《Found Again》


 CAREER SHIFT

    ¡®You¡¯re finallying back here in the Philippines! Please feature Andrew Lopez on your vlog!¡¯     ¡®We can¡¯t wait to see you here in the Philippines Ms. Allison! Looking forward to seeing Andrew Lopez on your vlog!¡¯     ¡®Finally! Andrew Lopez on Ster! Wee back, Ms. Allison!¡¯     I sighed as I read all theirments on my Instagram live. I look at the camera and gave them my fake smile.     It¡¯s been 2 years since I left the country. Many things have happened.     Andrew Lopez, my ex-boyfriend is now a famous singer in the country. He is now at the peak of his career. He is slowly being recognized internationally.     Who would have thought that the person whom I call ¡°Mr. No PR¡± is now a celebrity? I was shocked when I saw him on a trend list on Twitter.     I wanted to ask Lance about it but I stop myself from doing it. I am still in the process of moving on. I need to stop thinking about him and focus on myself.     But my heart is so weak when ites to Andrew. I just found myself searching for his name which I regret because I found out that his manager is none other than Anne, my best friend, and his new rumored girlfriend.     I understand why they keep mum about their rtionship. Andrew at that time is a rising star. He must be single so that he can attract more fans. And now that he was at the peak of his career, the more he needs to keep his rtionship with Anne a secret.     I have a question though, why did he decide to pursue his singing career? And why did he not ask the group (his band with Lance and friends) to join him in his singing career? Why did he go solo?     I bet their band will be the most popr band not just in the country but all over the world. I am not exaggerating, their band is aplete package. Though I hope they will not use the name of the band that they created before.     Until now, I don¡¯t know if I will believe them when they told me their band name.     ¡°Our band name is Allison,¡± Lance said when I asked for their band name after their band session.     I rolled my eyes. ¡°Whatever Lance!¡±     All of them chuckled. Lance pinch my cheek! My eyes widen and I shouted at him. ¡°What the?! Lance!!!¡±     I can see that the group is trying their best to control theirugh but not Lance. Heughed so loud in front of me.     When hisugh subside he exin to me why they decided to name their band after me.     ¡°You are the reason why our band was formed.¡± Lance started his speech.     ¡°This band session is their way to cheer me up whenever we received a false lead about your whereabouts.¡±     ¡°That is also the reason why this band studio was ced here in our mansion.¡±     ¡°Who thought of the idea to name your band after my name?¡± I asked.     ¡°It was Andrew.¡±     After I found out that Andrew was the one who suggested to name their band after my name, I found myself falling for him more. He was already courting me at that time.     I shook my head at the sudden memory.     ¡°Thank you guys for your warm wee. I am more excited now to be home. I am so excited to meet you guys. And who knows? Maybe one of you will be lucky enough to have a makeover by yours truly.¡±     ¡®Please have a coboration with Andrew Lopez!¡¯     ¡®I found out that you are close with Andrew Lopez! For sure you will have a coboration with him soon! Can¡¯t wait! Ster will surely be sold-out once you made him on your cover!¡¯     I wanted to roll my eyes after reading thatment. Ster is always sold-out. I don¡¯t need Andrew in my magazine!     ¡°I will surely take all your suggestion on my list. But it will still depend on the artist if he will be avable for a cob.¡± I said to them.     Againments about him flooded myment section.     ¡®We will have a Twitter party and have it trend. We promise you that #AndrewLopezOnSter will be number one trending worldwide.¡¯     My eyes widen from thatment. Oh no! Please don¡¯t!     ¡°Let¡¯s see! Thank you all for your support! I need to end my live now. I need to get ready for my flight tomorrow. Thank you, everyone! And see you soon!!! Bye!¡±     After I clicked the end button, I slumped onto the sofa. My head feels heavy after my Instagram live.     Just like Andrew, I also pursue the entertainment industry, though not exactly like his but close to it.     I am now a vlogger thanks to my new friend, Noah Elordi. I met him two years ago. He¡¯s a high fashion model and vlogger. He was the one who introduce me to vlogging.     Until now, it was as if yesterday when it happened. It was my first day in the US after I found out that Andrew and Anne are in a rtionship, that is one month after I left the country and broke up with Andrew.     I can still feel the bitterness whenever I think about it. They didn¡¯t even wait for the three-month rule. I want to question Andrew if he really loves me when we were together because it was so easy for him to move on and get into a new rtionship.     I shoved that unpleasant memory and continued remembering my first meeting with Noah.     I wanted to take Andrew and Anne off my head that is why I decided to go out of my hotel and shop for clothes since I only have a few clothes with me.     I was busy shopping when some guy carrying a camera approached me.     ¡°Hi, Miss! Can you give me a spare of your time?¡± The guy asked me.     I was still confused at that time. ¡°Are you a celebrity or something?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.     I saw the guy named Noah blush. It was as if it was impossible for me not to know him. Is he famous or something?     He smiled at me and focus the camera on me. ¡°I¡¯m Noah Elordi. I¡¯m a model and a vlogger.¡± He introduces himself.     My mouth formed ¡°Oh¡±. I saw him scratching his head. He looks shocked that I didn¡¯t know him. He must really be a famous one.     Then Noah shifts his camera on himself. ¡°That was unexpected. I need to do well on my job I guess.¡± He joked.     He zooms out his camera to catch both of us on the screen.     I just smile at him. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. I am not familiar much with international celebrities. I¡¯m only familiar with celebrities in the Philippines, my home country, and Korea because a friend of mine is a celebrity there.¡± I exined myself to him.     Noah looked at me intently which made me blush and feel shy. Did I tell you that the guy in front of me look so hot and handsome? He looked like someone from a fictional character in novels and manga.     ¡°Want to get more about me?¡± He asked then winked at me.     ¡°Yes?¡± I said a bit unsure.     ¡°Great then be my guest on my vlog episode today!¡± He said.     I had no choice but to agree with him. He caught me off-guard. Also, joining him on his vlog is not a bad idea. I will grab anything that will help me to divert my attention so that I won¡¯t think about Andrew.     He exined to me the content of his vlog today. He was looking for a stranger to dress him up.     This shop or brand paid him to do that. It was another form of advertisement for the brand. Most brands are doing this form of advertisement since we are in a world where social media is dominating the market.     ¡°Great to know that you have a styling experience. This challenge will be easy for you.¡± Noah said when I told him about my part-time job in the Philippines.     ¡°Shall we start?¡±     ***     Author¡¯s Note:


    This is book 2 of my story entitled ¡°Found¡±. I would suggest that you read first book 1 of this story. Thank you in advance!     Found Again


    Copyright ? Annehyeong, 2021This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    All rights reserved.     This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, ces, and incidents either are products of the author¡¯s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemnce to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

 STYLE CHALLENGE

    ¡°Shall we start?¡±


    I nodded at Noah and we began to do his vlog content. He showed me the brand VIP room. He grabbed his camera and began shooting.


    He introduces me to the manager and he did some spiels for his vlog.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    This VIP room is no joke. It¡¯s much bigger than the luxury brand VIP room in the Philippines. I¡¯m not surprised though, we are in the United State.


    If you are a fan of luxury brands, you are familiar with the brand VIP room. It¡¯s a special room designed for their VIP clients. In this room, you can shop in privacy. The manager or the staff will prepare the clothes or styles that you might like, and those are already in your size.


    I couldn¡¯t help myself but be amazed at how luxurious this room is. From the walls, furniture, and disys.


    When Noah finished his spiel, he zooms out his camera again to show us both on the screen.


    ¡°As you can see, the clothes and essories were already there. They are all ording to my size. Are you ready?¡± Noah said then he zooms in the camera to me.


    I nodded and smile at the camera. ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡± I said in full confidence.


    Noah will give me a scenario and I will pick the style that I think will fit those scenarios.


    ¡°First scenario. I was on my way to the gym where I do my usual workout. But I got a call from the office and they need me to attend a quick meeting. What style or outfit do I need to wear where I can do both, attending the meeting and then going to the gym.¡± He said then he move the camera on me to show my response.


    I nodded and I look at him to give myself time to evaluate him and think of a good outfit for him. Then I went to the area where I will pick the outfit for him.


    After I pick the outfit, I gave it to the staff and Noah went to the fitting room to change from the outfit that I chose.


    I smirked when I saw himing out of the fitting room. I patted my shoulder on my mind and told myself. ¡®You did a great job, Alli.¡¯


    ¡°I honestly love the outfit that you chose for me. It gives you style andfort. Care to exin why you chose this outfit for me?¡± Noah said while he was flexing the outfit I chose for him.


    One of the staff was holding the camera. He was zooming in and out the camera for a better shot of the vlog.


    ¡°When you gave me the scenario, Athleisure pops on my head,¡± I told him.


    Noah nodded at me.


    ¡°Athleisure is abination of casual wear and athletic wear. Three key factors define athleisure style- material, fit, and functionality.¡±


    Noah continuously asks me about the athleisure style. I borate more on my exnation of this style and I tried to promote the brand since that is what he was paid to do.


    ¡°Wow! I am now convinced that you¡¯re a stylist. You know the fashion well. I can¡¯t wait to see more style that you¡¯ll give us today.¡± Noah said.


    Then he gave the second scenario and I did the style that he asked. And I also did in thest challenge or scenario.


    I feel so proud of myself after the challenge. It only proves that my hard work in studying fashion is not in vain.


    But most of all, I am thankful to Noah because of his sudden offer, I was able to forget Andrew even for a short while.


    And as an appreciation gift of the brand, they gave me a special gift. It was simr to the gifts that they are giving to their VIP clients. While Noah invited me to have dinner with him as his way of thanking me.


    I was nning to reject his offer but I change my mind. I need anything that will help me divert my attention.


    Noah brought me to a luxurious restaurant. The staff leads us to one of the private rooms of the restaurant. I am sure that Noah is not just a simple model. Dining in this restaurant already costs a fortune, what more if you will eat in their private or VIP rooms.


    ¡°How long have you been in this industry?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask Noah after we settle on our seats.


    ¡°I have been in the industry for almost ten years now. But I guess I still need to work hard for you to be able to notice me.¡± He joked.


    I felt my face heated from what he said. I am not really into international stars, what more with international models?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡± The only thing I can say to him.


    Noah chuckled then he shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s not really a big deal. But I must admit that I¡¯m kind of shocked when you ask me if I¡¯m a celebrity.¡±


    ¡°Is that the first time you were asked that kind of question?¡± I asked curiously.


    Noah nodded. ¡°Hell yes!¡± Then heughed.


    I don¡¯t know if I willugh with him or what. I just chose to lower my head because of embarrassment.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about that anymore. But at least you know me now, right?¡± He said then gave me a warm smile.


    I smile back at him.


    ¡°You were really good at doing style. But why are you doing it only as a part-time job?¡± Noah curiously asked.


    ¡°Styling is not my line of expertise,¡± I told him.


    Noah¡¯s eyes widen in disbelief. ¡°I beg to disagree. You are great in this job.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. All my life, I work with sales and marketing, though my greatest dream is to work in media.¡± I told him.


    ¡°What happened? Why did you not pursue your dream?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± I told him then shrugged.


    Noah smirked at me. ¡°I will give you all my time tonight. Feel free to share with me your story.¡±


    I heaved a heavy sigh before I finally decided to share with him my life story.


    ¡°I¡¯m an adopted child.¡± I started my story.


    His eyes widen but he remains silent.


    ¡°My adopted parents are not rich, but not poor. I can safely say that we are in the middle ss.¡±


    ¡°In the Philippines, you need to have a strong backer or work experience to be epted in a TVwork. If you don¡¯t have a strong backer or experience, then you must graduate from a prestigious university or graduate with flying colors. I have none of those. So I decided to pursue marketing and sales.¡±


    ¡°Two years ago, I was finally reunited with my biological parents. And guess what? My dad owned one of the biggest magazinespany in the Philippines.¡±


    ¡°Wow! That is the answer to your dream.¡± Noah can¡¯t help but give his reaction.


    I chuckled and nodded at him. ¡°Yes, but the line of media that I want is entertainment. And it so happens that my cousin is friends with Vince Concio- the heir of thergest TVwork in the country, and he was also an actor.¡±


    ¡°I asked Vince to hire me as his assistant or any avable jobs for a month or so. I can¡¯t ask for a full-time job because I need to work in my dad¡¯spany. So that¡¯s where I became Vince¡¯s assistant stylist. I enrolled in a short course about fashion as preparation for the job and the rest is history.¡±


    After I told Noah about my life story he didn¡¯t say anything. He looks at me intently.


    I swallowed hard. Why is he giving me that look?


    ¡°You have a talent in the fashion industry.¡± He said in a serious tone.


    ¡°If you search my name on the inte you will find out that I rarely givepliments to people. That is why you must believe me when I told you that you have a talent. You should pursue this career.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you start with vlogging?¡±

 IG POST

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you start with vlogging?¡±     ¡°Are you not listening to my story earlier? I can¡¯t pursue the job that I dreamed of because I need to work in my dad¡¯spany. What makes you think that I can pursue my styling career? It was not even my dream job.¡± I told him.     Noah shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t see any problem with that. I was able to handle my family business while pursuing what I love.¡± He said like it was just a piece of cake.     ¡°Good for you,¡± I said while rolling my eyes.     ¡°You don¡±t look surprised,¡± Noah said with amusement on his face.     I already have a hint that he is not an ordinary model or vlogger. Just the way he carried himself, I can already tell that he belongs to a well-off family.     ¡°Should I be surprised?¡± I said innocently.     Noahughed his heart out. Am I a clown or what? I can¡¯t help but ask myself.     I remember when I ask Andrew if he sees me like I¡¯m some kind of a clown or what because he alwaysughs at my statement or reactions.     I close my eyes and tried to shove Andrew off my mind.     ¡°Are you okay?¡± Noah asked.     I gave him a forced smile. ¡°I¡¯m okay. I just thought of something.¡±     ¡°Your ex-boyfriend I guess?¡±     I just smile at Noah, I have no ns on sharing with him about Andrew. I epted his dinner invitation to forget Andrew even just for a moment.     ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t force you to talk about him. I¡¯m more interested in your styling skills than your love life.¡± Noah said with a bit of teasing.     I chuckled and shook my head.     The dinner went well. Noah wasn¡¯t able topletely convince me to do vlogging or to pursue my styling career. But just to calm him down, I told him that I will think about his offer. He got my number so that we can stillmunicate.     Noah shared to me more of himself in that dinner. Noah Elordi is a Restaurateur. He owns the luxurious restaurant that we dined a while ago. He was an only child so he has no choice but to inherit their family business. But his heart was in modeling. At first, he was struggling with what to choose, but he got tired of thinking and he just tried to do both. And he thank God because he was able to manage and do well in both industries. I envy him for that. I wish I could also do that.     From: Noah Elordi


