Charlene's POV
Monday again.
I had just dropped Wency and Wyl off at school. The morning was quiet, almost peaceful—but my mind wasn't. As we were about to head back, something at the side of the road caught my attention.
A familiar figure.
Tall. Hoodie on. Walking fast.
I immediately told Saviel to stop the car.
"Wait here for me," I said before stepping out.
I knew that walk anywhere.
It was Lander.
I told Saviel I'd bring him back to the mansion with us. But Lander was moving quickly, weaving through people like he didn't want to be seen. A few times I nearly lost sight of him.
"Lander!" I called out, but he didn't hear me.
Then suddenly—he was gone.
I turned around.
And there he was.
He had approached someone.
I froze.
The guy was handsome. Tall. Fair-skinned. Wearing the same senior high uniform as Ericka.
At first, I thought they were just talking. Catching up, maybe.
But then—
Lander kissed him.
On the lips.
I couldn't move.
There was no mistaking it. No hesitation. No awkwardness. And the smile on Lander's face… I had never seen him like that before. He looked lighter. Freer. Genuinely happy.
The boy playfully messed up his hair, and Lander laughed out loud.
I should've left. It wasn't my business.
But they saw me.
The color drained from Lander's face. He looked like he'd been caught doing something wrong.
I walked toward them instead.
"Hi, Lander. What are you doing here?" I asked with a smile.
"A-Ate… I…" He couldn't even meet my eyes.
"Won't you introduce me to your friend?"
"A-Ate, this is Joshua… m-my—"
"Your boyfriend?" I finished for him.
He went even paler.
"Let's talk," I said gently.
We went to a small eatery across the school. Joshua offered to order food, leaving me alone with Lander.
"Explain," I said simply.
His hands were cold when he held mine. "Ate, please don't tell Kuya. And especially not Mom and Dad. Please."
I sighed.
"I'm not here to judge you, Lander. I don't have that right. I'm not homophobic, okay? I understand. If this is where you're happy, then I support you."
Relief washed over his face.
"But what about your girlfriend?" I asked. "Don't you have one?"
He exhaled slowly. "She's just for show. So no one gets suspicious."
"That's still wrong—using someone to hide your truth."
"She knows. Sofia's bisexual too. Our parents are business partners, so we were pushed to pretend."
That surprised me.
Joshua returned soon after.
"Ate, this is Joshua. My boyfriend," Lander said, sounding more at ease now.
"Love, this is Charlene—Kuya's wife."
Joshua shook my hand politely. He had dimples when he smiled.
I nudged Lander. "He's handsome. You're lucky."
They both laughed.
We ate together, and for the first time, I saw Lander completely unguarded. No masks. No secrets weighing him down.
Joshua was charming—smart, funny, and clearly in love with Lander. I learned he was the vice mayor's son. His family knew everything. They accepted them.
Only Lander's family didn't.
I couldn't help feeling a little envious.
The way they looked at each other—openly, confidently. No hiding. No fear.
I wondered what that felt like.
When would a man ever look at me like I was his entire world?
I saw that certainty in their eyes.
"Are you and Kuya okay?" Lander suddenly asked.
I blinked, pulled back to reality.
"We're fine," I answered.
And it wasn't a lie. Kerill and I were fine.
So why did it feel like something was missing?
"Don't worry, Ate. One day Kuya will kneel for you."
I smiled faintly.
One day.
When?
After the contract?
After everything ends?
I'm tired of waiting for a someday that never comes.
When we stepped out, we walked toward where Saviel had parked.
Out of nowhere, someone slammed into me.
"I know you!" a girl snapped.
Before I could react—
Something wet splattered across my cheek.
An egg.
Then flour followed.
I stumbled back.
"Homewrecker!"
"You don't deserve Black!"
"Black belongs to Marissa!"
My head spun.
Black?
What does Black have to do with this?
More girls surrounded me—students. Furious faces. Another egg hit my shoulder.
"Slut!"
"Ugly!"
Lander and Joshua tried shielding me, but things kept flying.
It hurt.
Not just the eggs. Not just the flour.
The words hurt more.
Homewrecker?
I'm not stealing Black from anyone.
I don't even feel anything for him.
"Stop it!" Joshua shouted, but they only grew louder.
My body felt heavy. Weak.
Finally, they managed to pull me into the car.
My hair was sticky. I smelled like raw egg. Flour clung to my face. My hands were shaking.
I couldn't understand.
What did I do wrong?
"Those crazy fangirls! I'm calling Kuya," Lander said angrily.
Kuya.
Kerill.
My chest tightened.
What would he think this time?
Before I could process anything else, the world around me dimmed.
The last thing I heard was Lander's panicked voice.
"Ate? Ate!"