"Damn. Was that your present? It’s not even midnight yet."

“No. I just had an urge to kiss you. You don’t like it?”

“I’m not complaining.”

I slowly slid my arms around his neck and pulled him in close. I smiled softly as I tilted my head upwards, wordlessly inviting him to kiss me. As Wright lowered his head and claimed my lips in a deep kiss, I melted against him, my hands tangling in his hair as my breath escaped me on a whispering sigh of pleasure.

Wright’s hands wrapped around me, his manly fingers digging into my skin with just enough pressure to tantalize without hurting me. His tongue dancing with mine as our teeth nipped at lips and we gasped into each other’s mouths.

I was the one who pulled away first. We look into each other's eyes and then he smiled while biting his lower lip. “You said, you’ll give your gift for me at midnight? What happened? Change of plans?”

My heartbeat quickened. I averted my eyes from him. "I think you turned me into a kissing monster."

He laughed and reached a few strands of my hair and kissed it. “That’s quite an accusation. I didn’t turn you into that. I just awakened the monster you’ve been keeping in your closet for so long.”

“You wish!”

We arrived at his mansion. The big gate opened when the guards recognize his car. I was mesmerized by the house' design. It's made of concrete and big windows. I thought I could only see that in Korean dramas I watched. We got out of the car and went to their garden because that was where the celebration would be held.

I can't help but be amazed at how luxurious Wright's lifestyle. I feel like I don't fit in here. Am I going to alright? I feel like people will eat me alive.

Why did Wright choose me? I was nothing compared to the women around him. I’m not pretty enough. I don’t have a body like a supermodel.

Wright squeezed my hand and he looked at me. He looks worried. "Don't be nervous. I'm here."

I sighed deeply and pushed my hair at the back. “Wright, what if—”

“We will not talk about ‘what ifs’, right now. Look at me, Melissa.” He said in a serious tone. “Don’t overthink. I am with you. I won’t go anywhere.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

Many raise an eyebrow at me and whisper to each other. I swallowed the lump on my throat and focus on Wright. If he is with me, others don't matter. We stopped in front of a couple. The middle-aged woman looked at me from my head down to my toe.

"Wright, I did not expect you to bring…” She eyed our entwined hands. “…a friend in your party.”

"Mom, Dad, this is Melissa Quizon. She isn’t my friend. She’s my girl.”

"H-Hi, ma’am."

I want to punch myself because I stuttered. I was nervous, what do you want me to do?!

One of her eyebrows rose and her judgmental eyes scoured my whole being. "Girlfriend? Don’t make me laugh, Wright."

Wright put his arm around me and pulled me closer to him. "It’s not a joke, Mom. She’s my girl. You asked me one time— why am I smiling out of nowhere? Yup, she’s the reason."

The lady's eyes widened. "B-But… But, how did this happened?”

“Sweetheart, calm down. Come on, let’s not make a scene.” Wright’s father put his hand on his wife’s back.

“But Claire is—"

"'Let's not talk about her," Wright said in an authoritative voice.

Their eyes fought a silent battle. Who are they talking about? Who’s Claire?

Wright's jaw clenched a sign that he was displeased. Mister Agoncillo broke the silence and offered his hand to me. "Nice to meet you, young lady. What's your name again?"

"M-Melissa, sir." I'm nervous! Wright's dad has a different aura. I feel like I'm talking to Aunt Linda. Maybe they are sibling.

Mister Agoncillo smiled at me.

"You can call me, Tito Sean. And welcome to our family, Melissa." Then he turned to his wife and son. "Wilma quit it. Our son is grown up. He knows what he's doing. We can't push our decision to him."

"But, Sean—"

"Ssh. Chill out, my love. Everything's under control." He held his wife’s shoulder and walked away from us.

Wright's hands rested on my waist. "I told you it's alright. Dad likes you."

I looked up at him. "Wright... is hiding something from me?"

Shocked, but he recovered immediately.

"Oh, baby. I'm not keeping anything from you." I am not convinced. "Babe, don't spoil our night. Please?"

"I'm sorry."

He pulled me closer and caressed my exposed back. "I'm excited about your gift. Can’t wait for midnight.”

I averted my gaze. "Why don’t we greet your guest first? They came here for you."

The party has already begun. I almost lost all the feeling in my face because of the non-stop smiling whenever Wright introduced me. Some women are throwing shades at me while some are treating me like I wasn’t there at all. It was tiring but I don’t want Wright to be worried.

