(Third Person's POV)
"What is her problem?" Seph muttered, scratching his head as he walked out of Veronica's office.
His boss was truly a prankster. Can you believe it? She just bites someone for no reason? He felt like this was the beginning of his true ordeal; he could sense her mischievous streak finally coming out.
He shook his head and refocused on his work.
He was in the middle of organizing the remaining papers on his desk when his boss suddenly burst out of her office. she was in such a hurry she almost tripped. Before she could even reach him, Seph stood up and met her halfway.
"What's the problem? Are you okay?" he asked immediately, noticing how pale she was.
"You need to help me!"
"With what? Is something wrong?"
"Someone called on your stone-aged phone and I answered it, and then there was a scream from the other line—"
"M-my phone?" he asked, puzzled.
Vero quickly handed him his cellphone. He looked at her, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Vero's eyes darted around as she swallowed hard.
"A-ahm, well..." She scratched the back of her neck and averted her gaze. "Y-you dropped it."
"Is that so?" He held Vero by both shoulders and inspected her from head to toe. "And you? Are you okay?"
Vero didn't answer immediately, so he guided her to sit in his chair. He gently rubbed her back and handed her a bottle of water from the side.
"Drink some water first, you're getting pale—"
"Seph," Vero interrupted, taking a breath to speak. "Your sister called earlier and, uh... she screamed. She said your mom had a heart attack."
He froze. Now it was his turn to lose all color. Fear and worry instantly etched themselves onto his face.
"I-I'll be right back." He stood up and hurried away from her.
Vero watched him anxiously. She saw the panic in his movements as he dialed his phone. She closed her eyes and frustratedly tugged at her own hair.
(Veronica's POV)
It's been ten minutes since he dialed his family's number. They're still talking, and even though I'm ten steps away, I can see the worry on his face. He went completely white after hearing the news. His hands were trembling and his forehead was creased.
OMG, what if I unintentionally killed his "mother earth"? I'm scared! I don't want to go to jail! It was an accident, a prank! Ugh! Why did I even think to say that? I just wanted to know if he had a girlfriend!
I looked back at him. He was walking toward me now. He tucked his stone-age phone into his pocket, his brow still furrowed.
N-no... D-does he know already?
I swallowed hard as he took my wrist.
Is he going to drag me? Or maybe body-slam me? Maybe he'll throw me somewhere out of anger? That would be too bad if he's not throwing me onto a bed.
"Miss Vero—"
"Is she dead?" I whispered.
"Huh? Who?"
My eyes widened as he frowned even more. I could tell he was genuinely confused.
"Your mommy! Is she dead?"
"Of course not." He scratched his head. "Of course she's still alive."
"Really?" I blinked rapidly.
"Yes." He smiled. "My mother is still alive; she's tough."
"B-but your sister screamed! She said your mommy had a heart attack!" The sister's scream was still echoing in my head. My gosh! Is this my conscience knocking on my brain?
"My mother said she just felt dizzy. Stephanie caught her just as she was about to fall, so she thought it was a heart attack."
"Oh."
I have never felt so relieved in my life. It was like a long, thorny branch had been pulled out of my throat. I really thought I'd killed someone.
"I'm glad she's okay," I said with a forced smile.
My internal celebration was cut short when his hand slid down from my wrist to my hand. He held it tightly, making me realize how large his palm was and how long his fingers were. They were rough and calloused.
I cleared my throat as I blushed. Oh no, what "gifted" hands he has. I wonder what it would feel like if those hands touched every inch of my gorgeous body.
I might lose my sanity just from his hands and fingers. Ugh. What a perverted bitch I am!
"Sorry."
I frowned and pouted. "F-for what?"
"You must have been scared because of my sister's call." He gave an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, did you get really nervous? My apologies."
"No, it's fine."
"Look at that." His grip on my hand tightened. "Your hands are shaking."
I looked down at our joined hands and saw that I was indeed trembling.
Gosh, why wouldn't I be nervous? I feel so guilty! It's still my fault it happened, even if his mom is fine, and now he's the one concerned about me.
Why is he so kind?
"I'm truly sorry." I saw the genuine worry in his eyes.
