When we returned to the office, it was only 12:40 p.m. Almost all the lights in the departments were turned off, even my colleagues at work were al asleep. I slowly went to my seat and was about to sit down when Nick woke up. This guy has a sharp 

I immediately smiled at her and sat in my seat.

"Hey, how's your walk going, sir? Are you full?" he asked, smiling at me.

I belched suddenly and looked around, luckily no one woke up. Andrea suddenly laughed at me.

"Hahahaha, don't answer. I already know!" he answered lamely, followed by another question, "Is Hailey a nice person to you?"

The way that he asked this question, as if he really knows Hailey from the very start. 

"She's so much fun to be around!" I answered. "And believe it or not, we treated each other like sisters!"

I wasn't able to detail the whole thing, especially when Hailey showed her bad side. That incident was really bad and I think it will be imprinted on my mind forever.

"Well," Nick said as he seemed not impressed with my answer. Suddenly, he lowered his voice. "Didn't she yell at the waiter or manager? That brat has got some bad attitude especially when her clothes got even a tiny stain!"

I suddenly sweat. As I thought, he really knows a lot about Hailey's personality. Of course, even though I want to admit the truth, I still have to cover up for Hailey to avoid staining our flourishing friendship.

"Nothing like that happened earlier. But do you know she would like to invite you to become a model for the upcoming launch of their new products. Willing to join?"

Nick's eyes widened in shock and I could tell from his serious face that he became more interested in our topic.

"Really? Maybe you're just referring to other Nick? As far as I know, there are many Nick here in the office!"

I stood by what I told him. "I'm sure she's talking about you?"

"Wow! Is that true? I've dreamed of becoming a model for a long time!"

I could see the excitement on his reddened face. 

"I'll chat with Hailey later so I can find out other details. By the way, thank you for that news Stella!"

I was so shocked to learn about this. "Hold on a sec, are you chatting with her?" I asked in wonder.

"Yes, we used to be close that is why I chatted with her before. Why did you ask?"

"No, nothing!" I replied.

"Why don't we go out together? I'd like to talk to you for a longer period of time!"

As much as I'd like to accept Nick's offer, I am hanging out with Hailey today so I declined it. 

"Actually, Hailey and I will hangout later. I am not trying to get her attention but we just want to know each other!"

"Going to a bar?" he asked.

"In fact, Hailey and I are going to have a drink later. I invited him and he didn't refuse! Please don't tell anyone about this!"

"Okay. Please enjoy, you seem to be at ease with each other. I feel like you're treating each other like sisters already!"

Deep inside, what Nick said was true. But I've got a feeling that Hailey will become my rival with Nick's heart soon.

"Of course, although I can't keep up with her English that is why I don't say that much when she asked me something!"

"You can do it, Stella! You'll get used to it soon. At least you'll be able to improve your English speaking. The fact that you're an honored student means doing such thing is a piece of cake for you!"

"Thank you Nick, you are so supportive!"

"By the way, what else did you two talk about?"

Suddenly the lights turned on. Nick and I didn't even notice that it was already 1 in the afternoon because we were enjoying our conversation. And like Nick, the rest of our colleagues also asked me same question that's why I'm like a broken machine repeating the story over and over again.

This day has passed and it's time to go home. I was about to turn off my computer when Hailey suddenly sent me an email. Maybe she got it from Sir Michael but I never asked her about it. I read the email in my mind.

"Hello Stella, please wait at the parking lot. I just need to finish my reports then we'll leave later!"

Nick looked at my computer and got curious about my email.

"It looks like you and Hailey have constant communication already!"

I smiled at Nick. "Yes hehe!" I said.

Nick arranged his things as he spoke. "But I hope you and Hailey enjoy your bonding. I will going now, stay safe?"

"Take care, you too!"

Our other work colleagues have also went their way and I am the only one left in the office. I turned off my pc and I went comfort room for a while. As I entered the toilet, there were two women who entered, gossiping about someone. 

I put my ears on the wall to listen to them. I guess they are gossiping about me.

"Cathy, do you know the new girl in the marketing department?"

"Is that the arrogant one? I have a feeling that woman is a whore!"

I was really offended with what I heard. I could not accept that they called me something I am not. I guess, you really can't please anyone. 

"It looks like She's going to steal Nick and used Hailey to be promoted!"

"You know, I don't care if she become close with the arrogant boss. But just try to flirt with Nick, I'll show her my bad side!"

"Didn't Nick rejected you?"

"If Nick couldn't be with me, I don't want him to be with anyone else. Especially with that woman. What's her name again?"