    I¡¯ll be posting mytest vlog at 7 pm tonight. Make sure to watch it.     I texted Noah that I will surely watch his vlog tonight with a smiley emoticon. It was my third day here in America. I busied myself visiting some famous ces here and did some shopping. I was a bit inspired by Noah¡¯spliment on my styling skills, that is why I tried to do some styling on myself. I wanted a different look for myself. I want something new.     When the clock reached 7 pm, I started to go to Noah¡¯s Youtube channel and watch the vlog we did together. I enjoyed the vlog and I was a bit amazed at myself. it¡¯s very different when you watch yourself than doing it on actual. I was able to appreciate my styling skills more after watching Noah¡¯s vlog.     I also watch some of his vlogs. His contents are more on fashion and food- or should I say his restaurants. He makes use of his vlog as free marketing for his business.     I was busy watching his other vlogs when my phone rang. It was Noah. I¡¯m sure he will ask me if I watch his vlog.     ¡°Hello,¡± I said after I pick up the phone.     ¡°Hey, Alli! Did you watch the vlog?¡± Noah sounds excited.     I chuckled. ¡°I already did, as a matter of fact, I am now watching your previous vlogs and I am already your subscriber.¡±     ¡°Geez, thanks. But have you read thements on our vlog?¡± He asked.     My forehead creased. ¡°I did not bother to read thements. Why? Is there something wrong?¡± I felt a bit worried.     ¡°What?! Hell, no! They love it! They love you! You better read thements now!¡±     My eyes widen. Is he for real? In no time, I revisit the vlog and read thement section.     ¡°Wow!¡± The only word I utter.     ¡°I told you! You can pursue this career!¡±     ¡°Few more and you will be able to convince me to pursue this.¡± I teased Noah.     ¡°Really? Then I guess this offer willpletely convince you.¡± Noah said with full confidence.     I got curious about the offer. ¡°What do you mean?¡±     ¡°The brand that we did vlog called me awhile ago, they want us to cob again for their new collection!¡± Noah announces with excitement.     My jaw dropped. ¡°Is this true?!¡±     ¡°100%!¡±     I can¡¯t believe this! I was offered by that luxury brand! I want to scream right now.     I decided to open my Instagram ount and my eyes widen again when I saw the brand asking for the following request. My hand was shaking as I was epting their request.     I also had more than a thousand notifications, thanks to Noah¡¯s tag on my name on his post.     I was browsing my Instagram ount when I saw Anne¡¯stest Instagram post. Her post kill all the excitement that I felt earlier. It was a picture of her and Andrew. It was a candid shot. They look happy and in love. Anne¡¯s caption says it all. ¡°Partner¡±     I guess they are just waiting for the right time to announce their rtionship. Tears fell from my eyes. Can¡¯t I just be happy for a whole day? I know what I did to Andrew before was unfair, but isn¡¯t this too much? Why it has to be Anne? Why it has to be my best friend?     I click on Anne¡¯s Instagram ount and I mute all notifications from her.     I was silently crying when my phone rang again. I thought it was Noah again, I was nning to turn it off but when I saw Lance¡¯s name on my phone, I answered it. Lance¡¯s call helps me to make a decision.     I cleared my throat before I answer his call. ¡°Hello,¡± I said as casually as possible.     ¡°I watched Noah¡¯s vlog. You were featured in there. Are you close with him or something?¡± My ever gossiper cousin strikes again.     I rolled my eyes. ¡°I thought you watched the vlog? So you will know that it was just a coincidence. An ambush coboration.¡± I said a bit annoyed.     ¡°Yes but he tag you on Instagram,¡± Lance said as a matter of fact.     ¡°Yes, and what¡¯s the issue?¡± I asked a bit bored.     ¡°It only means that you guys are stillmunicating even after the vlog?¡± Lance just like any gossiper asked.     I sighed. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business. Is mom and dad with you?¡±     The only reason why I answer Lance¡¯s call Is for me to talk to my parents. I need their permission on something.     ¡°Yes. They are with me. But you need to answer my question first you brat!¡± Lance insisted.     ¡°I told you, it¡¯s none of your business. Just give your phone to mom or dad, I need to talk to them.¡± I said with visible annoyance in my voice.     ¡°What are you going to tell them?¡±     I sighed aloud. ¡°Just give the phone to them!¡± I raised my voice.     ¡°Geez. Why are you getting mad at me?¡±     ¡°Just give the phone to them!¡± I scream this time.     ¡°Fine. Auntie, Alli wants to talk to you.¡± I heard Lance say to mom.     ¡°Hello sweetie, how are you? I saw your vlog with Noah.¡± My mom said in a sweet voice.     I miss you, mom. ¡°Yes. Did you like it?¡±     ¡°Yes. I¡¯m proud of you sweetie. You really have a talent for fashion styling.¡±     Mom¡¯s statement made me smile. ¡°Mom, can I ask you something?¡±     ¡°Sure, what is it?¡±     I took a deep breath before finally asking mom for permission. ¡°Can I pursue my fashion styling career here in America?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

 LUSH

    ¡°Can I pursue my fashion styling career here in America?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me¡­¡± I heard mom say. I assume that she excuses herself from them to talk to me alone.


    ¡°What are you saying, Alli?¡± Mom asked after a few seconds.


    I heaved a sigh. ¡°I want to pursue this career. I think that I have a gift in this field.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that is the real reason?¡±


    I flinched. ¡°O-of course mom!¡± I wanted to p myself because I stuttered.


    ¡°Alli, not because I was not the one who raised you, but in the few months that you live with us, I came to know you. I know that right now, you are avoiding, or should I say someone?¡± Mom said in a serious tone.


    My heart tightens. My mom hit the spot. ¡°Mom¡­¡± I called her then I started to sob.


    ¡°Juste home, sweetie. He will surely forgive and understand you. We all know how much he loves you.¡± My mom said tofort me.


    I repeatedly shake my head. ¡°No mommy! You¡¯re wrong! I already lost him!¡±


    I let myself cry out loud because if I stop myself from crying, my heart will tighten more. I need to cry to let all the heaviness in my heart out.


    ¡°What are you saying? You did not lose him Andrew is here!¡± My mom¡¯s voice started to panic.


    ¡°And he came with Anne, right?¡± I asked coldly but my tears keeps on flowing.


    ¡°What? Yes¡­ He came with Anne. But what¡¯s the matter?¡± My mom asked.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Anne is now Andrew¡¯s girlfriend. They might announce it soon.¡± I said.


    ¡°W-what? What are you saying? Where did you get that nonsense?¡±


    ¡°I came back to the Philippines a few days ago. I am done with the space that I need.  went back to apologize to him and get him back but I was toote.¡± I decided to tell mom what happened.


    ¡°I went to the ce where Andrew usually hangout since I left. Lance always updated me of Andrew¡¯s whereabouts.¡±


    ¡°I saw him with Anne. I was about to go to them when I heard Anne introducing Andrew as his boyfriend. And not only that, I saw them kissing.¡±


    ¡°Oh, dear! I can¡¯t believe that. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s only a misunderstanding.¡± My mom sounds confused.


    ¡°Mom they were kissing!!!¡± I shouted then cry aloud.


    ¡°Hey, sweetie! Calm down. Inhale¡­ Exhale¡­¡±


    I did what my mom told me. I tried my best to calm down.


    ¡°Are you okay, sweetie?¡± My mom asked worriedly.


    I nodded though she doesn¡¯t see me now. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m a bit calm now. Mom, I hope you understand why I wanted to stay here for now. Let me heal first.¡±


    ¡°I know sweetie. I understand. I will talk to your dad and exin everything to him. I will try to convince him to allow you with what you want.¡±


    ¡°But I hope you won¡¯t stay there for so long. We just reunited. We want to spend more time with you.¡±


    I suddenly felt guilty. Mom is right. We just reunited. We should be spending our time together to make up for the lost time.


    I shouldn¡¯t let myself be involved in a rtionship. I should just focus more on my family. I have been so selfish.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry mom.¡± The only words I can utter.


    ¡°We understand. We love you and we are always on your side.¡±


    After my call with my mom, I texted Noah and told him my decision.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    I turned to Noah and smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡± Then Noah offered his hand on mine.


    I dly epted it and we both went inside the brand¡¯s head office.


    I was trying my best not to drool. My mind wanted to scream from excitement. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m here right now.


    Their office is exceptionally beautiful.


    Being here now is a great privilege. I look at the guy beside me. He just walks straight and acts as if being here is nothing to him.


    I¡¯m sure that he often goes here because he is one of the brand¡¯s ambassadors.


    We are weed by the brand¡¯s marketing team and their marketing director.


    ¡°Hi, Ms. Allison, we are d that you allow us to meet you today. I¡¯m Catherine Smith, the marketing director of Lush.¡±


    After the Marketing Director introduces herself, she then introduces the marketing team. The meeting went well. They exin to me the content of the contract.


    They want me to be one of their ambassadors. I might do some modeling but my main role is to do what I did with Noah from hisst vlog. Especially, with their new collections. It¡¯s my call if I want to do it as a coboration with Noah or I will have my YouTube channel.


    ¡°Are you rted to Celine Alonzo?¡± Catherine curiously asked.


    My eyes widen. Does she know my mom? ¡°Yes. She¡¯s my mom.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Noah suddenly reacted.


    My forehead creased. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Do you guys know my mom?¡±


    ¡°Hell, yes!¡± Noah overacted.


    I chuckled. ¡°You are aware that you are overreacting?¡± I joked.


    Noah red at me. ¡°I was just shocked. You never told me that she¡¯s your mom.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you know your mom.¡±


    Noah was about to answer me when Catherine fake a cough to catch our attention.


    Noah and I lower our heads and apologized.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. But to answer your question, yes we know your mom. She¡¯s well known in the fashion industry.¡±


    I was shocked upon hearing it. I know mom¡¯s been into fashion since she has her boutique but I never thought that she was known in this industry. And not just in the Philippines but also here in America.


    ¡°Your mom was a highly paid professional fashion model in her youth,¡± Catherine said.


    My eyes widen. ¡°Really?¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°You didn¡¯t know how famous your mon was?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°She never told about that. Can you tell me more?¡±


    ¡°I think you can still search for her name. She got a big break here in America with another brand. Then she was offered by Lush and other brands. If I¡¯m not mistaken, her ramp project with Lush is where she met your father, Gabriel Alonzo.¡± Catherine shared the story.


    ¡°Wow! I can¡¯t believe it. My parents never told me this. I will surely ask them to tell me more after this.¡± I told them.


    I feel exhausted after I came back to my hotel. I was nning to look for an apartment tomorrow since I¡¯m nning to stay here for a year or two.


    I forced myself to take a shower and did my usual skincare routine. I was already in bed and preparing to sleep when my phone got a message.


    My heart started to beat fast upon checking the name of the sender. The text message is from Andrew.


    ¡°I heard the news from Lance. You are noting back?¡±

 BLOCKED

    ¡°I heard the news from Lance. You are noting back?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t able to move or think. I just stared at my phone reading Andrew¡¯s text message.


    Is this real?


    Why is he asking me if I¡¯m noting back?


    Does Anne know that he sent me a message?


    Is it okay for me to give a reply to his message? But he was the one who texted me first. I will just answer it. I guess, no one will use me of flirting or ruining someone¡¯s rtionship, right?


    I took a deep breath then I took my phone and began typing my reply.


    ¡°I was nning to stay here to pursue my fashion styling career.¡±


    I did my best to keep it short. I don¡¯t want him to notice my excitement or whatever it is that I am feeling now.


    In less than a minute, I saw a text message from him. My hand is shaking a bit. I don¡¯t know why I am so nervous. I¡¯m alone in my hotel room, but why am I so conscious of my actions or reactions.


    ¡°You told me that the reason why you left is that you need time to think and clear your mind. But why are saying different now?¡±


    My forehead creased from his reply. The nerve of this guy to say this! You move on so easily, I came back for nothing! I don¡¯t want to be angry with him. Because it was my fault why all these things happen. I was the one who broke up with him. I was the one who left and hurt him. So I don¡¯t have the right to be angry with him for choosing to move on and fall for my best friend.


    I feel warmth running through my cheeks. I wipe my tears but it keeps on pouring. I tap my chest because of the heaviness I am feeling now. I love Andrew so much that is why it hurt so much. I don¡¯t think I can ept their rtionship. I know I should, maybe someday but not now.


    I did my best to calm myself. When I feel like I am a bit calm, I grab my phone and started to give him a reply.


    ¡°It was.¡± My short reply.


    That two words took me minutes before sending him. I tried to think of more words but, I controlled myself. I don¡¯t want to sound angry or what. Because I know that if I question his decision, it will backfire on me.


    It took a while before I received Andrew¡¯s reply.


    ¡°The change in your decision¡­ Is it because of that guy Noah?¡±


    Andrew¡¯stest reply reached me to my limit. The rage that I am feeling right now can¡¯t be controlled! How dare he use me of that?! And if that is true, what it is to him?! He already has a girlfriend!


    I clenched my jaw while typing an answer to him.


    ¡°How dare you use me of something with Noah?! And if it¡¯s true, what is it to you?! You were the one who easily jump into a new rtionship. You moved move on and fell for Anne! You did not even bother to follow the three-month rule. Maybe you already love her even before you court me! No one will be surprised because you guys are so close that the group keeps on teasing you two to each other! Maybe you were just confused with your feelings towards me, that is why when I left, your feelings for Anne became clearer. Come to think of it, you should thank me for breaking up with you! Because of my sudden decision, you have a way to pursue the one you truly love. Don¡¯t worry, I will stay here as long as I could so that you guys can freely announce your rtionship. I will not stop you two from telling everyone about your rtionship. I will go back there when I have already moved on and have a boyfriend so that you don¡¯t need to worry about me! Bye!¡±


    After I send those long text messages to Andrew I blocked his number and all his ount on my phone. The nerve of that guy! I didn¡¯t expect that he will stoop that low. He even nned to use me of falling for someone else so that he will have an excuse for our group when he announce his rtionship with Anne!.


    I was excited about nothing!


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    I gave a forced smile to Noah. He invited me for lunch here in his restaurant to help me with my vlog content. You heard it right, I decided to have my own Youtube channel. I have many ideas which made it difficult for me to decide on what concept would I want with my vlog or channel. But one thing is for sure, Noah will be my first guest on my vlog.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m just confused about what exactly do I want for my channel.¡± I told him though it¡¯s not the truth.


    I still can¡¯t over with my conversation with Andrewst night.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s the reason why you look so lost and not yourself right now,¡± Noah said in a serious tone.


    ¡°Do I look that obvious?¡± I asked him.


    Noah nodded his head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to force you to tell me your problem. I know that¡¯s too personal, but I also wanted you to know that I am here, willing to listen to whatever it is that is bothering you. You can trust me.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    I know that Noah is being sincere with what he said.


    I heaved a sigh. ¡°It¡¯s about my ex-boyfriend. He texted mest night.¡±


    I told Noah everything that happen, how I met him, how we met Anne, his confession of his feelings for me, I also told him about Jester and our reunion. My confusion, my decision to break up with him and leave the country. Andstly, what I witness after I returned to the Philippines and why I am here right now.


    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know what to say to make you feel better. Everything happened so fast with and that guy. He fell too fast, maybe that is also the reason why he move on so fast and jump into a new rtionship. You may also be right, he may really just realize what he truly felt about the girl when you left him.¡± Noah said in a serious tone.


    What he said makes sense. Andrew fell too fast, that¡¯s why he can move on fast. What about me then?


    ¡°Just like Andrew? Do you think I can also easily move on?¡± I asked him with eagerness in my heart.


    ¡°Maybe yes, maybe no. I really can¡¯t say. I am not you. But I am sure with one thing¡­¡±


    ¡°And that is?¡± I said sounded impatient.


    Noah chuckled. I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡°Loosen up will you?¡±


    ¡°Whatever!¡± I said then rolled my eyes again.


    He just smiled at me. ¡°One thing is for sure, everything happens for a reason. Our meeting on that day may not be an ident. Maybe it¡¯s God¡¯s way of leading you on your real path.¡±


    Noah¡¯s statement prated my heart.