Suddenly, a flashback played in my mind.
"I'm so sorry, Veronica," he had said before removing my hand from the hem of his shirt. "I can't do this anymore. I can't handle you. You're too immature. I can't bear to live with you because your immaturity is suffocating me. Being with you is stifling."
"Are you okay?" His voice snapped me out of the memory.
I looked at him. He was looking straight at me.
No. I'm not going to lose again. I'm mature enough to handle myself. I'm strong. I can handle myself.
I smiled.
"Yeah. I'm fine."
(Seph's POV)
"Mom, are you sure you're okay now?" I asked worriedly.
She let out a hearty laugh. "Of course, son! I'm perfectly fine! You know me!"
I couldn't help but scratch the back of my neck. I had been so incredibly worried earlier. If anything had actually happened, I would have headed home immediately. I was terrified; I'm not ready to lose my mother.
"Don't worry. I'm okay. Truly!"
I sighed. "Okay. Just please, whatever happens, always keep me updated on your health. I want to be sure you and my siblings are alright."
"I know, I know. This son of mine..."
I smiled at that.
She went on to tell me so many stories and gave me plenty of advice while I listened intently. I loved hearing news about my siblings; it made me miss them even more.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll just save up enough capital to build us a store, and then I'll come home."
"Oh, son, don't rush home. Your siblings and I are doing fine here."
"But Mom—"
"Don't work yourself to death, son. You're in Manila now; I hear there are many beautiful young women there around your age."
I stopped walking at those words. I was on my way home from Miss Vero's building. I left at nine, but it was almost eleven now. I didn't have any fare money, so I was walking home like I do every day. I wasn't even a quarter of the way to where I was staying; it was so far.
After she left earlier, I ended up doing all her paperwork myself. I couldn't contact her, so I had to apologize to everyone she was supposed to meet for her appointments. I rescheduled some of them. I was worried something might have happened to her.
But what did Mom say? Young women?
"When are you going to bring a girlfriend home to us, Seph?"
"H-huh?" I almost tripped. "W-what are you talking about, Mom?"
"I'm just saying, son, when are you going to bring a girlfriend here? Of course, I want to meet the woman who inspires you. You work so hard, after all."
I laughed softly. "Mom, the only women in my life who inspire me to work hard are you and my sisters. And of course, Stefan and Stephen."
"Oh, stop it, Seph! I'm serious, you should have a girlfriend by now! I want another grandchild. I'm jealous of our neighbors who already have grandkids!"
"Oh, Mom."
"I'm not joking!"
I continued talking to Mom as I walked, until my gaze landed on a hotel across the street. It looked like there was a party inside, with flashing lights moving to the rhythm of the music.
But that wasn't what caught my eye.
"I want to party! Let me in!"
My attention was drawn to a woman wearing high red heels, her wavy hair flowing down, wearing an outfit that looked like it was missing fabric again. She was wearing a shiny denim micro-skirt and a tight black tank crop top.
She looked drunk.
"I said let me in! I want to party!" she screamed.
I sighed and shook my head. "Mom, let's talk again tomorrow."
After saying goodbye to Mom, I tucked my phone away and crossed the street.
She was being held by both wrists by a muscular man who looked like one of the partygoers. He was whispering to her, so I couldn't hear them from a distance—except for Veronica's persistent shouting. The man looked wealthy and likely knew Veronica, but I didn't care.
I didn't like the way he was looking at her.
"I can't let you in!"
"What? Why not?! I'm invited here!" she screamed, her eyes drooping.
Oh boy, she's really drunk.
"I know, but you shouldn't be here! Can't you see? It's late!"
"Why are you being such a pest? I want to go in!"
"Stop it!" the man blocked her again. "Go home, Vero!"
"No!"
I froze when I saw Vero wince while trying to pull her hands away from the man's grip. It looked like he was hurting her.
Clenching my fists, I hurried toward them.
"Veronica!"
Both of them turned to me, but Veronica paused.
"Seph..." Confusion was evident on her face as she looked at me.
I gently pulled her hands away from the man to inspect them. I frowned when I saw the redness and marks on her wrists.