Right now, Wright and I are dancing slow music. My left hand was on his shoulder while one of his hands covered my right hand. My head was also leaning against his chest. I heard his heartbeat, and it calms me. He feels at home.

"Are you tired? Do your feet hurt?" He said softly in my ear.

"To be honest? I feel like I’m standing on my knees."

"Do you want to sit down for a while?"

"No. Let’s stay like this for a while.” I slowly placed both my hands on his neck. Then, he encircled his arms on my waist.

"I saw a lot of my old friends throw a second look at you. This is the last time that I'll let you dress up like this." He chuckled and buried his face on my neck. "Where's your gift? It’s past midnight.”

I was swallowed. “I put it in your pad.”

“In my pad? I was with you all day, how did it—”

“I have my ways.”

I put my index finger on his lips. “I have my ways.”

He pulled me away from the dance floor. I could no longer bear the pain in my feet. He also ignores the people who greet him. We got to the parking lot. We immediately got in his car, and half an hours later, we reached his condo unit.

“Why are you so excited?” I tried to hide my nervousness.

“Because I can’t think straight.” He opened his unit, and I closed the door behind us. He started to look around. He acts like a child! “Where is it? Is it under the couch? Is it behind the curtain? Did you hide it in the kitchen cabinet to make sure that I won’t see it because I don’t cook?”

While he’s busy looking around, I reached for the red ribbon and put it on top of my head. I cleared my throat, and I got his attention.

“Stop looking around. It’s right here. I’m right here, baby.”

He stood up slowly while his lips are slightly open. I avoided his gaze while walking closer to me. When he closed the distance between us, he put his finger on my chin and raised it. Our eyes met.

“I’m not pushing you to this.”

“I know. I did this on my own will.” I whispered.

"Are you sure, baby?"

“Yes.”

“Okay.” Yes, I'm sure. I want him more than anything.

My hands were still shaking as I reached behind my back. I unzipped my gown and unsnapped my bra, letting it fall, leaving my breasts bare to his eyes. I took comfort in his sharp intake of breath, knowing that he liked what he saw in front of him.

My panties were next; the wispy lace thong quickly joining the pool of clothes on the floor. And then I stood in all my naked glory in front of him, waiting for him to make the next move or to tell me what I should do. I didn’t have to wait too long.

Wright took another deep breath and then slowly walked towards me, stopping just inches from me as I stood there trembling. “Such a beautiful, brave girl.”

His praise sent shivers of awareness coursing through me and I felt my nipples harden to peaks as his gaze swept over me again. He picked me up, took me to his room and put me down on the bed.

MELISSA QUIZON

Four months ago, I surrendered my virginity to Wright. After that, we do it if given a chance. We can’t get enough of it. Even when Wright's preboard examination is approaching, he makes time for us to be together.

I hardly get home often because he doesn't want me to be separated from him. So, always lie to Granny that I always do overnight for my thesis and other projects. Wright added wardrobe closets in his room for my clothes and other personal things.

But last week, he told me not to come for a while because the water pipe in his unit broke, and he is currently staying at his parent's house. I tapped my fingers on the table while facing my academic books, I can't concentrate and kept looking at my phone.

"It has been three days, and his phone is still out-of-coverage area," I whispered.

I put my head on my hand and sighed deeply.

I can't help but be worried about him. When on campus, I can't see him, and he is regularly absent. I am starting to worry about his school works. Leon, Fier, and Racquel are avoiding me. Now that Wright is not with me, I noticed that I don't even have college friends. I'm alone.

Well, I am always alone before Wright pursued me. Now that I am used to his presence around me, his absence makes me anxious.

I was waiting at the parking lot and noticed Fier. I jumped out of the bench I’m sitting and run towards him.

“Fier!”

“M-Melissa.” He looks nervous.

“I just want to ask. Have you reached Wright? His phone—”

“No. I have no idea what happened to him. Maybe you can call Leon, he lived closer to his parent’s house.” He did not wait for my response and immediately go inside his car and drove it out of the school parking.

I left the parking area with a heavy heart. Where did I go wrong? Maybe I did something that makes Wright hate me. Is it the way I take a bath? Is it the taste of my cooking? Did I invade his personal space when I put too many clothes in his closet?

I am so alone.

I dared to call Leon even though we weren’t that close to each other. After only three rings, he answered the call.

"Who's this?" His voice was cold and expressionless.