"I've heard her name is Stella. She became quite famous because she saved the President who had a heart attack!"

I've heard their footsteps weakening, an indication that they were no longer in the comfort room. I came out and admitted that I was hurt by what I heard. 

I peed and went out of the comfort room to wash my face. Damn! This is my first time experiencing I've ever been gossiped in my entire life and the pain is heart-wrenching. When I returned to the office, I saw Hailey glancing at her cell phone in front of my area. She was wearing a plain red shirt and her face was beautiful even without make up.

I took a few steps before she looked at me and greeted me with a smile.

"Hey sis, shall we go now?" she asked. "Sorry I was really busy a while ago with my work!"

I went to my area and took my things while taking to Hailey. "That's okay, I am not in a hurry."

"Wait a minute, what is your social media account or even just a cellphone number? Our email is for business purposes, so it's better if we communicate by other means!"

I gave her my number and social media account. She sent a friend request to me, and I immediately accepted her. We walked to the parking lot until I saw her brand new Mercedes. My jaw dropped on the floor because of its impeccable beauty.

With the remote on her hand, her car suddenly opened as we approached it. She then shared something about her Mercedes.

"This is the car I purchased in the US after I graduated. Actually, it's my birthday gift for myself. Let's ride!"

The happiness in my heart overflowing. Who would have thought that I would be able to ride in a car that even in my dreams I had never experienced riding. I feel like I'm on a cloud at the moment. Without hesitation, I entered into the front seat and Hailey got on the driver's seat. And because it was my first time riding, I rolled my eyes around in amazement.

Hailey came over and I thought she was going to do something to me, but she just fixed my seatbelt.

"Just relax sis," she said. "Don't worry, I am a real woman hehe!"

"I know Ma'am," I replied.

"By the way," she took something from the back of her car and I was surprised to see it.

"As promised, my coat is yours!" she said after handing me the paper bag. "As I said earlier, please take care of that. There is only a little stain, but you will wash it, right?"

I gave him an appreciative grin. "Thank you very much, Hailey! I will really take care of this coat!"

"You are much welcome. Just tell me when you need anything aside from that!"

"No, this is too much already but I really appreciate your kind offer!"

"By the way, I can only enjoy partying until 10 p.m. My dad is very strict so he'll definitely look for me in my room. I told him that I'll just buy a new necklace in the mall. It does not seem he knows that I am lying though. How about you, did you tell your mom about this?"

"No I did not!" I replied. "I'll just tell her that I am extending my duty!"

"So now, both of us are already liars. Anyway, do they have L'Ermita Priorat here?"

I knitted my forehead in confusion. "And what is that?"

"A brand of wine!"

I feel like I'm going to be embarrassed because I only know common Filipino beverage like lambanog and gin. Still, I have no other choice but to continue our hang out.

"Alright, I'll take care of you sis. Please remain calm!"

She started the engine of her luxurious car and we got off. While she was driving, my mother suddenly chatted with me.

"What time are you coming home, dear?" she asked.

I immediately replied, "Ma, I'll comeback late tonight. We have a lot of work to do!"

It didn't take a few seconds for my mother to chat again. "Dear, of all the people, did you really think you can lie to your own mother? I know you missed hanging out, so I'm sure you'll wander off again with your workmates!"

I just grinned when Hailey noticed my serious face.

"Who are you chatting, sis?" she suddenly asked while looking at the road.

"Ah, my mother chatted with me and asked what time I would be home!" I replied while glancing at my phone and thought of what I could reply to my mother.

"Your mom really loves you, I wonder if my real parents were still here. Would they also care for me?"

"Of course. That's how parents are, even if it's annoying sometimes. You know my mother, she knows me from head to toe!"

"Why, did he catch you lying?" she asked.

"Actually yes, she was asking me what time I would be home. I said I was going to be late because of my work but she caught me lying. She knew I was going to drink as I used to do when I was still in college!"

Hailey tilted her lips to smile. "Really? It's hard to study in college and yet you're still an honored student even when you often hang out with your friends!"

I took a deep sigh. "Yes. Do you know that business management is my second choice? My first dream is to become a model but I think I don't have what it takes to become a model!"

"At least you're a smart person. Most of the models I know were either dropped out or they could not land a job due to their low I.Q."

"Yes... when I was in College, I often participated in pageant, but I never won a single one!"

"You've got some confidence to join such a pageant. Well, you tried your best and that's something to be proud of!"

"Yes. My mom was the only person cheering up for me that time. I could not realize that I was able to make her happy with my little achievements before. That's why I really love my mom despite her being a nagger and conservative!"