    He continued his statement. ¡°You told me before that your dream is to work in media, but you can¡¯t pursue it for some reason. Your heart to experience working in the entertainment industry or television pushes you to study fashion styling just to be an assistant to your celebrity friend.  But little did you know that your desire to do everything just to fulfill or experience the industry that you are dreaming of lead you to Lush and be one of their ambassadors. Isn¡¯t that a clear message?¡±

 STELLAR

    Noah¡¯s word stuck in my head.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I never dreamed to be a fashion stylist. But from the looks of it, this is where I am not heading to. And I wanted to give a shot to see if my real destiny is fashion styling.


    When I recall styling for Vince and Lieo, I often got apliment from them and the people who got to see them. So maybe I really have talent on this.


    As I discussed with Lush, I will first establish my channel to reach a target number of subscribers before promoting Lush on my channel. They are confident that I will reach the targeted number of subscribers before theyunch or promote their new collection.


    It took me a whole day to finallye up with solid content for my channel. I named my channel, STELLAR. The word ster came from the Latin word Ste which means star. This word may mean exceptionally good or outstanding. I will do a styling challenge simr to what I did with Noah, but aside from that, I wanted to do what I love most: meeting celebrities. And I know that Noah will help me to reach those stars.


    I will be meeting Noah again to shoot my intro video for my Youtube channel and my first two vlogs. After our serious talk about Andrew, we were able to discuss and finalize my Youtube channel.


    Noah is acting like my manager, the only difference is that he doesn¡¯t ask for payments. He was offering his time and resources for free. Just like now, he offered me his studio and team for free. I am so blessed to have him with me.


    ¡°My Ster are you ready?¡± Noah said then he winked at me.


    I chuckled and shook my head. This guy is a flirt but I know he¡¯s harmless.


    Noah introduces me to his team. ¡°Team I want you to meet my star, Allison Alonzo. Allison here is my team, Jacko he¡¯s our photographer and videographer. Edison is Jacko¡¯s assistant. Jessica is in charge of my hair and make-up. Mia is in charge of my outfit. And Robert our video editor.¡±


    After the quick introduction, Mia ask for my luggage where my outfit for the shoot was. Then Jessica asks me to go with her for my hair and make-up. Everything happens so fast. My intro video took almost an hour which I didn¡¯t expect since it will only be ten seconds. I did like three to four different acts or expressions for the video effect which took so much time and then my vlog intro which is ¡°Wee to Ster.¡±


    Noah calls for a lunch break after the intro video shoot.


    ¡°When did you order this? You should have told me.¡±


    ¡°I order this while you were busy with the shoot. It¡¯s not a big deal Alli.¡± Noah said like it was nothing.


    But I beg to disagree with him. ¡°Noah I should be the one paying for our lunch. You have already helped me with so much. I am not that thick faced you know.¡±


    ¡°Just give this lunch to me Alli. If you want to treat the whole team, then we can just have dinnerter.¡± Noah suggested.


    ¡°I will definitely treat you all to dinner, but I also want to pay for this lunch. Give me your bank ount Noah, I¡¯ll send you the payment for our lunch today.¡±


    Noah sighed in defeat. ¡°Fine if that is what you want. I text you the detailster.¡±


    After our lunch, we all proceed with my first vlog content. My content for my first vlog is all about myself and what do they expect from my vlog.


    Edison was the one who did the set-up. I already gave the questions to Jacko and Robert since they were the ones who will be working together for this video.


    Now that we are done with my first vlog, we took a short break before we start my interview with Noah. We decided to shoot this interview video because we would want to use this as a sneak peek for my next vlog to make the viewers more excited for the next vlog.


    The interview was fun. I did not tell him the content of the interview because I wanted him to answer naturally and not scripted. I watch some of his interviews. And most of his interviews were all about his modeling career and dating life. I want to go deeper, so I made some research about him. I don¡¯t give anyone to ask yet about him so I was depending on the inte. Good thing I found interesting things about him and I¡¯m sure that his fans will like it.


    ¡°Today, we are joined by one of the most in-demand high fashion models in the world, influencer and businessman Mr. Noah Elordi.¡±


    Noah looked so confidently smile at me. ¡°Thank you Alli for having me here. It¡¯s a great privilege to be chosen as your first guest in your vlog.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice. You¡¯re the only celebrity that I know.¡± I joked.


    Noahughs aloud. ¡°I¡¯m more than d to know that. I want to keep you for myself but I don¡¯t want to be greedy. It would be such a waste if the world will not know how great you are.¡±


    I can¡¯t help but blush from hispliment. I just hope that it won¡¯t be shown much on the video. ¡°Thank you for yourpliment. I was researching about you, and I found out that you founded a charity for children with cancer. Can you share more about it?¡±


    Noah¡¯s yful aura change to a serious one. I was a bit nervous because of his sudden reaction. I feel like there is a story behind it. I just hope that he will not be mad at me.


    ¡°If you are notfortable sharing the story with us, we will respect that,¡± I told him when he looks so ufortable with my question.


    Noah smiled warmly at me. ¡°It¡¯s okay Alli. I was just a bit shocked because no one asked me about that. I founded that charity after my sister died from cancer.¡±


    I was taken aback upon hearing his answer. I just let Noah share his story.


    ¡°She was only nine years old when she was diagnosed with cancer stage four. We did everything to save her. But we were toote. After three months of battling cancer, our princess died.¡±


    It was my first time to see him this vulnerable. His tear keeps on falling. I signal Edison to hand me the tissue and offered it to Noah.


    Noah shared more about his sister. He told us how loving and sweet Leona was when she was alive. ¡°She was a fighter. She always gives us her sweet smile before she starts his chemo and other medication. She neverins about all the sufferings she experienced. She was always thankful and hopeful.¡±


    ¡°One night she told me how much she loves me. She asked me not to me anyone especially myself if she didn¡¯t make it. She told me that it was not our fault nor anyone¡¯s fault. And she asks me if I can be an instrument of God to help those cancer patients like her, especially those who can¡¯t afford treatments for cancer. Little did I know that it was herst request to me. The next day she was already with God.¡±


    I can¡¯t help myself from crying silently upon hearing his sister¡¯s story. I did my best to control it as much as I could. I want to look professional as long as I could. But there are still some tears that escape from my eyes. I wipe it quickly and focus on Noah¡¯s story.


    ¡°Thank you Noah for sharing your inspiring story with us. I am very sure that your sister is very proud of you.¡±


    I ended the video with the lesson I got from the inspiring lesson of Noah and his sister.

 A MILLION SUBSCRIBERS

    My vlog was a huge hit. I was able to achieve fifty thousand subscribers on my first episode or vlog. I was already happy at that time. But my vlog reached one million subscribers after posting my interview with Noah. I already expected that my interview with him will be a hit but to reach two million views in one day and one million subscribers in two weeks?! That is insane!


    I was busy looking at thements on my vlog when my phone rang. I automatically smile upon seeing the name of the caller.


    ¡°My star!¡±


    ¡°NOAH!¡± I screamed his name.


    I heard him chuckle. ¡°I know you¡¯re happy but you don¡¯t need to shout my star.¡± He said whileughing.


    I ignore his teasing. I was so happy right now and no one will be able to break this joy that I am feeling right now.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Noah! I owe it all to you!¡± I told him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. It¡¯s not my first time being interviewed. But those interviews were not as crazy as this. I mean the response from the people is crazy!¡± Noah said.


    ¡°Because your story is exemptional. I mean that interview showed the different side of you. Even I was surprised by your story.¡± I told him.


    ¡°Yes but I never told you about that story. It was you who put the effort to do thorough research about me that is why you got the story that anyone else failed to ask. The interview was a sess because of you.¡±


    This is one of the things I like about Noah. He¡¯s confident but humble. He is always willing to help and never expects anything in return. He is a great friend and I¡¯m so blessed to have met him.


    ¡°Thank you for saying that but I still owe it to you.¡± I insisted.


    ¡°Well if that is the case, you can just treat me today.¡±


    And here we are at one of his restaurants. I can¡¯t say no to this person.


    ¡°I talk to Catherine awhile ago, she told me that your coboration with them is already set,¡± Noah said after the waiter finish serving our food.


    I nodded at him. ¡°Yes, we are nning to shoot within this week to be able to get the preview before I uploaded my third vlog. My coboration with Lush will be my fourth vlog.¡±


    ¡°Do you need my team?¡± Noah asked.


    I smile at him with matching puppy eyes. ¡°Yes. I will be needing Jacko and Robert.¡±


    ¡°What about the others?¡±


    ¡°I can style myself and do the make-up.¡±


    ¡°Okay sure. I¡¯ll talk to Jacko and Robert, just tell me the exact date of your shoot.¡±


    After our lunch, Noah asked me toe with him to his shoot. He was nning to introduce me to Ava Lewis. Ava is also a high fashion model. I did not think twice and gave my yes to Noah.


    Since I decided to pursue my fashion and vlogging career, I started to research the celebrities and influencers was in the fashion industry here in America and also in Europe. I was hoping to coborate with more fashion influencers and celebrities here in America and all over the world. Of course, I would also like to feature Filipino artists that make a name internationally. And Noah promises me that he will help me achieve my goal.


    When Noah and I arrived at the studio, he introduce me to the staff, director, and Ava briefly. They all started to get ready for the shoot. Ava promises to meet me after the shoot.


    I never felt bored because I was amazed as I saw them busy with the shoot. I think I am falling for this industry.


    ¡°Are you okay, my star?¡± Noah ask when he had a short break.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. I am enjoying watching you guys work.¡±


    Noah nodded. Mia called him to change his outfit.


    ¡°Will I expect to cry during the interview?¡± Ava asked.


    We are now in a cafe near the studio where their photoshoot was held.


    I chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. It depends on the story that you will share with us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a bit nervous about the interview. I don¡¯t want to look like a crybaby like Noah did. But I¡¯m excited for having you as my stylist for a day. I hope it could be a month though, I¡¯m a fan of your mom by the way.¡±


    I was surprised by how aodating and friendly Ava is with me. I mean, her image in public is not like this. She look intimidating whenever you saw her on runways.


    ¡°My mom will be visiting me next week. She maye with me on our interview.¡± I told her.


    Ava¡¯s eyes widen. ¡°Wow! Really? OMG! I can¡¯t believe that I will meet her in person!¡±


    I look at Noah and he also looks shocked.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me that!¡± Noah sounded a bit hurt.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I just got a call from mom during your shoot. I was about to tell you about it. Wait, are you also a fan of my mom?¡±


    ¡°Of course! Your mom is a legend!¡± Noah said in a bit exaggerating expression.


    I just shook my head.


    I felt exhausted when I reach home. I was already preparing for my bath when I saw my iPad rang. It was a facetime call from Lance. I was having a second thought if I will answer his call or not. But knowing Lance, I know he will not stop until I answer his call.


    I sighed before I click the answer button.


    ¡°Hey, cousin! Congrattions on your one million subscribers on your channel! When are you doing to receive your gold button?¡± He asked as soon as I answer his call.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Maybe in two or three weeks.¡± I answered him.


    ¡°Wow! I can¡¯t believe that you got one million subscribers in just two weeks. I can¡¯t help but be proud of you Alli! I guess you did a great choice.¡± Lance said with full of sincerity.


    I smile at him. I was happy to hear that from him. We were both silent for a few minutes. I know he wants to say something.


    Lance sighed aloud. ¡°I talk to Andrew,¡± He said in a serious tone.


    My heart started to beat fast. I was so busy with my vlogs to the point that I have no time to think about Andrew. But now that his name was mentioned again, my heart is acting up again. I want to me Lance for mentioning him now.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about him,¡± I told Lance in a cold voice.


    ¡°Is that the reason why you blocked him?¡±


    I was not able to answer Lance. So Andrew already told Lance that I blocked him in all my social media ount and my phone?! Did he also tell Anne about it? I¡¯m sure I look like a sore loser to them.


    ¡°Come on Alli! Don¡¯t be like that. It was you who left him remember?!¡± Lance said.


    ¡°I know that is why I am not saying anything. I just epted his decision and I did not say anything! I did block him but that just it! ¡± I said in a bit loud voice.


    Lance raised his two hands. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not picking a fight here. I just mentioned him because Auntie told me that they are nning to visit you there next week. I just want to ask if I could invite the group to go with us to visit you. The boys miss you.¡±


    My mind started to panic. I am not ready to see Andrew yet. My heart is not yet healed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare do that! I don¡¯t want to see Andrew for now! I am not yet over him!¡±


    Lance chuckled. I gave him a death re.


    ¡°You might thank me for this. I¡¯m sure Andrew only did that because he was just hurt. And once he saw you in person again, he will realize that he still loves you and he wille back to you.¡±


    My heart sank when Lance indirectly confirm Andrew and Anne¡¯s rtionship. ¡°It¡¯s already toote for that Lance. He¡¯s already with Anne, I don¡¯t want to ruin their rtionship.¡±


    ¡°You are not ruining anything. You are just reiming what¡¯s yours.¡±

 IN-DEMAND

    ¡°I miss you, sweetie!¡± My mom hugged me as soon as she saw me waiting for them at the airport.


    I hug her back. ¡°I miss you too mom!¡±


    My dad waited until my mom let go of me. He then gave me the same warm hug. Gelo, Tanya, and Dennis did the same.


    I was surprised and happy when I saw Dennis. My mom did not tell me that they will bring Dennis with them.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you¡¯lle, Dennis. But I¡¯m d you are here. I miss your brother!¡±


    I was not able to visit my adopted family that much because many things have happened. But I made sure to call them as much as I could.


    ¡°I miss your too sis, mom and dad wanted toe but they can¡¯t because this trip is so sudden, they already have a priormitment and they can¡¯t reschedule it,¡± Dennis exined.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I messed up his hair like I always did. ¡°You don¡¯t need to exin to me. I know mom and dad. I¡¯m already thankful that you are here. You can bond now with your new sister and brother.¡± I said referring to Gelo and Tanya, my biological siblings.


    I was busy talking to Dennis when someone did a fake cough. I look at that person and I saw Lance smirking at me.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my hug?¡± Lance said.


    I gave him a death re remembering our conversationst week.


    ¡°What? I did what you told me to do. I did not invite him here.¡± Lance said in a teasing tone.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Shut up Lance!¡±


    Lance went to me and forcefully hug me. I don¡¯t have a choice but to hug him back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry with me okay? I will respect your decision. I am always on your side. Don¡¯t forget that.¡±


    I smiled when I hear those words from my cousin. Knowing that he is on my side is more than enough for me. My family¡¯s support and love are enough for me to move forward with my life.


    We spend the whole day exploring the city. I was happy to see my siblings and cousin getting along with Dennis. They all treated him like a family. I wish my adopted parents were also here.


    The next day, I have an interview scheduled with Ava. Then tomorrow I will be her stylist for the whole day. So tomorrow my family will explore the city without me. but for now, they will go with me on my interview with Ava.


    We are already in Noah¡¯s studio. Ava went to me as soon as she saw me entering the ce.


    ¡°I¡¯m notte right?¡± I ask her then I look at my watch.


    I¡¯m notte. I¡¯m fifteen minutes earlier than our agreed schedule.


    ¡°You are notte, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m just excited today because you are going to introduce me with your-¡± Ava was not able to finish what she was about to say because she saw my mom behind me.


    Ava¡¯s eyes widen and a bit speechless. She was indeed a fan of my mom.


    I introduce Ava to my mom and the rest of my family. Ava was able to recover her poise. She was able to carry herself as she was talking to my family especially my mom.