He did hurt her.
"Why are you here, Seph?" She reached for my cheek and poked it with her index finger. "OMG, you're really here! I thought I was dreaming or something..."
I smiled. "Let's go home."
"Oh." She pouted. "You're taking me home?"
I didn't say anything while she giggled and clung to my arm. She leaned on me to keep from swaying.
We turned to walk away, but before I could take three steps, someone grabbed my collar, pulling me back and making me lose my hold on Veronica.
"Gosh, Seph!" She almost lost her balance; luckily, I caught her.
"Take it easy, you might trip." I helped her stand properly before turning to the person who had grabbed me. "Excuse me, but is there a problem?"
"Who the hell are you?"
The man asked, his jaw tight, giving me an insulting look.
"I am Seph Lazaro."
I was surprised when he pulled me again, harder than before. That's when Vero finally lost her balance and fell to her knees because I accidentally let her go.
I grabbed his collar as well. "What is your problem?"
"My problem? Obviously, you are the problem here!"
Wait, why was he so angry? What did I do to him? From the way he looked at me and the set of his jaw, I knew he was furious, but why? Was it because of Veronica? Or was there another reason?
"I'll take Veronica. I'll take her home."
Frowning, I glared at him. "You're reek of alcohol. How can I be sure she'll get home safely?"
"Shut up! It's none of your business, okay?!"
"It is my business because we're talking about Veronica here."
"Hey! Stop it!" a man said, coming out of the hotel.
He stepped between us, but his companion shoved him aside.
"Jace, stop it! Stop it, okay?!"
"Mind your own business, Eren! Get out of the way!"
"Jace, that's enough!" Eren tried again, but his friend named Jace refused to let go of me.
"Don't touch me! I'm taking Veronica home!"
I was starting to get annoyed myself. Instead of letting him push me around, I grabbed his hand to remove it from my collar and shoved him away, which took him by surprise.
"My apologies, but I won't let you take her home," I said, focusing my attention on them.
The anger on his face deepened. "Do I look like I'm asking for your fucking permission?!"
"No." I glared back at him. "Whether you ask or not, I don't care. I am taking Veronica home, and that's the end of it."
He paused for a moment. Seconds passed, and his eyebrows were practically touching from his scowl, his teeth grinding. His glare somehow got even sharper.
In contrast, his friend Eren looked shocked; he clearly didn't expect me to say that.
I turned my back on them to go to Veronica, who was pouting and looking at her own knees. Without hesitation, I scooped her up. She didn't say a word, but she wrapped her arms around my neck and rested her head on my chest.
"Who the fuck do you think you are?" Jace whispered, his voice dripping with rage.
"Me?" I faced him and looked at him seriously. "I am her secretary."
He looked ready to say more, but his friend stepped in and shook his head. Jace shut his mouth and gave me one last sharp look before turning and walking back into the hotel.
His friend gave me a sincere smile, as if apologizing with his eyes. I just nodded and turned to walk away.
"Seph?"
"Hmm?"
She rubbed her sleepy eyes and yawned. "Where are we going?"
I could smell the mix of alcohol and her perfume. It was a bit strong, but I couldn't deny that her perfume smelled amazing.
She was looking at me curiously, and I just gave her a smile.
"We're going home."
(Veronica's POV)
My phone is ringing nonstop, so I had no choice but to pick it up without looking at the caller ID.
"What do you want?!" I yawned as I scratched my head. "You're disturbing me! I'm having my beauty sleep, you know?!"
I rubbed my back. Ouch, it hurts. Damn, even my gorgeous head hurts. My whole body is aching! What happened to my soft, comfy queen-sized bed I ordered all the way from the USA? Geez!
I want to sleep all day. I want to rest. Like, a legit day off just to get away from everything.
I rolled over onto my back while still holding my phone to my ear. Sheez... Where are my pillows? Ugh. My head is throbbing; I want to bang it against the wall just to make the pain stop.
"It's already ten in the fucking morning, Veronica Ruth Saavedra Verdan. Am I not allowed to disturb you anymore?"
I gasped. Just hearing that deep, angry baritone, my body automatically sat up.
