrow at him. " You're my first boyfriend, what do you expect?"

"Make sense." He laughed a little and kissed the palm of my hand. "I’ll take you home. Thank you for the treat by the way."

"You are crazy."

We got up and adjusted our clothes. We got off and went to the parking lot where his car was. We rode there and quietly drove towards our house.

When we reached the gate, we saw Grandma sitting in front of our house and sewing. We got her attention. We kissed her forehead.

Her eyes narrowed but it doesn’t look like she’s scolding us. "You're here again, handsome. Are you courting with my granddaughter?"

Wright looked at me. I read his mind, ‘you didn’t tell her yet?’. I shooked my head as a response and he sighed.

"I'm serious about her, granny," Wright said gently.

"Hm. I can see that." She stood up. "Let's go inside, it’s chilly in here. You can eat here, handsome."

"Okay, granny. I missed your cooking!" Wright said holding my granny’s arms to support her weak knees.

I prepared the food. Sometimes I was embarrassed to let Wright into our house because it seemed to be the size of the bathroom in their mansion. Grandma and I were the only ones living there. I was an orphan and I only got a scholarship t study in that prestigious university.

"Young man, you look familiar. Have I seen you before?" Grandma said while eating.

Wright laughed as I rubbed my forehead. "Well, I'm Wright. Melissa’s boy—"

“Ah, yes! You’re my granddaughter’s suitor. I’m too forgetful this past few days.” Granny laughed.

After dinner, Wright said goodbye to Granny. It was late and he had to go home. The condominium, where he lives, is a bit far from here.

"Good night, babe." He said kissed me on the forehead.

"Take care?"

"Always."

After that, he got in the car and started it. I waited for his car to disappear before I entered our house.

MELISSA QUIZON

The next day, I did not receive a single text from Wright. We are not on campus today because it is Saturday. This is the day that Wright will attend Raquel because it's her brother's birthday. I trust Wright. I know he won't break my trust. To keep negative thoughts out of my mind, I try to do my projects and homework. The midterm is near and I have the scholarship to secure.

Even though I kept myself busy with school works, I still waited for his text messages or call until late at night. I couldn't stand it anymore, I called him myself. Minutes before he answered the call, "Babe."

I frowned when I noticed the noise in his background. Is his radio on?

"Where are you?" I asked coldly. My voice is calm but he gets it. I lay down on the bed and hugged my pillow while the cellphone was on my ear.

"I don't want to lie to you, Melissa. But—"

"Hey, Wright! Let's go! Raquel is calling us!" I heard the voice of a man in the background who seemed to be just next to Wright.

My eyebrows met. Raquel? What the what?!

"You broke your promise," I said, emphasizing every word. My blood is also rising with anger.

"No— err, yes! But Fier forced me! He said too much and now I’m here. Please don’t be mad." He took a deep breath. "Babe... we should spend time with our friends. The world doesn’t revolve with just the two of us. You know—"

"That’s fine, I get it. Have fun, alright?" I said sarcastically.

I didn’t wait for his response and ended the call. To make sure that he won’t call back, I switched my phone off.

When I woke up the next morning I was frowning and my cellphone was still off. I hate Wright. I'm so fucking pissed. I trusted him but he betrayed me. I wasn't born yesterday, of course, I know what will happen if he gets drunk! I knew she would make a way to him from me! That flirty bitch!

I am currently sweeping our yard to remove the fallen leaves. I was about to put the dried leaves in the dustpan when someone suddenly blew a horn. To my surprise, I let go of the dustpan and the leaves spread all over the place again. I was ready to shout at the owner but my tongue twitched when I noticed the familiarity of the car.

The mighty Wright Agoncillo. A Black Lamborghini was parked on the side of our yard. Every passerby inevitably looks at his car with envy in their eyes. He is standing outside the driver's seat, looking as handsome as ever. He is wearing a black shirt, black pants, and a white cap. If I'm not mad at him, I would have thrown myself to this fucking cutie, but no, I held on to my pride.

I managed to maintain my blank expression even if I tempted to put my arms around him. I avoided his gaze and returned to my chores. I heard him took a deep breath and walked towards me.

He stood in front of me. I walked back to have enough distance between us. "What are you doing here?"

"Let's talk." He said calmly. He tried to grab my arm but I immediately pulled it away. His lips parted because of my reaction.

"How's the party?" I said sarcastically.

"Babe…" Don't 'babe' me! "Stop your sarcasm and hear my explanation. Please."

I took a deep breath and looked at him coldly. "No need. I understand. I agree with what you've said last night. We should have time for our friends."