    Ava¡¯s unexpected reaction made me more curious about my mom¡¯s past modeling career.


    After the quick introduction, Noah¡¯s team called us to prepare for the interview shoot. I was already nning to hire my team. I can¡¯t depend on Noah¡¯s team forever. Noah is also busy with his vlogs and modeling career. I also need to be independent. But Noah and I agreed that I will rent his studio every time I have interviews.


    I was already wrapping up my interview when I notice Noah¡¯s presence.


    I waived at him after my ending spiels. He smile and went to me and greeted me and Ava.


    ¡°You are just in time. Celine is here. I already met her.¡± Ava whisper to Noah.


    I just shook my head after hearing that. These two act like a fangirl and boy to my mom. It feels so weird. I never look at my mom like that.


    ¡°Mom you have another fan here,¡± I said in a teasing voice.


    My mom blushed while Noah pinched my shoulder. I justughed at them.


    ¡°Hey, what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Lance said to Noah in a cold voice.


    I furrowed. What¡¯s with his mood?


    ¡°Lance, it was nothing. I was teasing him that¡¯s why.¡± I defended Noah.


    ¡°I¡¯m not asking you, Alli. I was asking that guy.¡± Lance said with the same cold tone.


    Lance is acting weird. He was never the snob type of person. He was always friendly and amodating. Does he have any issue with Noah?


    ¡°Do you guys know each other?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.


    Noah shakes his head. ¡°I never met him.¡±


    I look at Lance and wait for his answer.


    ¡°I just met him today.¡± Lance¡¯s short reply.


    ¡°Then why are you acting like that? You were never the snob type. I thought you guys have some issues with each other. You are acting weird Lance.¡± I said in a serious tone.


    Noah is a great friend of mine. I don¡¯t like Lance¡¯s way of talking to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Alli. I¡¯m just not used to seeing you closer to other guys than me and my friends.¡± He said in a more calm voice.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t be like that. Noah is a great guy. He helps me a lot with my vlogging career and he is a good friend of mine.¡±


    Lance nodded. ¡°Fine. But I do hope that you guys will only remain as GOOD FRIEND.¡± He said emphasizing the word, good friend.


    The mood became a lot better after that. Noah invited my family and Ava to his restaurant near his studio.


    ¡°Noah it should be me paying for our dinner and not you,¡± I told him.


    He went closer to me to whisper. ¡°Just let me treat you. It was my fan service for your mom.¡± He said.


    Noah keep on insisting on his fan service reason so I had no choice but to agree with what he wanted.


    During our dinner, Ava and Noah keep on asking my mom things about her modeling career. I was honestly enjoying their conversation. There are stories that my mom shared with them that I never heard about.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you do an interview with your mom, Alli?¡± Ava suggested.


    All of them nodded, agreeing to Ava¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°I agree with Ava. I¡¯m sure many people would want to see your mom on your vlog, especially in the fashion industry. It will also attract many brands.¡± Noah added.


    Speaking of brands, I remember my meetingst week with Lush. They are also asking me if I can coborate with my mom to promote their brand on my vlog.


    I turn to my mom. ¡°Mom, actually Lush ask me if I can convince you to coborate with me on my vlog promoting their brand. They are willing to give you whatever the amount you want to ask from them.¡±


    ¡°I am willing to coborate with sweetie, but the decision isn¡¯t mine to make.¡± Mom said then she turned to my dad.


    I get what she meant by what she said. My mom said when I ask her why did she stop his modeling career, she told me that it was dad who wanted her to quit. Dad is a jealous guy.


    I look at dad and gave my sweetest face. ¡°Dad?¡±


    All of us were looking at dad and waiting for his approval.


    My dad sighed aloud. ¡°Fine.¡±

 STELLAR MAGAZINE

    ¡°One Media Incorporated proudly presents to you our newest magazine, STELLAR.¡±


    I was overwhelmed with the response that I am receiving from the crowd when I reveal to them our magazine cover.


    Ster is our newlyunched magazine created by yours truly. I was inspired by all my experiences with my guests for the past six months. I was able to explore more about the industry. I coborate with many celebrities and brands. I also experienced doing photoshoots and runways.


    After I feature my mom on my vlog, it became a hot topic not just in America but all over the world. My mom indeed is a legend in this industry. I experience her poprity on hand. Many brands and media contacted me for sponsorship(brands) and interviews(media). That is where I came with an idea to produce my own brand of the magazine.


    I call my dad to pitch the idea to him.


    ¡°How are you, sweetie?¡± My dad answered my video call.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing great dad. How are you guys there?¡± I asked.


    ¡°We¡¯re good but we miss you so much.¡± My dad said in a sweet voice.


    My dad¡¯s word touches my heart. I also miss them so much. ¡°I miss you too dad. I miss you all.¡±


    ¡°When are youing back?¡± My dad asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet dad. I miss you guys so much but I honestly enjoy my stay here. I enjoy the things that I am doing now.¡± I honestly told my dad.


    ¡°Is that your real reason? Or it¡¯s still because of Andrew?¡± My dad asked in a serious voice.


    I swallow hard. I averted my gaze from the monitor. ¡°I don¡¯t know dad. I haven¡¯t thought of him for the past months. I was busy and into my career here. I have no time to think of him, which is for me a good thing.¡±


    ¡°But it sounded more like you find an escape from Andrew. I¡¯m not sure if that¡¯s a good thing though.¡±


    ¡°Can we just stop talking about him? I have something to tell you tonight.¡±


    I don¡¯t want to lose the excitement that I am feeling right now. Andrew is not good for my mood.


    My dad sighed aloud. He looks defeated. ¡°Fine, sweetie. What is it that you want to tell me?¡±


    ¡°I want to produce my own magazine dad. I have been receiving overflowing offers from different brands. I think I should take advantage of it by producing my own magazine.¡±


    I exined to him in more detail my n. He like my idea and he wants me to push through with it. He scheduled a meeting with me and the nning team through zoom. I prepared a presentation for them. They give their honest insight into my presentation. They give feedback and suggestions. And after that, my dad assigned a team for me for this project.


    It took us two months to polish the n. I have my own team here in America and in the Philippines. We have an existing office here in the US since we also have business here.


    We were discussing the celebrity that we want to feature on the cover of our magazine¡¯s first release when I got a call from Charles.


    I excuse myself with my team to answer his call.


    ¡°Hey, Charles! What¡¯s with the sudden call?¡±


    Charles and I never losemunication. He knew all the things that happened to me. He was so proud of me for all my achievements. We were nning to coborate but we can¡¯t find a perfect time to do it.


    ¡°I have good news for you!¡± Charles said with full excitement.


    I waited for him to reveal the good news.


    ¡°We will be having a US tour and we¡¯ll fly to the US next week!¡±


    My eyes widen. It was indeed good news. ¡°You are heaven-sent to me Charles!¡± I can¡¯t help but utter.


    ¡°Huh? What do you mean?¡± Charles asked sounded a bit confused.


    ¡°I told you about Ster magazine, right? We are now looking for a celebrity to feature on the cover of our magazine¡¯s first release.¡±


    I exined to him more about our n and target date. The dates of their US tour and our magazine targetunch are so perfect.


    Charles gave me the person that I need to contact to close the deal with Asya(Charle¡¯s kpop group).


    After we close the deal with Asya, my team proceed with the execution of our n. We received many advertising cements from brands, mostly from luxury brands.


    We decided to do a back-to-back cover of Asya and Noah Elordi. I told the team that Noah should be on the cover no matter what happens. Ster exist because of Noah. He was God¡¯s instrument for me to create Ster vlog and magazine.


    Luckily, Asya¡¯s photoshoot schedule is the same as Noah¡¯s. I was able to introduce my best friend Charles to my new friend Noah. I¡¯m d that these two are getting along well.


    I was a bit worried that Charles might also treat Noah coldly just like Lance. But I just worried for nothing.


    Ster¡¯s magazineunch was a big sess. I owe it all to the people who supported me. The first cover of Ster magazine was sold out on the first day of release. We had no choice but to reproduce a copy since many are still asking for copies. We did not just double the sales but we tripled it from our original forecast or sales target.


    Our sales continue to grow each month. I was so happy with all my life here in the US until I received news from Lance.


    My dad had a heart attack. I wanted to go back to the Philippines as soon as I hear the news but I got manymitments here in the US. I cried that day because I can¡¯t be with my father.


    When Lance update me that my dad is stable now, I still decided to go back to the Philippines. I stayed here in the US for so long. It¡¯s about time for me to spend time with my family. My dad¡¯s heart attack is a wake-up call for me. I shouldn¡¯t take my time with my parents for granted.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see! Thank you all for your support! I need to end my live now. I need to get ready for my flight tomorrow. Thank you, everyone! And see you soon!!! Bye!¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    After I click the end button, I slumped onto the sofa. My head feels heavy after my Instagram live.


    It was easy to give an excuse why I haven¡¯t done any coboration with Andrew but I know that once I came back to the Philippines it will be hard for me to avoid coboration with him. I just wish that Anne will be able to realize that a coboration between me and Andrew is not a good idea.


    I was busy with my own thoughts when I heard my doorbell rang. I open the door and saw Noah carrying pizza and soda.


    I open my door widely for him to enter. Noah went straight to the living room and ce the pizza and soda on the table. He looks at me with his sad eyes.


    ¡°I want to stop you from leaving me but I know that your family needs you.¡±


    Tears welled up from my eyes. I will surely miss this guy. He was like a family to me. I went to him to hug him tight.


    ¡°I will miss you, Noah,¡± I whispered to him. My tears fell. I fail to control my tears.


    Noah broke from my hug and held my face. ¡°Why are you crying? You know I hate seeing you cry, my star.¡±


    His word made it worst. Now my tears fall like there is no tomorrow.


    ¡°Hush now, my star. We will surely still be seeing each other. I can go to the Philippines whenever I miss you. You can also do the same. And going here is not impossible since Ster magazine is doing well here.¡± Noah said to calm me down.


    I nodded at him. I know that he was right about it but I can¡¯t help but feel sad knowing I won¡¯t be seeing him often. He was my confidant, especially when it involves my feelings for Andrew.


    ¡°Take care of yourself there okay? Just remember that even if I¡¯m here, you know that I am always just a call away.¡± Noah said tofort me.


    I nodded and hug him tight. I already miss him.

 HOME

    Now that I am traveling back to Man, I can feel the exhaustion of having more than twenty-one hours flight. I can¡¯t believe that after two years of living in America, I am finallying home. I feel excited to see my family but at the same time, I feel nervous about the thought of seeing Andrew and Anne. I don¡¯t know if two years is enough to forget about my feelings for Andrew.


    I am scared of what will happen to my friendship with Anne and Iya. I treated Anne and Iya as my own sisters. But with everything that happened, I don¡¯t think that we can be as close as before.


    I was about to call Lance when I saw them waving at me. I smiled and wave back at them.


    Lance walks in my direction and hugs me. ¡°I miss you, my beautiful cousin!¡±


    I chuckled and hug him back. ¡°I miss you too Lance.¡±


    ¡°I miss you, sis!¡± Gelo whispered while hugging me.


    ¡°Where are the others?¡± I asked them after their wee hug for me.


    ¡°They are waiting for you at home,¡± Lance said then he help me with my luggage.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    My eyes widen when I saw a group of people calling my name. They have wee banners with my face on them.


    I can feel my tears welled up in my eyes. I feel so touched by what they did for me. I wave back at them. I ask Lance and Gelo to go near the fans. I want to personally thank them for this surprise. I took my camera and I took a video of them. I will include this on my next vlog. I want to give back the love and support that they gave me.


    After taking a video of the fans, I face the camera on me to do some spiels.


    ¡°Hello, there beautiful stars! I finally arrived here in Man and I was surprised when I saw these beautiful stars giving me a wee surprise. I was so touched. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.¡±


    I call my fans or viewers beautiful stars since the name of my channel is ster.


    After my spiels, I zoom out my camera to show Gelo and Lance.


    ¡°Here with me is my very handsome brother, Gelo! Gelo says hi to my vlog.¡±


    Gelo looked shy as I focus the camera on him. ¡°Hi.¡± He said with a little coldness in his voice.


    ¡°And of course my handsome cousin Lance.¡±


    Unlike Gelo, Lance looks more confident and friendly on the camera. ¡°Hi everyone! Thank you for supporting my cousin¡¯s vlog.¡±


    ¡°Thank you guys for this warm wee. You made me so happy.¡± I told them sincerely.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothingpared to the joy that your vlog is giving us.¡± One of the fans said.


    I smile while I listen to them. But my smile slowly fades when someone mentions Andrew.


    ¡°We hope that your coboration with Andrew Lopez will finally happen. We can¡¯t wait to see him on your vlog.¡±


    I froze at that statement. I can¡¯t utter any words. I know that even in my vlogments and  Instagram live, most of the fans are requesting him but I didn¡¯t expect that they will mention their request right now.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry guys it will surely happen. If you guys don¡¯t know, Andrew is a close friend of mine and Alli. In fact, Alli and Andrew are super close.¡± Lance said then he smirk at me.


    I almost punch Lance at what he said. He knows that I deliberately avoid Andrew to be on my vlog. He of all people knows why I am doing that! I feel so betrayed by my own cousin. I want to bury him alive.


    When the fans screamed from excitement because of Lance¡¯s statement, I said goodbye to them. I don¡¯t want to hear their follow-up question or reaction about my rtionship with Andrew.


    I gave Lance a death re when we went inside the car. He justugh at me which made me more furious.


    All the excitement that I felt a while ago ispletely gone. I started to panic and get stressed from thinking about the impact of Lance¡¯s statement. Of course, I will edit out his statement about my ¡°rtionship¡± with Andrew.


    ¡°Sis are you okay?¡± Gelo asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not okay! I¡¯m so stressed!¡± I hissed.


    ¡°Why are you stressed? I just tell them the truth. Besides, they will surely find out your real rtionship with Andrew. You and Andrew are celebrities now.¡± Lance said.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°I¡¯m an influencer, not a celebrity and will you please shut up?! You already ruined the mood!¡±


    ¡°Influencer and celebrity are just the same,¡± Lance answered back.


    I didn¡¯t answer him anymore. I don¡¯t want to talk to him. I pick up my phone and AirPods. I want to calm myself by not talking to Lance and listening to music.


    When we reach home, I wasn¡¯t as excited as before. They made a surprise for me but I can¡¯t force myself to act excited.


    I was happy to see my two parents and siblings. I hug each one of them.


    ¡°I miss you, mom and dad! You never visited me when I was in the US.¡± Iin to my adopted parents.


    They just chuckled.


    ¡°We want you in the US but we are not young anymore for that kind of travel.¡± My adopted mom exined.


    I nodded at them. They are already senior citizens so I understand their point. I won¡¯t push my sentiments anymore. My parents¡¯ health will alwayse first.


    I went to my dad and hug him again. ¡°I¡¯m so d you are well now dad. I wanted toe back as soon as I heard you were rushed to the hospital but my schedule won¡¯t allow me. I¡¯m sorry dad.¡±


    ¡°No worries sweetie. I understand. I¡¯m more than d to hear that you decided toe home and be with us.¡± My dad said in a gentle tone.


    My tears welled up. I feel so sorry for them. I should be spending more time with them to catch up with our lost time. But look what I did? But I am grateful for having very understanding and supportive parents.


    While I was talking to my parents, I saw Iya and Anne go in my direction.


    I was taken aback when I felt Iya¡¯s hug. ¡°Alli I miss you so much!¡±


    I froze. I don¡¯t know how to react. Iya treated me just the same. It was as if nothing happened.