"Leon. It's Melissa. I just want to ask if you can help me reach Wright’s—"

"You're just wasting your time with me, Melissa. Why don't you just go to Wright's pad and ask him yourself?"

"But he's not currently living there. His water pipe broke and—"

“It was fixed two weeks ago.”

I stopped and processed his words. “It was fixed?”

“Yes. So instead of being a pest to us, his friends, why don’t you go check him yourself?” He ended the call after hurting my feelings.

They never liked me. Why? I didn't do anything to them. Or did I? No, that's not what matters right at this moment. I rode the jeepney and walked the busy street of Rockwell. When I reached the building he resides, I gave my ID to the reception and gave me a visitation card.

While walking in the hallway, I called Granny and told her that I'll be home late tonight.

"I’ve noticed that you're leaving more often, Melissa." Suddenly, my heartbeat quickened. "Don't get too close to the fire, you might get burned. Be careful, alright?"

"Yes, Grandma," I said softly before ending the call.

I took a deep breath and stopped in front of Wright's unit. I'm brought pizza because this is his favourite food.

I was about to ring the doorbell when I noticed that his door is unlocked. I was puzzled, I never thought he would forget to lock his door. I opened it and made myself welcome. I closed the door slowly so there won’t be any noise.

I saw his bag on his couch and a smile curved on my lips. He is here! I can finally see him!

I placed the pizza on top of the centre table before getting beers out of the fridge. When I get back from the kitchen, my hair stood on end when I heard grunts coming from his room. My knees started to wobble. It's his voice.

I stood in front of his bedroom door and my shivering hand reached for the doorknob. I dropped the beers on the floor and it made the two of them stopped moving.

My lips parted at what I saw. My eyes widened. My hands automatically covered my mouth. On top of the bed, a man is lying on bed and a woman was sitting on his lap. They're both naked. But I can't the man's face.

"W-Wright?" It barely came out of my mouth. My voice sounded hoarse.

No, no. Please, no. It can’t be Wright.

"What're you doing here?" My heart almost jumped out of my chest when I heard a voice behind me.

I turned and saw Wright's puzzled face. He closed the door behind me and pulled me to the other room. It was as if I had lost the weight on my chest when it was confirmed that he was not the man in the room.

I hugged him tightly. "Thank goodness."

When the door closed I looked up at him.

"I haven’t received any calls or text message from you for almost a week!” I said it in a hoarse voice.

He took a deep breath. "I'm from Cebu. I just got home this afternoon."

"What did you do there?"

"I have to take care of something.” He casually said. “I couldn’t call or text you because Dad brought me to a cabin in the middle of the damn forest!”

He let go of me and went to his bed to lie down. I followed and lay down next to him. I put my head on his chest. I felt his finger played my hair.

"Wright, who's that—"

"Fier. That freeloader! I only lent this room to him because his ex-girlfriend made a mess in his unit." His voice was frustrated. “Then, that freaking ass made my place a motel!" He scratched his head and sighed irritably. "Tsk! Do I need to explain everything, Melissa? "

I was offended by his behaviour. "I'm your girlfriend, Wright."

"Damn it! No more questions." It got up and pulled me closer to him. He immediately overwhelmed me. "I missed you, baby."

He kissed me hard on the lips. I wrapped my arms around its neck. I massaged the nape of it while our tongues played. He moved away a bit, but our lips were still touching. "Do you want to get laid tonight?"

"Yes please," I said, chasing my breath.

"Yeah? Wild or rough?" He said as his haughty hand wrapped around my blouse. I moaned as he played with my chest.

"S-Shit! Wright! Take me! Now!"

He quickly removed our clothes. His kisses are intense and eager.

"Ah!" I moaned when I feel him all inside of me.

My nails dig into his shoulder. His every movement is fast.

"Don't fight yourself. You can moan, let the neighbours know my name." He whispered in my ear.

"Ah, n-no. They’ll—"

"I don't care.” He bit the delicate part of my neck. "Damn! You're still so tight!"

"I-I'm c-close, Wright!" I lifted my legs to his waist. This accelerated the movement even more. I just screamed with every stroke of our bodies.

Few more thrust and we reached our climax. He fell on top of me. We catch the breath. I wiped the sweat off his back. Looks like I won't be able to come home tonight.

"I love you, Wright," I whispered softly and gently kissed his neck up to his jaw.

He got up and put on a boxer.

"Go home, Melissa." He said coldly.

"What? C-Can't I sleep here?" I said, frowning.

He turned around and my world stopped when I saw his dark expression. "No. Let's break up."