"Don't use that tone on me, Melissa. I know we have an issue here—"

"What issue?"

His hand ran through his hair. He looks sexy as hell! "Trust issue, babe. Trust. You know— You see, you don't trust me at all."

"Wow! I don't trust you? Really? How can you say that, Mister Agoncillo?" I crossed my arms over my chest.

"You're jealous and angry when I'm with a woman. Is it really necessary to explain to you before a woman can approach me?"

I am his girlfriend, am I not?

"I trust you if that's what you want to know." I lowered my voice so that Grandma wouldn't hear what I had to say. "The one I don’t trust are those bitches!"

"Is it my fault you made your boyfriend attractive?" The fuck!?

My eyebrows met and I pressed my lips together. He only annoys me even more. "Leave. Now. Before I shove your balls in your throat."

He stood there, dumbfounded. And then he swallowed. "Sounds very painful."

"Exactly."

"But I'm not going anywhere, babe. No, I don't want a breakup or space. We'll fix this and set some rules if needed." He approached me and whispered. "Get dressed first. We're going somewhere. We'll talk there."

"How sure are you that I'll come with you?"

"Come on, baby. Please, I’m begging. Don't be stubborn."

Since I am a very kind person, I feel sorry for him. I smirked at him before turning away. "Fine."

"Thank you so much." Tsk!

After I got dressed, I told Grandma that I would be leaving for a while. I left the house. Wright, on the other hand, was leaning against his expensive car.

He opened the passenger seat door when he saw me walking towards him. "Let's go, shall we?"

I gave him a cold gaze and go inside the car. He slowly closed it and walk back to the driver's seat. He drove while I was just staring out of the car. We arrived at a park. He removed his seatbelt so I removed mine. I didn't wait for him to open the door for me. He looks defeated when I did that. He held my hand but I pulled it away. I walk to the swing first. I sat there and Wright kneeled in front of him.

He cupped my face and his thumb caressed my cheek. “Melissa, I had to go to that party because the band was going to be performing for Rowie.”

"It's her eighteenth birthday. Racky just wants the performance to be given to Rowie," he added.

I was speechless.

"Babe, are you list—"

"Yes," I said not looking at him.

His wild eyes met mine. My heartbeat quickened.

"Rowie hasn't heard Racky perform ever since she studied in Canada. And she wanted to meet her our band." He put the hair that covered my face. "Babe, I'm not cheating. I'm not. Can't you see that I'm trying so hard to put up with your standards? Given the circumstances, I don't want to let you go."

I was probably so jealous that I felt like I was losing trust in him. I’ll admit, I’ve been insecure with women approaching here. Big boobs and not afraid to show body. I think those are his types. I'm afraid Wright might be taken away from me. I love him. He was the first man I loved. I'm afraid I'll lose him.

"Melissa…"

"I believe you." I looked at him directly. I touched his cheek and caressed it. "I told you, I trust you. I'm sorry for being paranoid, babe. Sorry for doubting you. I don’t want to lose you too. I was just—"

“Insecure. Yes, I am aware, baby. That’s why I’m trying to show you that you’re the only one for me.” He said as he kissed my palm.

His face came closer and he looked at my lips. He smiled foolishly. "Let's go to my condominium."

"What are we going to do there?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

He laughed and pinched the tip of my nose. "You can teach me how to play the drums, rock princess."

"You're in for a challenge, Mister Agoncillo?" Yup! I know how to play the drums! It's my thing!

He wrinkled his nose. "Oh. I feel insulted. Maybe you're just not good at teaching, Miss Quizon."

"Wow! Let’s have a bet. You won't learn the most basic I'm going to teach you."

I’ve taught him a few times before, but he still doesn’t get the beats. His arms are getting tangled and still confused.

"A bet, I like that. It sounds interesting."

"Alright."

“What are the prices?" He said playfully.

“Name it.”

He stood up and pulled me upright as well. He took both my hands and hugged my waist. "When I win, I can go second base."

"Second base?"

He chuckled. "Second base means, I can touch your boobs, legs, hip—"

"Wha— W-Wait— That's not fair! When I win, you'll just dance Whoops Kiri!" I slapped his arm.

"You're the one who wants to bet, right? You're not a sport." The fool is playing with my conscience.

"Fine! Come on! I changed mine, when I win, you'll dance Whoops Kiri in the middle of the supermarket."

He laughed a little. "That's it? Easy."