    ¡°I miss you too.¡± I just said.


    I look at Anne. She was standing behind Iya. This is exactly the reaction that I expect from them. Anne looks awkward. Both of us don¡¯t know what to say to one another. Iya was the only person who looks genuinely happy with our reunion.


    The awkwardness was broken when Lieo went to me and gave me a warm hug. ¡°I¡¯m d you are finally home. I miss you.¡±


    I smile at him and hug him back. ¡°I miss you too.¡±


    Aside from Lance, Lieo was the only person I allow tomunicate with me while I was in America. He was with me when I saw Anne and Andrew that night.


    ¡°What about us Alli? We miss you too!¡± Vince said in a teasing tone.


    I chuckled and gave each one of them a hug.


    When it was Andrew¡¯s turn, everyone was silent. All their attention is all on me and Andrew. I look at Andrew. He was looking at me intently. I swallowed hard.


    He walks in my direction. While I stepped back. I was nervous but confused at the same time.


    How can he act like this when Anne is here?


    And why is everyone not doing anything?


    I look at Anne, she looks sad and hurt but why is she not doing anything? This is so weird. Everything is so weird.


    I was about to take another step back when Andrew grabbed me by my waist. ¡°Running away again?.¡±


    He went closer to me and whisper, ¡°This time, I will not allow you to run away from me again.¡±

 ANDREW’S REGRET

    ¡°Are you sure that Alli will be with us tomorrow and she will be here for good?¡± I asked Lance for the nth time.


    I still can¡¯t believe it. After two years of patiently waiting, finally she is back. I miss my baby so much. I can¡¯t wait to see her, even though I know that I will need to win her again.


    I was not aware that she went back a month after she left¡­ actually, no one knew about her sudden return. I only found out when she send me a long message before she blocked me on her phone and all her social media ounts.


    I was nning to go to the US when I confirm everything to Lance but he stops me from chasing Allison. He told me that I should give the space that Alli needs. Alli was too emotional to absorb everything. I me myself for listening to Lance at that time.


    I shouldn¡¯t listen to him and just go straight to the US to exin everything to Allison at that time. When I realize that I shouldn¡¯t just wait for her and do nothing, I book a flight to the US.


    But when I saw how happy she was at that time, I became hesitant. I feel like, I will go near her, she will lose the beautiful smile that I am seeing in her. I also can¡¯t help but feel scared and jealous toward that guy Noah. I can see howfortable and happy Allison is with him.


    I was torn between winning her or letting her go in the meantime to chase her dream. Obviously, I chose thetter.


    But the love and longing that I have for her is too strong that¡¯s why I made the craziest decision¡­ and that is to be a singer. I love singing but I am never a fan of the entertainment industry, theplete opposite of Allison and Iya.


    Iya always wanted to work in media, that is why she chose to be a radio disc jockey. She keeps on convincing me to venture into the entertainment industry, not as a celebrity but as a businessman but I always told her that I am not interested. Another decision that I regret. I should have listened to her and ventured into the entertainment industry, in that way I will have a strong connection with Alli.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I asked Vince to help me be a singer. I want to be popr enough so that I will be more than qualified to be in Alli¡¯s vlog.


    ¡°Alli¡¯s flight is tomorrow morning but she won¡¯t be here tomorrow because her flight will take twenty-one hours. Expect her to be here the day after tomorrow.¡± Lance said in a sarcastic tone.


    I just shook my head. I don¡¯t care about those things. The only important for me is for her to be home¡­ home with me.


    ¡°Alli is live now on Instagram,¡± Mike said.


    Vince, Lance, and I went to Mike and look at his phone. Allison was indeed live on Instagram.


    All three of us grab our phones and sign in on our dummy Instagram ount. I do this to stalk Alli since she blocked my ount in all her social media ounts. While these three only like the idea of annoying Allison by keeping on mentioning me on her vlog or post.


    ¡®You¡¯re finallying back here in the Philippines! Please feature Andrew Lopez on your vlog!¡¯ Mike started toment.


    ¡®We can¡¯t wait to see you here in the Philippines Ms. Allison! Looking forward to seeing Andrew Lopez on your vlog!¡¯ Vincemented.


    ¡®Finally! Andrew Lopez on Ster! Wee back, Ms. Allison!¡¯ Lancemented.


    I tap my forehead from reading all theirment. This is their way of annoying Allison and they are enjoying to see her expression whenever I will be mentioned.


    Allison just sighed and tried to smile at the camera. But we know her better.


    ¡°Thank you guys for your warm wee. I am more excited now to be home. I am so excited to meet you guys. And who knows? Maybe one of you will be lucky enough to have a makeover by yours truly.¡± Alli said and ignoring the request about me.


    ¡®Please have a coboration with Andrew Lopez!¡¯ Mikemented again.


    ¡®I found out that you are close with Andrew Lopez! For sure you will have a coboration with him soon! Can¡¯t wait! Ster will surely be sold-out once you made him on your cover.¡¯ Lancemented while doing his evilugh.


    It was so obvious that Allison was offended by Lance¡¯sment. I can¡¯t help but smile now that I¡¯m seeing her doing her best to control her reaction.


    ¡°I will surely take all your suggestion on my list. But it will still depend on the artist if he will be avable for a cob.¡± Allison had no choice but to give feedback on thements requesting me.


    I will always be avable for you baby. I said to myself.


    I saw Lance smirk and type on his phone again. ¡®We will have a Twitter party and have it trend. We promise you that #AndrewLopezOnSter will be number one trending worldwide.¡¯


    Allison¡¯s eyes widen from Lance¡¯sment. The boysugh aloud because of their reaction.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see! Thank you all for your support! I need to end my live now. I need to get ready for my flight tomorrow. Thank you, everyone! And see you soon!!!! Bye!¡± Allison had no other choice but to end her Instagram live.


    The boys were stillughing.


    ¡°Did you see her reaction man?! That was epic!¡±


    I just shake my head. I can¡¯t believe that this guy is Alli¡¯s cousin. He always loves to annoy her. Maybe that is his lovenguage for Allison.


    ¡°Hey, guys look at this!¡± Mike said then he showed his phone to us.


    It was a Facebook group for Allison¡¯s fans here in the Philippines. Since we got dummy ounts for her, we also use these ounts to join her fans and see their ns for Alli. It¡¯s also our way of protecting her, in case these fans are nning something outrageous. I heard that some fans became obsessive about the artist. One fan killed an artist for ame reason.


    Since Alli is somehow a celebrity or influencer, we join this group to protect her.


    Lance got another crazy idea. The fans are nning to wait for Alli at the airport and give her a wee surprise. Since we can¡¯t join them, we hire someone to be in our ce instead. We ask them to mention my name during the wee surprise because for sure Alli would want to thank them personally.


    True enough, I saw Alli walking to the waiting area where the fans are. I was with the fans at the back. I wear a disguise, I know it was a bit risky but Allison will always be worth the risk.


    When I saw hering out of the airport I want to run to her and hug her tight. I miss her so much.


    Just like our n, one of the hired fans started to mention me. And to make it worse, Lance announce to everyone that Alli and I were close. I shouldmend him for controlling himself of revealing my real rtionship with Alli.


    And just like what we expected from Alli, she ended her conversation with the fans and said goodbye.


    I arrived at Alli¡¯s house first. I texted Lance a while ago to dy their arrival at the house because Alli can¡¯t see me entering their house or she will not go inside knowing that I was also there.


    When Allison went inside their house, I stay at the back hidden from her. I saw how happy she was seeing her parents and siblings. She became awkward when Iya approached her together with Anne.


    I can also see the awkwardness of Anne. I can¡¯t me her for reacting that way because I told her about Allison¡¯s sudden return to the country and what push her to stay in America.


    Allison was smiling while epting the wee and hugs from the boys until it was me. Alli¡¯s smile started to fade. She keeps on taking a step back whenever I took a step towards her.


    When I saw her trying to run away, I grabbed her by the waist and pull her towards me. ¡°Running away again?¡± I asked her.


    I move closer to her and whispered. ¡°This time, I will not allow you to run away from me again.¡±

 TRUTH

    ¡°This time, I will not allow you to run away from me again.¡±


    I feel my heart pounding hard. Am I hearing it right? I don¡¯t want to assume anything but I also don¡¯t want to y dumb.


    I saw Andrew looking at Lance. They don¡¯t utter any words but their eyes are talking.


    Lance nodded. ¡°Guys I think the lunch is ready, let¡¯s head to the dining area.¡± He said while giving people a knowing look.


    ¡°Great idea! Let¡¯s go!¡± Mike said to support Lance¡¯s excuse.


    All of them agreed and went ahead to the dining area. They are all acting weird. It was as if they all nned this.


    I tried to remove Andrew¡¯s hand from my waist but he just tighten it more.


    ¡°I told you, I will not allow you to run away again.¡± He said huskily.


    I stared at him as I was trying to read what is on his mind.


    Andrew went closer to me and stared at me with more intensity. I averted his gaze because I was feeling ufortable.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± I asked without looking at him.


    ¡°Holding you and I have no n to let you go.¡± He whispered.


    I love what I am hearing from Andrew right now. I did my best to forget him¡­ to forget the love I have for him. But in the end, I fail because I still love until now.


    I have never loved anyone like this before. My feelings for Jester back then are nothingpared to him.


    When I found out that Jester married Rachel I was hurt and I cried a lot but I was able to move forward with my life. I even fell in love with Andrew.


    When Andrew got into a rtionship with Anne, I feel like I am going to die. Thank God I met Noah and he introduce me to vlog. I was able to move forward but I never fell in love again with anyone. It was as if Andrew took my heart and never gave it back to me.


    I tried my best to pull my sanity and get it back. ¡°Can you spare me with your lies?¡± I said coldly.


    Andrew¡¯s lips parted and loosen his hand on me. I took that as a chance to get away from him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have any decency in you? How dare you act like that in front of my family and our friends especially Anne?!¡±


    ¡°Decency? What did I do wrong?¡± He asked.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I look at him with annoyance and defiance. ¡°Are you really asking me that?! You are flirting with me even though you are already taken. And what¡¯s worst is that you are flirting with me in front of your girlfriend!¡±


    ¡°Anne is not my girlfriend and never was! You are the only girl I had a rtionship with!¡± He said in a serious voice.


    My lips parted. What did he just say? Anne is not her girlfriend and never was? But what happened that night? I know I hear it clearly.


    My eyes narrowed. ¡°Liar! I witness it with my own eyes. I was there at that bar when you and Anne announce your rtionship with the people there. I even saw you guys kiss.¡± I stutter at thest part. I feel like suddenly there¡¯s a lump on my throat.


    Andrew went to me trying to hold me again but I push his hand.


    He stiffened. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that you had to see that. It was needed at that time. You should have confronted me so that I can exin it to you.¡±


    Iugh without humor. ¡°Do you think I will have the strength to confront you when I feel like I was dying that night?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry baby. I didn¡¯t know you were there.¡± He said while still trying to hold me in his arm.


    I shook my head. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you do anything? I told you about what I saw that night and yet you did nothing to rify it.¡±


    ¡°You blocked me, remember?¡± He said a bit sarcastic.


    I feel insulted by his sarcastic remark.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk to you. This is going nowhere.¡± I said nonchntly.


    ¡°Wait, Alli!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk. We have many things that we need to clear out.¡±


    ¡°Then stop being sarcastic!¡± I hissed.


    He lowered his head and nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please let¡¯s talk.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you do anything to rify the issue?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°I was about to. I was nning to follow you in the US but Lance told me to give you time and space because that is what you need at that time. I did what he told me to do.¡± Andrew started his speech.


    My eyes widened a fraction from the shock of his revtion. It was Lance¡¯s fault then! I should note to kill himter.


    ¡°But I realized that I can¡¯t stay here and do nothing. I book a flight to the US to exin. Three months is more than enough space.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I can¡¯t help but react.


    He smile at me but it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°But I saw how happy you were back then I couldn¡¯t find myself to face you. I feel like if I showed myself to you, the beautiful smile on your face will be gone. And I can¡¯t help but feel scared and jealous with the closeness that you had with that guy Noah.¡±


    I don¡¯t know what to say nor react. I was shocked by all his revtions. But his exnation is missing something.


    ¡°Why did you kiss Anne and announce that you guys are a couple?¡± I asked since that was the main issue.


    ¡°I did not kiss Anne, I want to clear that out. It was Anne who kiss me but it was because she thought that was the best option that night.¡±


    ¡°I was drinking at the corner when I saw Anne dancing on the dance floor. Then a group of men went to him and tried to harass her. When I saw that happen, I immediately went to the dance floor to save Anne from those perverted guys. I asked Anne what is happening and if she knows those guys.¡± He added.


    ¡°The guys ask me who I was and my rtionship with Anne. Because of fear and panic, Anne told them that I was her boyfriend. Those people didn¡¯t believe Anne that is why Anne kiss me to make them believe that we are a couple. I had no choice but to confirm Anne¡¯s statement to them just to settle the issue faster.¡±


    I nodded because everything he said made sense. It was a cliche move to anyone experiencing harassment in the bar. I can¡¯t believe that I had to suffer this long because of that cliche move.


    ¡°Are we clear now baby?¡± Andrew asked huskily.


    I felt a tingly sensation when he called me by our endearment.


    ¡°Yes. The issue with Anne is now clear.¡± I said cooly.


    Andrew licked his lips and immediately shifted. ¡°Now that the issue has been clear, then can we talk about our rtionship now?¡±


    My brow furrowed. ¡°What do you mean by our rtionship? We broke up two years ago.¡±


    His lips settled in a think line before he pursed it. ¡°It takes two to tango. I never agree with the breakup. So technically you are still my girlfriend and we never broke up.¡±

 BACK TOGETHER

    ¡°What are you saying?!¡±


    Andrew went closer to me. ¡°We never broke up baby. I gave you the time and space that you need to think. But I will never agree with the breakup.¡±


    I red at him and started to punch his chest. ¡°You are telling me that we never broke up but you let me suffer for two years thinking that you and Anne are together! You never made an effort to exin to me and clear the issue!¡±


    Andrew hugs me while I was punching him. ¡°I just did.¡±


    The hug was so tight that I can¡¯t raise my arms to punch him. ¡°I hate you!¡±


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t mean that. I miss you, baby.¡± He said then he kissed me on my forehead.


    I miss him too. I said to myself. I don¡¯t want to say it to him. I¡¯m still angry with what he did. I was crying and suffering for two years with the wrong idea. I also wanted to me myself for not asking for an exnation from anyone.


    I should have trusted the love that Andrew has for me. But just like what Noah said, everything happens for a reason. If I ask for his exnation then the career that I built in America will not happen. Ster will not exist.


    My only concern now is Anne¡¯s reaction a while ago. I know what I saw from her eyes. It was pain and sadness. If they are not together, then why is she hurting? Or did I just see it wrong?


    I was back from reality when I felt Andrew¡¯s hand squeezing mine. I look at him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, baby. They are waiting for us.¡± He said.


    ¡°Did my parents know your real rtionship with Anne?¡± I curiously ask because I can¡¯t believe that they didn¡¯t tell me about it. They knew it was the reason why I decided to stay in the US.


    Andrew shrugged. ¡°We never talk about it. But I think your cousin has already cleared the issue with them. That¡¯s why they allow me to have this time with you today.¡±


    It makes sense on his part but not on mine. I need to talk to my parentster. I want everything to be cleared.


    ¡°Did you guys already make up?¡± Mike asked when he saw using to the dining area.