OMG! Just, OMG! It's Kuya (Big Brother) and he's angry! Like, very, very angry, because he's cursing!
"K-Kuya! You called—"
"Tell me where the hell you are!" He yelled. I was about to answer when he spoke again. "And don't you dare lie to me, Veronica!"
I flinched at every word. I'm shocked! Super O-to-the-M-to-the-G! He's going to kill me!
"I'm... here..."
"Here?!" I squeezed my eyes shut. "Where exactly is this 'here' you're talking about, Veronica Ruth?!"
"In... the..." I scanned the room. "In the—"
I froze, my jaw dropping as I realized where I was.
Unfinished hollow block walls, rusty, mismatched corrugated iron for a roof—the door was even made of scrap roofing—cheap objects and furniture made of cheap wood... like OMFG! This is not my unit! This is Seph's cheap shack!
"I-I'll just call you back, Kuya."
"Veronica—" I hung up and shut down my phone.
Once again, my eyes wandered. The corner of my mouth twitched in disgust. Everything is so cheap and I hate it! The house isn't dirty, but I still hate it! I can't imagine living in a place like this! I wouldn't survive this kind of environment!
I looked down at what I was lying on—it's a bed made of pieces of plywood. No wonder my body hurts! It's hard, and the pillow is tiny! It's like a sofa pillowcase stuffed with old rags. I can feel it; it's nothing like my soft, wool-filled pillows!
"Everything is so cheaaaap!" I exclaimed.
There's even a hole in the roof; sunbeams are coming through and hitting my beautiful face. I feel so hot, too! Well, there's a bit of a breeze, but it's still stifling! Maybe because it's already ten in the morning, like Kuya said. Plus, there's no electric fan!
"I feel so stickyyy..." I looked at myself and my eyes nearly popped out of my head. "Oh my gosh, these are absolutely not my clothes!"
I squealed. I can feel my underwear, but not my bra! I wrapped my arms around myself—no wonder it felt breezy! My boobies are exposed inside this giant cheap shirt I'm wearing! I'm also wearing old jersey shorts! They're so old they have patches of different fabric over the holes!
Then I saw something at the foot of the bed. My clothes were folded neatly, with my 5-inch stiletto heels beside them.
A sudden thought hit me like lightning.
"Did he devirginize me?" I asked myself.
I closed my eyes and tugged at my shampoo-commercial-worthy hair.
Well, of course not! He wouldn't do that to me! He wouldn't take advantage of me! Seph would never harass me while I'm sleeping—
I gasped again. "But I could, right?" I covered my mouth. "Seph wouldn't harass me, but I could have harrassed him instead, right?"
OMG! What if I did? What if I really did harass him?
"My gosh, Veronica! Think! Think! Remember what you did last night!"
I smacked my head repeatedly, but I can't remember a thing! Shit! Did he fuck me, or did I fuck him? Oh my gosh! Was I so wild last night that I blacked out? This is his fingers' fault—they're so long and big!
I instinctively looked at my wrists; they were bruised and a bit shiny, so I sniffed them. It smelled like old lady oil—the kind that old people rub on their backs when they're aching.
Then my eyes moved to my thigh. I frowned seeing a bandage on my right knee, and it smelled of the same oil.
"What happened?" I asked myself.
I stood up to find him when I stepped on something rough—cardboard. I looked down and saw him, peacefully sleeping in a fetal position.
A wave of guilt hit me when I saw he was sleeping on a strip of cardboard. He used his arm as a pillow, and his legs were curled up because the cardboard was too short for him.
He was wearing a black T-shirt that had faded to gray and a pair of shorts.
Then I saw a piece of cardboard in his hand that looked like it had been torn from his "bed." Wait—is that why I'm only feeling the heat now? Gosh! Did he fan me all night?
"Seph..." I stared at him.
His rounded brown eyes, thick long lashes, well-defined jaw, slightly curly hair, pouty lips, and that tanned skin that glows whenever he sweats from my "evil" orders. Those long legs, the muscles in his arms and thighs.
But why are you like this, Seph? Why are you so kind, sincere, humble, caring, and... yummy? Hmm?