I will not let you win. We got back in Wright’s car and went to his condo. We took the elevator to get to the 15th floor. How many times have I been to Wright’s condo? That's where they often practice his band. Just as the elevator door opened, Fier came up to us with a beautiful woman. The woman leaned against the wall near Wright's door and Fier pressed against it. I immediately avoided looking at them.

"Fier Jamescel. You are an asshole! You are an eyesore!" Wright shouted.

Fier stopped kissing and looked at Wright. His eyes were wide open. "I just came home. You're a nuisance. And this shit door, I can't open!"

"Stupid! This condo is not yours, fucking idiot. I'm 5100, you're 5001." Wright pointed to the door just in front of Wright's condo door.

Fier looked at the number above Wright's door and then he smiled. "Oh. My bad. Let's go, Clariz."

"I'm Carmela, Fier." The woman hissed as she caressed Fier's shoulder.

"Ah. Yeah! That’s what I said, honey."

Fier immediately pulled the woman into his condo. Wright was still pissed as he opened his door. Fier just came home? Does that mean he woke up in the morning to Raquel’s household?

"Wright, what time did you come home last night? Did you get up in the morning too?" I asked as we entered his condo.

He frowned at me. "You still didn’t open your phone, do you?"

"Not yet, because I don’t want to hear anything from you."

"Early." He sighed. He reached into his pocket and handed me his cellphone. "Our anniversary is the password. Read my inbox."

After he gave it to me, I browsed it. "Hmm..."

He texted me many times, and guilt runs through me. I should have let him explain. I read some of his messages to me that he was going home. He sent it to me at twenty o'clock. I followed him into the kitchen after I read his inbox. I caught him cooking bacon. I quickly approached him and hugged him around the waist.

I squeezed my face on his broad back. I sighed and my hands touched his abs. He let me do it and let silence filled the whole place. When he finished cooking the bacon, he turned to me and smiled.

His face dropped and kissed me quickly on the lips. "Let’s eat first."

After we ate, I immediately taught Wright to beat the drum. We laughed and enjoyed the moment. At first, he still didn't learn what I was teaching him. I mean, it's really hard and complicated.

It took us an afternoon before he got the basic beats. I'm torturing him. He seemed to notice that.

He turned to me and frowned. "You're torturing me. Do you think I don't notice? Baby, you don't want me to win, do you?"

I averted my gaze and stroked the cymbals. "No. Just accept that you lost."

"No way!" He hit the drum. "One more. I'm close to mastering."

I grinned and taught him again. Gradually my grin faded as he played the beat without any errors. His arms are no longer knotted. I got up and left beside him. I licked my lower lip.

He pulled my arm and it got me outbalanced. I fell on his lap and he put his arms on my waist. He grinned mischievously. "A bet is a bet, baby. I got it right."

"Bu— How— I-It's impossible! You're unteachable!" Oh, no!

His eyebrows went up and down. "Maybe I just need something to motivate me."

"Impossible—" My protest was interrupted as he leaned his face to mine.

"Second." He kissed me quickly on the lips. "Base."

I quickly removed his hand from my waist and stand up. He laughed and towered to me. I want to wipe that stupid playful grin off his face. I walked backwards away from him while biting my lower lip and he slowly approached me. My knees softened at the kind of look he's giving. I didn't notice the sofa behind me so I was outbalanced and fell on top of it. He put his knees on my side. I was sitting in the middle of his thighs and he imprisoned me using his powerful arms.

"Gotcha," he said warmly and seductively. “Baby, you look like a rabbit that got caught by her predator.”

“Wright.”

“Don’t be scared, baby. I’m not going to bite.”

“This is new to me.”

“I know. I’ll be very gentle. I’ll guide you.” He caressed my cheek. “Close your eyes, baby.”

I did what he said and let him claim his price.

He earned it.

MELISSA QUIZON

"Aunt Linda, you look more appealing than the last time we met." An elderly woman turned around, and a wide smile flashed on her face when she saw him. Wright greeted her warmly as we entered the expensive boutique.

After my last subject, he immediately brought me here. He told me to find a dress that fits an unknown event.

"My goodness, sweetheart! You know how to run that mouth of yours. Just like my brother." She said as he hugged him.

He laughed and kissed her forehead. "I learned from the best."

“Happy birthday, my dearest nephew.”

“Thank you, Auntie.”

Today is Wright's birthday, he's twenty-one, and it's also 5th monthsary today. There will be a fancy celebration at La Mansion De Agoncillo. All rich businessmen and their relatives are invited. I can't help but feel nervous and anxious because he will finally introduce me to his parents. I hope they are kind to people like me.