    Andrew lifts our hands to show them as proof that we are back together.


    ¡°That was fast. I¡¯m a bit disappointed with you Alli!¡± My evil cousinmented.


    I red at him, still angry with how he meddle with my affair with Andrew. ¡°Remind me that I will kill youter,¡± I told him in a cold voice.


    The groupughed at what I said. I was angrier with him than Andrew.


    We had a peaceful lunch. They were all excited to ask me about my experiences, especially with some of the celebrities that I interviewed. Iya expresses her envy at my job. Most of the celebrities I¡¯ve met were her favorite. I promise her that I will introduce them to her when we go to America.


    We were chilling out at the pool area when Iya scream all of a sudden.


    ¡°OMG! AndrewLopezOnSter is trending not just here in the Philippines but also worldwide!¡± Iya announced.


    Why am I not surprised by her news? I am sure that Lance¡¯s trivia with the fans a while ago will be a big deal.


    I grab my phone and click the Twitter app to check their tweet. I smirk when I saw the trending list.


    ¡°I guess Andrew¡¯s not the only one on the trending list. Lance and Gelo are also on the list.¡± I said then I show them my phone.


    The group started to check their phone to check the tweets. As expected, the reason why they are trending is because of their look.


    One tweet got my attention. It says ¡®Andrew and Allison¡¯s cousin had a band. I got that from a reliable source.¡¯


    My heart suddenly pounded hard. I was a bit scared of what other private information they can get from Andrew. Will they also find out about my rtionship with him?


    ¡°Where do you think they got the news about your band?¡± I asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not surprising. We were actively doing gigs during college.¡± Vince said.


    My eyes widen. ¡°And what¡¯s the name of your band when you were in college?¡± I asked nervously.


    Vince¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°We already told you our band name.¡± His mouth formed ¡°o¡± I think he got what I mean. ¡°We never use any other name but that.¡±


    Iya and Anne were a bit lost. They didn¡¯t know the name of their band.


    ¡°Can you include us in the topic? I mean, we also want to be on the same page with you guys.¡± Iya said.


    The boys burst outughing that made them earn a re from Iya.


    ¡°Let me exin to you girls. This name this band in Alli¡¯s name. It was because of her why our band existed. Whenever Lance was down because of the false lead from Alli¡¯s whereabouts, we ask him to y music with us.¡± Lieo exined to them.


    ¡°Who thought of Allison¡¯s name?¡± Iya¡¯s follow-up question.


    The boys all look at Andrew. Iya screams in excitement. She was always rooting for us since then. I look at Anne and I saw her averted her gaze from me and Andrew. Something is not right with her. And even though the issue has been cleared, the awkwardness between us was still there.


    ¡°OMG! It¡¯s you who named your band after Allison?! If this is not destiny then I don¡¯t know what you guys call it!¡± Iya said while giggling.


    I can¡¯t hide the joy in my face. I like what Iya just said. I also want to im that Andrew is destined for me.


    ¡°If people will find out about your band name, they might also find out about Andrew and Alli¡¯s rtionship,¡± Iyamented.


    The fear that I felt a while ago returned. I don¡¯t want people to find out about my rtionship with Andrew. The fans are possessive. I don¡¯t want to be bashed by them. I am not being selfish here, I¡¯m worried for Ster. My channel and magazine are not mine alone. I have team members that I need to protect and consider.


    ¡°I doubt it.¡± Vince confidently said.


    ¡°How sure are you about that?¡± Iya asked.


    ¡°I was the one who got a link with Alli. If ever they will suspect that Allis is dating one of the members of the band, they will probably think that it¡¯s me and not Andrew. Andrew was a private person until he got into showbiz and the media keeps on saying that Anne is his rumored girlfriend.¡± Vince exins in more detail.


    I honestly felt better after hearing Vince¡¯s exnation.


    ¡°Why do you look like you were happy being linked with Vince than mine?¡± Andrew snort.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I chuckled and hug him on the side. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just felt relieved with Vince¡¯s exnation.¡±


    Andrew looked angry at my side. ¡°You really prefer to be linked with him than me?¡± He said in disbelief.


    I bit my lower lip feeling guilty. ¡°I¡¯m sorry baby, it¡¯s just that being linked with Vince is easier to deny because we are not really dating unlike us.¡±


    ¡°So you are telling me that if ever you were asked if I am your boyfriend, you have ns to deny me?¡± He asked.


    I was a bit uneasy but I need to be honest with him. I also want him to understand my reason why I want my rtionship with him to be a secret.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

 NEXT COVER

    I could see the disappointment in them and I understand. Andrew was never in my n when I went back to the Philippines. I thought that what we had is already over. But now that everything is clear, I don¡¯t want to lose him again but I can¡¯t be selfish. I should think about the people around me who will be affected if the public will know about my romantic rtionship with Andrew.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± I could see pain and disappointment in his eyes.


    ¡°You are a celebrity now my love. Imagine the reaction of your fans if they found out that you are already taken? Look at Anne. She was bashed by your fans thinking that she is your girlfriend. What more if it¡¯s me?¡± I exined to him.


    ¡°Alli has a point bro. Most of your fans are shipping you with other singers. Alli will be the one who will be greatly affected if you guys announce your rtionship. Showbizness is scary bro, believe me.¡± Vince supported my stand.


    I smile at him. Good thing Vince was here. Hepletely understands my point.


    ¡°Then I could just retire from showbiz,¡± Andrew said cooly.


    He earns a death re from me. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare do that now! I was not able to listen to your songs nor watch your live performances when you had a concert in America because I was trying to move on from you! Now that we are back together, I want to see you performing live.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t want to date you secretly. I want the world to know how much I love you!¡±


    A smile crept across my face. Who wouldn¡¯t be right?


    ¡°You like what he said.¡± Lance can¡¯t help butment.


    I rolled my eyes at him. ¡°You are not yet vindicated so you have no right to express your thought,¡± I said to him.


    The group burst outughing. Then they started to tease my cousin. But Lance was unbothered by all their teasing which made me more annoyed at him. Suffering for two years is no joke. I don¡¯t think I can forgive him easily.


    I turn to Andrew. ¡°Baby I know you don¡¯t want it. But I think dating secretly is not that bad. It might be more exciting than dating publicly.¡± I said trying to console him and at the same to convince him.


    Andrew licked his lips and look away as if he¡¯s trying to think about it. All of us were waiting for Andrew¡¯s answer.


    He was looking at me softly then he sighed aloud.¡±Fine. I will agree to what you want this time but not for long. Especially when a celebrity tries to hit on you. I heard many celebrities dering their admiration for you.¡±


    My eyes widen at his answer. I hug him and kiss him on his cheek. ¡°Thank you, baby! You are the best!¡±


    The next morning, my dad and Gelo went with me to One Media Inc.¡¯s main office. Gelo just graduated from college and he currently working in thepany as a marketing executive. Dad wanted Gelo to earn his position.


    Gelo went straight to his department while dad showed me my new office. When the elevator stops at Ster¡¯s office floor, my dad went out and I followed him. I smile when I saw Ster¡¯s name at the side of the door. Ster was upying half of the floor. The ster magazine continues to grow in the past one and a half years.


    The employees stand up from their seats and went out of their tables to greet us. I know all of them by name and face but not in person. I only talk to them through video meetings. It¡¯s nice to finally meet them in person.


    Isabel, my assistant editor started to introduce me to the staff one by one. She also showed me the studio for my uing interviews.


    ¡°This studio is was always been here since we started to upy this floor. We are d that after more than a year, this studio will finally be utilized and not a disy anymore.¡± Isabel said.


    I smile and nodded at her. I know what she meant. I never had my own studio like this because Noah insisted to use his studio for Ster. I did not try to argue with him especially when he became one of our investors in Ster magazine.


    Lastly, Isabel showed us my office. My office here in the Philippines is bigger than my office in the US. The namete on my desk caught my attention.


    Allison Alonzo, Editor-in-chief.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    The title editor-in-chief never crosses my mind. Everything feels surreal.


    ¡°Do you like your new office?¡± My dad asked.


    I nodded at him. ¡°I love it, dad! It¡¯s much bigger than my office in the US. I also love the studio that you put. It¡¯s the exact replica of Noah¡¯s studio in the US.¡±


    Speaking of Noah, I suddenly miss him. I was not able to call on him yesterday because many unexpected things happen. I look at my watch, I still have time to call Noah before the meeting start. It¡¯s still early in the US. I¡¯m sure Noah is still awake at this time.


    ¡®How¡¯s my star?¡¯ Noah said as soon as he answered my call.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t able to call you yesterday. Many things happened and I was also tired from the long flight.¡± I exined to him.


    ¡®No worries my star. I understand. I always will. Anyway, what happened yesterday?¡± Noah asked.


    I exined to him everything that happened. I did not miss anything. I wanted to record everything that I said because for sure I will say the same story to Charles.


    ¡°Wow! Unexpected indeed. But I¡¯m happy for you my star. I hope your friendship with me will be okay with your boyfriend. I can¡¯t believe someone owns you now.¡± Noah reacted.


    I chuckled. I feel the same way. Things happened so fast again that made me a bit scared.


    ¡°This time enjoy your rtionship with him. You need to make effort this time. I am happy for you my star.¡± Noah said sincerely.


    I always thank God for letting me have this kind of person beside me.


    ¡°I will. Thank you, Noah. I also wish for your happiness.¡±


    I ended my call with Noah when my assistant Isabel remind me about the meeting. I went straight to the conference room.


    Our meeting agenda for today is for the uing cover of Ster. Many things will change now that I am here in the Philippines.


    ¡°We strongly suggest Mr. Andrew Lopez to in our uing cover.¡± One of the marketing team suggested.


    We are doing brainstorming for now then next week we will present a draft proposal for the uing cover of Ster.


    I nodded at them. ¡°I understand your point. We should indeed grab the opportunity while it¡¯s still hot. But aside from Andrew, I¡¯m thinking of a more impactful concept for next month¡¯s cover. Remember, our market is not just here in the Philippines, we also distribute Ster in America.¡±


    I already expected Andrew to be on our cover next month. I have no reason to reject this idea this time. But I am also thinking of a much bigger impact. As I said I also need to consider the people in the US. They are also our target market. For the past year and months, we are just having foreign artists on our cover, it will be the first time for Ster to feature local artists.


    Andrew indeed is starting to make a name internationally, but I don¡¯t think that is enough for this cover to be a hit.


    ¡°Who are you rmending Ms. Alonzo?¡± Alice bravely asked.


    I smirked at them. ¡°Allison band.¡±

 DELIVERY GUY

    ¡°Allison band?!¡± All of them asked in sync.


    I can¡¯t help but chuckle at their reaction.


    ¡°Allison is the name of the band of Andrew and his friends, including my cousin when they were in college,¡± I told them.


    ¡°I think I read about that from Twitter.¡± Freya one from the marketing teammented.


    ¡°You are right Freya. Since we want to take advantage of the noise that the fans created yesterday, we should make the most of it.¡±


    This is what I came up with. I know that this band name will be revealed at any moment. It¡¯s best to be the one who tells them about the name of Andrew¡¯s band in college than to an unknown source. In this way, I can avoid the fans from being suspicious of my rtionship with Andrew. I would honestly prefer them to ship me with Vince than with Andrew. Though it¡¯s best to not ship me with anyone in the band because I don¡¯t think Andrew will keep quiet if fans will ship me with Vince or anyone from them.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good idea, Ms. Allison. It will surely make noise in the Philippine market but what about the American market?¡± Miya from the marketing team bravely asked.


    ¡°My name itself is enough to the American market.¡± I cooly said.


    ¡°I know I sounded cocky right now but it¡¯s true. I haven¡¯t told the public about my story. I am nning to do that on my vlog. It will be my cousin Lance who will interview me.¡± I added.


    ¡°I will also be on the cover. It will be a back-to-back cover like the one we did on our very first cover.¡±


    The meeting ended smoothly. Everyone is excited about the uing cover. I dismiss first the team here and continue my meeting with my team in America. I gave them some instructions on what to do and I also asked them to do some research. We need to revise our n because of the sudden decision that I did.


    I will surely fly back to America because of somemitments. I will use that opportunity to do as many interview contents as I could do not just for my vlog but also for the magazine.


    I was busy with work when my inte rang. ¡°Ma¡¯am you have a delivery. I ask the delivery guy to just give to me the bouquet but he said that you are the only person allowed to get the flowers.¡± Isabel said.


    My brow furrowed. The delivery guy was being weird. My eyes widen when I realized something, I went straight to the door to look for the delivery guy.


    Even with his cap and facemask, I could tell who this guy is.


    The delivery guy or should I say Andrew went in my direction. I just shook my head. This guy is crazy.


    I ask him toe inside my office. I can see the confusion in all my employee¡¯s eyes but I just shrugged it.


    As soon as I close the door, Andrew remove his cap and facemask and went to me and kiss me. Good thing my window is a mirror tint kind of window or else, they will see me kissing the delivery guy.


    ¡°I miss you, baby!¡± Andrew said after that hot kiss.


    I softly punch him on his chest. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°What? You told me to keep our rtionship a secret so I had no choice but to do this.¡± He exined.


    ¡°I know but do you really need to act as a delivery guy?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I know I can¡¯t visit you here freely.¡± Andrew reasoned out.


    ¡°I think you can still visit me but not just often or you need to bring Lance or anyone from the group so that it will not be suspicious to anyone,¡± I suggested.


    Andrew hugs me and his nose stays on my neck. ¡°No. I prefer it this way.¡± Then he looks at me. ¡°You are right, this kind of date is more exciting than a normal one.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like the look on your face Mr. delivery guy,¡± I said suspiciously.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the way I look at you?¡± He asked in a seductive voice. Then he started to kiss me again.


    I almost got carried away when I remember that he was in my office for too long now. I push him back trying to break the kiss but Andrew wouldn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°Andrew you are staying in my office for too long,¡± I said in between kisses.


    ¡°So what?¡± Andrew answered but still kissed me.


    ¡°You are a delivery guy today remember?! You need to get out of my office now or they will be suspicious.¡± After I said that finally, Andrew stops from kissing me.


    ¡°Fine. But are you not yet done with your work? It¡¯s already six in the evening.¡± Andrew said while putting on his cap and facemask.


    ¡°I¡¯m done already. I will just fix my things.¡± I told him.


    Andrew nodded. ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for you in the basement. Let¡¯s have dinner together.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I will be there in the bit. For now, you need to get off my office.¡± I said while pushing him to the door.


    Andrew chuckled. ¡°Fina. I¡¯ll see you in a bit.¡±


    I did as Andrew told me. I fix my things and look at myself in the mirror. I feel so guilty because of the hot kiss that I shared with Andrew. I don¡¯t want to guess what the people outside are thinking of me right now. When I look more decent now, I got my bag and went out of my office.


    The employees said goodbye to me but I just nodded at them. I am ashamed of what happened a while ago and I can¡¯t look at them straight. But I hope I don¡¯t look too guilty to them.


    I look around first before I went inside Andrew¡¯s car. This secret date is so nerve-wracking. But Andrew seems to enjoy it though.


    ¡°Baby do you think we should eat at home? I mean if we go to the restaurant people might be suspicious of us.¡± I can¡¯t help but tell him my concern.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry my love I got this,¡± Andrew said in an assuring tone.


    I¡¯m still nervous but I want to trust him this time.


    I knew this restaurant. It was owned by Hearst. They are also famous in America. Their restaurant is as famous as Noah¡¯s family restaurant.


    Andrew did not go to the restaurant entrance. He went to the back of the restaurant, it has basement parking. He parked the car smoothly, he went out of the car to open the door for me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, baby.¡±


    One of the staff guides us to one of their VIP rooms.


    ¡°The staff here signed an NDA so you don¡¯t have to worry about them. Also, I am friends with the owner of this restaurant.¡± Andrew exined after he gave our order to the waiter.


    ¡°You are friends with Nichs Hearst?¡± I asked to confirm.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Andrew¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°You know him?¡±


    I nodded. ¡°He is friends with Noah. They are family friends and also in the same business industry in the US.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it when you call his name.¡± I can hear the jealousy in his voice.


    ¡°Will you stop being jealous of Noah?! Noah is just a friend and he already has someone he likes. His love life is a bitplicated but I really hope he was able to have the happiness that he deserves.¡± I said to assure him.


    ¡°Are you sure he only treats you as a friend? And did he really have a love life, he wasn¡¯t linked to anyone aside from you?¡± Andrew is not convinced yet.


    ¡°He really has a girl he likes. You wouldn¡¯t know about her because she¡¯s not in showbiz. And my friendship with Noah is just like my friendship with Charles and Lieo.¡± I told him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to be too close to Lieo.¡±

 FEELINGS

    ¡°Did I hear it right? You don¡¯t want me to be too close to Lieo?¡± I asked to hope that I really heard it wrong.


    Andrew looks at me intently. His intense looks make me feel nervous. What happens? Why is he asking me not to be too close with Lieo? Is he jealous or what?


    ¡°You heard it right. I don¡¯t want you to be too close to him.¡± He said more clearly this time.


    My eyes widen a fraction from the shock of his frankness. ¡°But why? What did he do to you? Or are you jealous? You know that I¡¯m always close to him but we are just friends.¡±


    ¡°I know you only see him as a friend but not Lieo. He doesn¡¯t see you as one.¡±


    My brow furrowed from confusion. I don¡¯t really get his point.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked.


    His eyes lingered on me which added to the nervousness I felt. ¡°Do you know why Anne was in that bar that night?¡±


    This is surely connected to Anne. Lieo was always connected to Anne. It was because of him why we met Anne. I wanted to shove the bitterness I felt whenever I hear Anne¡¯s name. Andrew already clear the issue, we also got back together but I don¡¯t know why I still feel this bitterness and awkwardness towards her.


    Iya and I already talked yesterday and we are back from being friends. it¡¯s the same thing with Andrew¡¯s friends. Though I don¡¯t have any issues with them, I just chose not to talk to them when I was in the US because they are connected to Andrew.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Anne and I never talked. It was as if we both avoiding each other.


    ¡°What about it?¡± I asked calmly.


    He licked his lips and started his speech. ¡°Anne was heartbroken that night. Lieo rejected her.¡±


    Shocked was an understatement of what I feel right now. Howe Lieo will reject Anne? He told me he likes her¡­ or did he?


    I am trying to recall if Lieo and I talked about his feelings for Anne. I¡¯m sure that we talk about it.


    Oh right!


    The KTV night!


    Lieo grabbed my hand and went out of the KTV room that we rented to celebrate Anne¡¯s passing on her actual driving test. At that time, I thought Andrew likes Anne and not me. I feel hurt by the closeness of the two. Lieo notice it and asked me to leave the ce. I opened up about what I felt towards Andrew and even my first heartbreak. Then I confronted him about Anne.


    ¡°Why are you guys like that?! Why do you keep doing things that will make us misunderstand you?!¡± I asked Lieo, a bit frustrated.


    ¡°You calm down first. But to answer your question, there are things that even us, can¡¯t ?exin or understand.¡± Lieo said.


    ¡°Like the things between you and Anne?¡± I asked.


    I saw him stunned by what I said.


    ¡°Come on! You don¡¯t need to hide it from me. I knew why you asked me out of that ce. You are also hurting to see them together. You already saw with your own eyes how close those two were to each other. Am I right?¡±


    He look at me intently and just sighed. ¡°Guilty.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°So tell me why until now you are still not courting Anne? And what about the issue between you and your ex-girlfriend, is that true?¡±


    ¡°Nothing is going on between Mich and me. She will be getting married, and I am not his groom. The reason why we are always together is that Mich is asking me to help her with the wedding preparation because her soon-to-be husband is a bit busy. Mich is someone close to me. The reason why even though we have already broken up, we remained as good friends.¡± He exined.


    I chuckled. So my best friend is just overthinking?!


    ¡°Why are you letting her think that something is going on between you and Mich?¡± I asked him curiously.


    ¡°It was Mich¡¯s idea. I really don¡¯t like her idea but Andrew¡¯s timing is asking for it, so I just let it be.¡± He said.


    My smile disappeared after hearing his name.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± He said, a bit worried.


    I smile at him. ¡°Because of that, you got my 100% support.¡±


    He frowned. ¡°For what?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°I always deducted points on you because you were always missing in action. So I don¡¯t want to support you. But it¡¯s different now because I decided to give you my full support in winning Anne¡¯s heart.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Really? Do I even need that?¡±


    ¡°Of course! I¡¯m her best friend, so my opinion matters.¡±


    He raised his brow. ¡°Really? So did I pass your expectation?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you did!¡± I told him.


    I can¡¯t be mistaken. My conversation with him that night is proof that Lieo likes Anne. So why did he reject Anne?


    ¡°Hey baby, are you still with me?¡±


    I was back from deep thinking upon hearing Andrew¡¯s voice.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Are you sure that Lieo rejected her? Maybe Anne was just mistaken, Lieo told me before his feelings for Anne.¡± I said in defense of Lieo.


    Andrew¡¯s lips parted. ¡°When was that?¡±


    ¡°Remember when we went to a KTV to celebrate Anne¡¯s actual driving test?¡± I asked to see if he recalled that night.


    He red and nodded at me. ¡°That was the night where you both went out of the KTV room and bond alone.¡± I can hear the bitterness in his voice.


    I smiled when I remember something. ¡°That was also the night where you confessed your feelings for me.¡±


    A smile crept on his face. I guess he remembers it. It was a great memory that I will always treasure.


    ¡°That night, I asked Lieo about his feelings for Anne and even his issue with her ex-girlfriend Mich. I am sure with what I heard. Lieo likes Anne! Anne can¡¯t be rejected by Lieo.¡± I exined.


    Andrew smirked at me but I can also see the annoyance on his face. ¡°You know why Lieo rejected Anne?¡±


    I rolled my eyes because Andrew is ignoring my statement. ¡°Obviously not!¡±


    ¡°Lieo rejected Anne because of you. He confessed to Anne his feelings for you.¡±


    My eyes widen with shock. I couldn¡¯t hide it.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± I said, still couldn¡¯t believe what he just said.


    ¡°It¡¯s true, baby. I also confronted Lieo and gave him a hard punch!¡± He said then smirked proudly at what he did to Lieo.


    I red at him. ¡°Why did you do that to him?!¡±


    ¡°He broke the bro code.¡± He simply said.


    I feel irritated by Andrew¡¯s reaction. They are friends for God¡¯s sake! And Lieo never hit on me or take advantage of the situation I had with Andrew.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s was because of your so-called bro code and not because of Anne?¡± I asked a bit unconvinced.


    Andrew¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Why will I punch Lieo for Anne?¡±


    I rolled my eyes again. ¡°You are close with her. Maybe you want to act as her knight in shining armor.¡±


    He sighed and shooked his head. ¡°I may be close with her but I will never punch a friend just because he rejected her. Of course, I care for Anne because she was a good friend to me. But with regards to her love life, I can only be a shoulder to cry on but I will never involve myself with them.¡±


    ¡°I punched him after I hear from his mouth that he likes you.¡± He added.


    My lips parted from shock.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I am asking you not to be too close with him.¡±


    I shooked my head. ¡°No, not now.¡±

 LIAH’S BIRTHDAY

    ¡°No, not now.¡±


    Andrew¡¯s lips settled in a thin line before he pursed it. He looks displeased with my answer. He didn¡¯t say anything.


    I sighed and shooked my head. ¡°I want to talk first with Lieo. I want to hear that from him.¡±


    ¡°Why do you need to hear it from him? Don¡¯t you trust me?¡± Andrew asked a bit offended.


    I held his hand and caress it. ¡°Of course not! I trust you, baby.¡±


    He still looks pissed with me.


    ¡°I trust you but I still need to hear his side before I act. Baby, please try to understand that Lieo is a good friend of mine. He was there with me when I was in pain. If you think that he has a n to steal me from you, then I will be the one to say disagree with what you are thinking right now.¡± I said calmly.


    ¡°If he had a n o win my heart or steal me from you, he has already done that two years ago when I was so vulnerable, but he did not. He was just there for me as a friend. He never took advantage of my vulnerability.¡± I added.


    Andrew Look away from my gaze as he was trying to think about it. He nodded as he understand my point.


    ¡°Fine. But what will you do if he confesses his feelings for you? Will you give him a chance?¡± Andrew asked quietly.


    My lips parted. Is he being real with his question?! He was already my boyfriend! Why will I give Lieo a chance if I¡¯m in love with him?!


    ¡°Are you being serious right now?! Why will I give him a chance if you already owned my heart?!¡± I hissed.


    Andrew¡¯s eyes widen a fraction from the shock of my frankness. Then his face reddened. I enjoy watching him blushing from what I said. He looks so cute and hot at the same time. I want to take a photo of his face right now and showed it to the group. I bet he will earn a good teasing from them.


    ¡°Is Andrew Lopez, the hottest singer in the country, blushing right now?¡± I teased him.


    His face reddened even more. He was trying to look cold but his face betrayed him. I really love this man!


    ¡°I love you, Andrew Lopez,¡± I said and smiled sweetly at him.


    Andrew looks at me more calmly now. ¡°I love more, Allison Alonzo.¡±


    My first week in the country is my busiest week for the past two years. We need to redo our ns because of my sudden decision. But no matter how busy Andrew and I were, we always make sure that we see each other at the end of the day. We both wanted to make up for the two years that we are not together.


    Now is Liah¡¯s birthday, she is Andrew¡¯s beautiful niece. She turned four years old this year. It will be my first time celebrating her birthday. I hope that she still remembers me.


    ¡°Ms. Allison, Sir Andrew is already in the living room.¡± One of our house help announced.


    I nodded at her and grab my bag and my gift for Liah.


    Andrew looks dashing in his crisp white button-down shirt, khaki chino pants, and brogue shoes. It was a simple outfit but his handsome face and great physique make him more outstanding.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡± He asked while offering his hand.


    I dly nodded and received his hand.


    ¡°Do you think Liah still remembers me?¡± I asked as Andrew drives to the event¡¯s ce.


    ¡°You still remember you. She was a fan of your vlog. She always brags you to her ssmates in her school.¡± Andrew answered.


    All my nervousness vanish from what he just said. I¡¯m d that she still remembers me. I love that girl so much. She became close to my heart the first time I met her.


    ¡°Auntie Alli!¡± Liah run towards me as soon as she saw me at the entrance of the venue.


    Liah¡¯s birthday was held in one of the rising five-star hotels in the country. Laertes Hotels are known in Europe, they expanded their hotel in Asia and US. I was familiar with this hotel because Noah introduce me to Ka Escarrer, she was the daughter of the owner of LHI.


    I smile at her and hugged her. ¡°I miss you, sweetie!¡± I whispered.


    ¡°I miss you too Auntie!¡± She said and release me.


    I smile at her and gave her my gift.


    ¡°Wow! Thank you, Auntie Alli!¡±


    Andrew was carrying Liah while he introduce me to the family. They requested LHI to make the party as private as they can since Andrew will be introducing me again to his family. The hotel also let us use their private elevator so that we can avoid the public.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you are finally back Alli!¡± Auntie Gwen, Andrew¡¯s mom said while she hugs me.


    Andrew told me that his parents doesn¡¯t know what happen to our rtionship. What they only know is that I will be staying in the US for a while because of the great opportunity that was offered to me. He also told them that we both decided to keep our rtionship a secret from the public.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you, Auntie! I¡¯m also d to be back. I miss all of you.¡± I said to her.


    ¡°When are you nning to announce your rtionship in public? You can¡¯t keep your rtionship a secret to them forever. Also, I want to introduce you to my friends as my son¡¯s girlfriend. Their children were a fan of yours.¡± Auntie Gwen said looking proudly for me.


    Auntie Gwen¡¯s love and support warm my heart. I feel sorry for them for hurting his son. I hope that they can still love and support me even when they found out about me and Andrew for the past two years.


    ¡°Can you just announce your rtionship in public? I¡¯m notfortable when people link my son to some singers I don¡¯t even know and to his manager. My friends even believe the rumor that Andrew¡¯s girlfriend is his manager.¡± I could see the disgust on her face.


    I get her point. Since Andrew keep mum about his love life, people became more curious about it.


    ¡°Auntie, can I steal my friend for a while?¡± It was Iya. She just arrived.


    Iya grabbed my hand as soon as Auntie Gwen agreed to her request.


    ¡°Alli, how¡¯s the meet and greet with your future inws!¡± Mike teases me as soon as we came close to them.


    ¡°It was good. May I ask why you guys are here? Does Liah even know you guys?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Of course! We are Liah¡¯s favorite uncle!¡± It was my ever cocky cousin.


    While the rest of the group was busy chatting, I asked Iya to take a photo of me that I will post on my social media ount.


    I was wearing a white tweed jacket as a mini dress, I partnered it with a bald belt to emphasize my tiny waist. I also essorized it with a ck mini bag and ck stilettos. This outfit was sponsored by Lush. I needed to post this look to promote the brand.


    ¡°Auntie Alli are you done with your photoshoot with Auntie Iya? Can youe with me now? I want to introduce you to my friends.¡± Liah grab my hand and pulled me to where her friends are as soon as I said yes to her.


    The guest at this party are mostly rtives of Liah¡¯s mom and dad. Andrew already informed them about us. Even the parents of Liah¡¯s friends were informed about us. It was not difficult to ask this favor from them since they are all family close friends.


    ¡°Friends, I¡¯d like you to meet my uncle Andrew¡¯s girlfriend, Auntie Alli, she¡¯s a well-known vlogger. Remember the vlog I showed you before? That was her!¡± Liah sounded so proud as she introduce me to her friends.


    They all greeted me with a smile on their face.


    ¡°But I thought that girl is your uncle¡¯s girlfriend.¡± One of Liah¡¯s friends asked while pointing at Anne.


    ¡°Of course not! She was just my uncle¡¯s manager.¡± Liah hissed.


    ¡°But she was always with your uncle in all your family events.¡±


    My brow furrowed from that statement. ¡°Is that true Liah? Is Anne always with your uncle at all your family parties?¡±

 KISS

    I don¡¯t know where this kind of resentment towards Anne started.  I should have reconciled with her after Andrew exin everything to me, but I can¡¯t find myself to do so.


    The fondness I felt for her before is gone.


    I know for certain that we will never go back to the way we used to be. I know that I am being unfair to her, but I can¡¯t ignore my gut feel towards her. Something is wrong, I can feel it.


    ¡°Yes, Auntie that¡¯s why people think that she is my uncle¡¯s girlfriend.¡±


    Liah¡¯s answer made me back to reality.


    I nodded and smile at her. ¡°She was your uncle¡¯s manager that¡¯s why,¡± I said calmly.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly my point, she is my uncle¡¯s manager, not his assistant.¡± Liah insisted.