I hope they don't think that I'm after Wright's money. I do love him. So much that it hurts.

I also know that he will receive many expensive gifts, so I thought of a gift that he will appreciate.

Myself. Yes, I decided to stay for the night, and I hope everything went well. I also informed Granny that I won't go home tonight and lied to her about doing overnight school works.

I trust Wright and I know he loves me.

He will never waste something important to me. I love Wright so much; I will give him everything I can provide.

A hand caressing my shoulder, and that brought me back to reality. I didn’t notice that I lost myself in deep thought.

"By the way, Auntie, this is Melissa, my girlfriend."

I smiled sweetly. "Good afternoon."

Her aunt's eyes widened. "G-Girlfriend?! B-Bu— Does your mother know about this?"

"I’ll introduce her tonight, Auntie.” He held my hand and put kissed the back of my palm while his eyes are focused on me. "That's why we're here. I want her to wear the best dress. I want her to stand out and every guest is looking at her. I want to watch the men feel envious that this woman belongs to me."

Why did Aunt Linda look nervous at what Wright said?

"I don't know what's in your mind, Wright. But I see how happy you are now, so who am I to be a hindrance?" Aunt Linda took a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she looked up, there was a smile on her face. "Oh, well. Let's see what I can do for you, young lady."

Aunt Linda took me to the fitting room while Wright stayed in the waiting area. I entered and turned to Aunt Linda who was looking at me intently. I smiled hesitantly. I guess, people who belong to high society doesn't want to have any connection with the people who belong in the lowest rank.

Two of her staff come inside the dressing room and proceed with measuring my body.

"U-Uhm... C-Can I get a dress that’s a little cheap? If my savings is not enough, maybe I could pay monthly, would that be alright, ma’am?" I said nervously.

I don't want people to call me a gold digger or a social climber. I loved Wright because he brings out the best of me. He took me to places I’ve never reached before.

Her laugh surprised me. Here I stand before her, nervous and anxious. And she laughed at me?!

"You're funny, young lady. All the clothes you see in my boutique are expensive and of good quality. Some of them are made in other countries, how dare you look for anything cheap in this place. You've got some nerve, don't you think?"

"I'm… I'm sorry. I have no intention to offend you. Believe me, ma'am. I just want to pay for the dress and I want you to understand that people like me don't often go to an expensive place like this."

“People like you?” She stared at me, puzzled. “Let me guess, you think that I hate you or brand you as a gold digger.”

I nodded. "I can't help but think that way, ma'am. I have nothing and Wright has everything. Naturally, people will think that I'm after his money."

“That’s true.” She agreed. "Both of his parents are business tycoons. Millionaires. And Wright is their only child."

“I… I understand, ma’am. That’s why I have to prove that I’m not after his—”

"Sweetheart, my dearest, save the explanation for tonight. I am nothing but his aunt." She stood up in front of me and smiled gently. “I understand you, young lady. Just for the record, we do not look down on anyone. My husband is from a family with no wealth— an only good education. And do you want to know where it leads him?"

“Y-Yes.”

“Success. The man who owns a small eatery, now owns five Michelin restaurants, 2 big grocery stores, and a good heart.” My heart melts because of her voice. I was wrong, this woman did not judge my social status. “Happiness is in here, Melissa.” She placed her hand on top of my chest. “Everything in this world will depreciate and can be replaced. The only thing I can say to you— be yourself and all the best will follow.”

I can’t help but hugged her tightly. “Thank you, ma’am.”

She patted my back, and I heard her chuckled. “My goodness, I wish I have a daughter.”

After the fitting, I got out of the room and Aunt Linda told me to wait until the dress was fixed to my size. I went to see Wright and he immediately stood up to welcome me back.

"What's the colour?"

“It’s a secret.”

“But I have to match my next tie with your dress.” He encircled his arms on my waist.

"I already chose the next tie for you." I put my index finger on the tip of his pointy nose and smiled sweetly.

He laughed. “Damn, don’t smile at me like that.”

“Why?”

“Just because.”

“But I always smile at you this way.”

“Not on my birthday!” I laughed and he pulled me closer to him. “I can’t wait to receive your gift to me.”

I swallowed. “You have to wait until midnight.”

One hour before the sun sets and Aunt Linda called me to try the dress. I let Wright go and walked inside the fitting room. The two staffs helped me dress up while the others started putting makeup on me and decorating my hair.

I'm not used to this kind of extravagant clothes. Wearing pants and a shirt is enough for me, but when I met Wright, I started wearing skirts and blouses. That's because I don't want to hear people say that his girlfriend looks older than him.

I took a deep breath and came out wearing the royal blue mermaid style dress. It hugged my body shape. Its mermaid style starts in half of my thigh. The fabric was filled with Swarovski's crystals. They only put light makeup on me and straight out my hair.

Wright stood up straight when he saw me and then a sweet smile curved on his lips. Aunt Linda raised a thumb. He's well-dressed, in an expensive black suit. His dark eyes slid down my trim figure, then back up again to my face.

“Baby…”

“H-Hi. Do I look okay?”

“Okay?” He towered to me and stared at my face. “Baby, you took my breath away.”

“I don’t look old, do I?”

“Old?” He chuckled and turned to his Auntie. “Aunt Linda?”

She raised one of her brows. “Young lady, are you looking for flaws in my creation?”

“N-No, ma’am. It’s beautiful. I can’t recognize myself in the mirror!”

“Of course! I am currently fighting the urge to burn the clothes you wore.”

“Auntie…” Wright warned.

“It’s just a joke. Melissa and I shared genuine conversation a while ago.”

“About what?”

“It’s a secret between us.”

Wright turned to me. I beamed. “I won’t tell you.”

“Alright. Based on my observation, Aunt Linda didn’t threaten you.”

“Why would I?! I don’t give threats to anyone. My dearest nephew, you hurt my feelings.”

Wright pulled away from me and put his hands on his Auntie’s shoulder. “Auntie, what you have is a gift of God. Look at my girl, she’s beautiful but I can’t believe you made her a Goddess. I am so blessed to have you.”

"My dearest nephew, you know the words I wanted to hear."

Aunt Linda excused herself when a customer came in. Wright came back to me. He was a handsome man— all dark sensuality and wicked spirit. He towered over me and made me feel small and feminine. I like the way his suit hugged the powerful lines of his body, emphasizing its fierce masculinity.

A woman walked towards us while holding a black box. She stopped beside me and opened it. I reached for the necktie and put it on Wright’s collar. He kissed my cheek when I’m done tying it up.

"Thank you for being with me on my special day."

“I will always with you even if it isn’t special.”

He smiled sweetly. “Thank you.”

“But my feet are killing me.”

He laughed and turned to the staff beside me. “Could you please get us some comfortable shoes? My girl isn’t used to stilettos.”

The staff nodded before leaving.

“Is there a problem?” Aunt Linda popped behind Wright.

“Auntie, Melissa isn’t used to high heels.”

“But the shoes are the perfect match in her outfit.”

“She isn’t used—”

“Nonsense.” Auntie held both my hands. “Come here, sweetheart. I’ll teach you how to walk and stand in a way where your feet won’t hurt.”

“O-Okay, ma’am.”

I tried to walk a few times, but I always stumbled or fell to my knees. Thank goodness, Wright always helps me.

"Maybe we need something to motivate her."

Aunt Linda pushed Wright away from me and sent a nice-looking employee of hers to him. I frowned when Wright smiled at my behaviour as the women clung to him. This freaking jerk!

“Wright!”

“Help me, baby.” His plea sounds so fake.

"Oh, what are you going to do? Don’t look down, walk straight, get your man back!" Aunt Linda whispered.

I looked at my shoes. So, this is my motivation. I looked at Wright again and slowly stood up. I only took two steps when I tripped again. The women helped me not to get on my knees. When I look at Wright, his arm is wrapped around the woman’s waist.

I glared at him. He raised both of his hands as if to say that he won’t do it anymore.

With a sigh, I stood up and began to walk. This time, I'm desperate to grab him, so I could strangle his neck. On my final step, I stumbled but Wright managed to pull my waist and the back of my head hit his chest.

"Excellent. The reason why I pushed the stilettos to her, even if she isn’t used to it, is to make sure that you won’t leave her side, Wright.”

His hands caressed my exposed shoulder. I sighed at what he did.

“I won’t leave her, of course.” His face came close to my ear and whispered. "You are tempting me."

Both my cheeks warmed at what he said. “I’m not doing anything to you.”

When our ride parked in front of the boutique, we bid our farewell to Aunt Linda. She kissed my cheeks and whispered. “Just be yourself, my sweet child. Good luck and I’ll see you at the party.”

I smiled at her. “Thank you, Aunt Linda.”

He opened the backseat door and let me in first. He joined me and I immediately placed my hand on his leg. He looked at me and I gave him a quick kiss. His eyes widened.

"Happy 5th months, baby," I said softly.

He touched his lips and stared at me, dumbfounded. After he recovered from that, his lips curved a seductive smile.