    I chuckled and mess her hair. ¡°How old are you again?¡± I asked because she acted like an adult knowing things like that.


    Liah just pouted. ¡°I hate her. She likes uncle, I can feel it.¡±


    I want to agree with her but that was not a good reaction. I shouldn¡¯t add to Liah¡¯s rage. Also, the mom of Liah¡¯s friends is here.


    ¡°Hi Allison, I¡¯m Liza, Lana¡¯s mom. I¡¯m a fan of your vlog. I can¡¯t believe you are Andrew¡¯s girlfriend I thought you and Noah are together because you look good together.¡±


    I smile at Liza. ¡°Thank you for supporting my vlog. Noah and I are just good friends. Also, Andrew and I look perfect together.¡± I said in a teasing tone.


    They allugh at what I said. Liah smiles wider upon hearing my statement.


    I was surprised when Andrew suddenly held my waist and whispered to me. ¡°Did I just hear my name?¡±


    I could see them blushing and giggling while watching me and Andrew.


    ¡°Liza said that I look good with Noah, I corrected her and said you and I look perfect together,¡± I said then I winked at Liza.


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡± He said quietly, enough for me to hear it.


    Andrew looks at Liza. ¡± Liza, I didn¡¯t know you are rooting Noah for Alli and not me. I¡¯m offended.¡±


    Liza looks uneasy because of Andrew. I softly punch Andrew for him to stop teasing Liza.


    ¡°I was just surprised when you introduce Allison as your girlfriend. We all thought that Anne was your girlfriend since she was always with you during your private events.¡± Liza defended herself.


    I red at Andrew. I want to hear him exin this situation.


    Andrew saw my intense re at him. His hand went to my stomach and gently caresses it. I stiffened as I feel a tingling sensation from his touch.


    ¡°Anne was my manager and a good friend of mine. She was with me as my manager to ensure that I will avoid a possible scandal like being drunk or doing silly things that could affect my image.¡± Andrew exined to us.


    I can¡¯t focus on his exnation because of his continuous touch on my stomach. I was trying to make him stop but he was ignoring it.


    ¡°Baby stop that,¡± I whispered to him.


    ¡°Is it okay for me to steal my girl?¡± He suddenly announced.


    He didn¡¯t wait for their answer. He grabbed my hand and went inside the private room, designed for guests who wants to take a rest from the crowd.


    The room was empty, I am not sure if that¡¯s a good thing or not. Andrew started to kiss me as he close and lock the door.


    ¡°Andrew, what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± I asked in between kisses.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry baby, I suddenly had this urge to kiss you,¡± Andrew answered back while still kissing me.


    His kiss went down to my jaw and my neck. I can¡¯t help but moan from his kisses.


    ¡°People might knock,¡± I said trying to stop him.


    ¡°Just let them knock. I lock the door anyways.¡±


    He stops kissing me and he steps closer to me, I can almost breathe his scent.


    ¡°I love you, baby.¡± He said huskily. Then he kisses me again with the same intensity a while ago.


    I kissed him back. His kisses gave me so much assurance of his love from me.


    ¡°Miss Alli, your cousin and his friends are already in the conference room,¡± Isabel informed me thru the inte.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go there now,¡± I said then I open the mockup design for the magazine cover and went out to meet the boys.


    I could see themughing and enjoying themselves outside the conference room. All the meeting rooms have soundproof because we are avoiding distracting other employees when there are meetings in the meeting rooms.


    I appreciate this decision that thepany made. I¡¯m sure that these boys will not be able to avoid teasing me and Andrew during the meeting. I just know them very well.


    ¡°Hey, boys!¡± I greeted them as soon as I went inside the conference room.


    I also turn off the blinds so that employees will not be tempted to watch us during the meeting. I have no ns of telling them about my rtionship with Andrew. I want to lessen the possibility of my rtionship with him being exposed to the public.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± Lance started with his teasing.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Stop overacting Lance. You just got here.¡±


    The groupughs and goes on with their chat as I am readying my presentation for them.


    ¡°First of all, I wanted to thank you for making time here in my office.¡± I started my speech.


    I wasughing inside as I saw them doing their best to look serious.


    ¡°Like you, all know, Ster magazine has been featuring international celebrities for the past one and a half years. And my sudden decision of going back here to the Philippines made a huge change to the vlog and magazine.¡± I added.


    ¡°Most of the ster fans here in the Philippines are requesting Andrew to be on my vlog and magazine. It¡¯s great for the Philippine market but what about our market in the US? No offense meant, baby.¡± I said while looking at Andrew.


    He showed a thumbs up and ask me to continue with my presentation.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I made this proposal thinking of the two markets,¡± I said then I click the temte where the mock cover of them on Ster magazine.


    ¡°You are nning to feature the band? But we are not known here in the country what more in America?!¡± Vince reacted.


    I smirk and click the next presentation showing the same content but this time my name is being emphasized. ¡°My name itself can cater to the American market.¡±


    ¡°Woah! Someone¡¯s being cocky here.¡± Lance snorted.


    Iughed aloud then I click the next presentation showing myself on the ster magazine cover. ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard Lance that I¡¯m one of the most in-demand fashion influencers in America?¡±


    Lance just shook his head.


    ¡°You will also be on the cover? Are you nning to do a back-to-back cover again?¡± Lieo asked.


    I nodded at him. ¡°Yes. I was nning to do a vlog interview with you guys as a band and how did youe up with the name. I will do a teaser from that interview for my next vlog which is me being interviewed on my own vlog. I was thinking of Vince as the one who¡¯ll interview me.¡±


    ¡°Why not me?¡± Andrew butted-in.


    ¡°Are you being jealous right now?¡± Mike teases him.


    I ignore Mike¡¯s teasing and look at Andrew to exin to him. ¡°I don¡¯t see you doing interviews, unlike Vince. Among the five of you, he was the most experience doing interviews.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m a singer and not a host. But it doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t do the work.¡± Andrew insisted.


    I just shooked my head. ¡°I prefer someone who¡¯s more experience to do the job.¡±


    ¡°But what will be the content of the interview?¡± Vince asked.


    I smiled at him. ¡°About me having two great parents.¡±


    Vince nodded. ¡°That will be a huge hit. You are creating controversy.¡±


    ¡°Exactly my point. I wanted this cover to have a huge impact. I already contacted the brands I¡¯m endorsing and they are fine with it.¡±


    ¡°But what will you do after this cover?¡± Vince curiously asks.


    I get his point. It¡¯s not like my magazine will do a one-time big-time cover.


    ¡°I have pending interviews and projects in America that I had to move because of my sudden decision,¡± I said calmly.


    Andrew¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Wait, so you are going back to America?¡±

 INVITATION

    ¡°Wait, so you are going back to America?¡±


    The crowd bes quiet. They pretend that they are busy with something but it was so obvious that they are waiting for a possible couple fight to happen.


    I shook my head. ¡°Baby, I havemitments in the US that I can¡¯t cancel. I was thankful for them for allowing me to reschedule my appointment with them because of dad.¡±


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t tell me that you will go back there,¡±  Andrew said in a serious voice.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t eye?¡± I asked innocently.


    His eyes widened a fraction. ¡°Stop ying innocent, baby.¡± He said in a warning voice.


    I cleared my throat. He is getting mad now. ¡°Sorry, baby. But I thought you already expected this. And it¡¯s not like I will be gone for months. I¡¯ll go there every other month for only a week or two. I¡¯ll still being back to you. I would love you to go with me but I know you are too busy with your schedule.¡± I said while peeking at his reaction.


    I smile to myself when I saw him calming down. I can see the tamed smirk from the boys as they watch me winning our couple fight.


    ¡°When are you nning to go there?¡± Andrew asked more calmly now.


    I look at him with the sweetest smile on my face. ¡°Next month. I might stay there for a week or two depending on how fast I can finish my work and I also need to give instructions to my team in America.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    He nodded understanding my point of view. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll go with you then.¡±


    Our jaw dropped from Andrew¡¯s statement.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.


    He red at me which I already expected. ¡°I can just tell Anne to cancel all my schedule for next month and apany you to the US. We can stay there for a month if you want to.¡±


    Lance and Mike burst outughing. ¡°Andrew¡¯s a whipped!¡± They both shouted.


    All of us chuckle except for Andrew of course. I was surprised by Andrew¡¯s actiontely. He was different from before. Andrew is a very sweet guy but he was never a clingy type of guy. He always let me do what I want and waits for me after.


    ¡°Shut up! I¡¯ll wait until you guys find someone to fall in love with, let¡¯s see if you will not act like this.¡± Andrew said to defend himself.


    ¡°That won¡¯t happen, dude! I¡¯m not the clingy and whipped type. I will surely be in control, not the other way around.¡± Lance said with full conviction.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see,¡± Andrew said then smirked.


    After my most tiring meeting, I call my team to finalize our n for the next cover.


    ¡°What about the guesting fee Ms. Allison? Did they share with you how much they are asking for the vlog guesting and interview?¡± Miya asked.


    ¡°Miya¡¯s right Ms. Allison. I¡¯m sure Vince and Andrew¡¯s guesting fee will cost a fortune since they are one of the hottest stars right now.¡± Freya added.


    ¡°A thank you from me is enough for them,¡± I said cooly.


    Their reaction is epic! They look constipated. They don¡¯t know if they will take it as a joke or not.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious guys. They were my friends. So they are willing to do it for free. But of course, we will still prepare a token for them.¡± I exined to them.


    I smiled to myself as I remember how they told me that they are willing to do all this for free.


    ¡°Are you going to pay us for guesting on your vlog and cover in the magazine?¡± Lance asks after I finish presenting them the whole n.


    ¡°We have a budget for that don¡¯t worry. Though some would be willing to guest on my vlog for free and doing a cover for Ster magazine.¡± I answered him.


    ¡°Is that Noah?¡± Lieo asked to confirm.


    ¡°He¡¯s one of them especially since he¡¯s also an investor of Ster. But some celebrities do this cover and guesting for free, most of them were the top supermodels who I became close with, thanks to Noah.¡± I said.


    Good thing I have already shared with Andrew that Noah is one of the major investors of the magazine. It took a lot of exnation before he finally epted the fact and deal with it. I think going back to America with Andrew is a good idea. Andrew will get to know more about Noah and vice versa. Andrew will realize that Noah is just like Charles.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind your cousin¡¯s question, Alli. He¡¯s just teasing you. Of course, we will do this for free. You¡¯re a family.¡± Vince said with pure sincerity.


    I really appreciate having friends like them. They are indeed a blessing for me. Who would have thought that all these things will happen to me? Two or three years ago I was just a regr sales employee, working my ass off to reach my sales target and earn amission. But now, I¡¯m working in the fashion industry as editor-in-chief, an influencer thanks to my vlog, and an ambassador of many luxury brands.


    I only dream to work in media but God gave me more than I asked for.


    I was back from daydreaming when my phone rang. It was Lieo.


    ¡°Hey, Lieo!¡± I greeted him.


    ¡®Hey, Alli! I¡¯m just wondering if you have ns for tonight?¡¯ Lieo asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have ns tonight since Andrew has a recording,!¡± I answered him.


    ¡®Great! You are free then. I would like to invite you for dinner, I want you to meet someone. She was a fan of yours.¡¯


    My brow furrowed. A girl? Does she have a girlfriend that I don¡¯t know of?


    ¡°Is that your girlfriend?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡®No, silly. She¡¯s married. Remember Mich?¡¯


    My mouth formed ¡°o¡±. ¡°Yes, I remember her! She was your ex-girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but she¡¯s also a good friend of mine. So are you in?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I texted Andrew telling him about Lieo¡¯s invitation. As usual, it took a long exnation before he allow me to go with Lieo.


    Mich is a beauty. I¡¯m no longer surprised why Anne was jealous and insecure of her before. Contrary to Anne¡¯s description of Mich, I find her a very nice and sociable person.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m meeting you in person. Imagine my shock when Lieo told me that you guys are friends.¡± Mich said while we are having dinner.


    ¡°Is that really surprising? I mean, Lieo¡¯s friends with my cousin so it¡¯s only natural for me to be friends with him.¡±


    Mich nodded and smile at me. ¡°Well, you have a point. But I was just surprised that you guys are close because someone is so obsessed with him and acts like his girlfriend that¡¯s why many girls are finding it difficult to approach or be close with Lieo. Good thing that girl already epted her defeat and found her new prey.¡±


    I saw Lieo ring at Mich. ¡°Mich stop that.¡± He warned her.


    ¡°What? I¡¯m just telling the truth. Are you really not going to tell your friend, Andrew about that girl?!¡±


    My eyes widened a fraction from what she just said. I look at Lieo to ask for an exnation.


    He looks at me then he sighed. ¡°I already told Andrew about it but he won¡¯t believe me. I did not insist on it since I know that Anne will never win his heart because I know how much Andrew loves you.¡±


    ¡°But what are saying about Anne? And how did my boyfriend be her new prey? ¡± I asked feeling so lost with the conversation.


    ¡°Wait! What? Allison already has a boyfriend and it¡¯s none other than Andrew Lopez?¡± Mich askedpletely shocked.

 NIGHT OF REVELATIONS

    One of the disadvantages of being a public figure is that people expect us to share everything about ourselves. Sharing our activities is like a responsibility that we need toply with for their satisfaction.


    Knowing all that, I still chose to keep my rtionship with Andrew a secret. One of the reasons is the possible effect on my vlog and magazine if we announced our rtionship. I wanted to protect my vlog and magazine, not for myself but the people working under me. They will be the ones who will be greatly affected if people will start targeting my vlog and magazine. The other reason is that I want our rtionship tost. I want him to be myst.


    Announcing our rtionship will receive a lot of attention from the public eye. Every move will be an issue until it bes toxic.


    But I forgot all my reasons when Mich started to talk about Anne and Andrew. The way she describes Anne ispletely different from how I see Anne. The same thing with Mich. Anne¡¯s description about Mich is very different from how I see Mich now. I can¡¯t believe that we¡¯re talking about the same person.


    ¡°Yes, Andrew is my boyfriend. We just got back together.¡± I decided to tell her since I spill it already.


    ¡°OMG! I can¡¯t believe it! Did the gold digger know that you guys are now together?¡± Mich sounded amazed by what she¡¯s hearing from me.


    My brow furrowed. ¡°Who are you referring to when you say gold digger?¡± I asked her.


    Mich covers her lips acting surprised because of being clueless about Anne. ¡°You didn¡¯t know that your boyfriend¡¯s manager is a gold digger and she was seducing Andrew since she failed on seducing Lieo? Have you met her?¡±


    Lieo cleared his throat. ¡°Alli and Anne are friends. So you need to control yourself, Mich.¡±


    ¡°What?! You are friends with her for real?!¡± Mich said while giving me her surprised expression.


    ¡°We were friends. But we haven¡¯t talked since I came back. I don¡¯t know why but I just feel ufortable with her now.¡± I honestly told Mich then I share with them the bar incident two years ago.


    ¡°OMG! That girl is a certified snake!¡± Mich reacted after I told her our story.


    ¡°How did you know that Anne is a gold digger? Do you have proofs from your ims?¡± I asked curiously.


    A gold digger is a serious allegation. She can be sued for this.


    Mich smirked at me. ¡°Of course, when she was seducing Lieo and acting like a bitch to me, I hired a private investigator to do a background check on her.¡± She started her speech.


    ¡°ording to the investigator, Anne was involved with two men. All of them were rich. One of them is married, meaning she became a mistress of the guy.¡± She added.


    My eyes widen with shock. I never heard of that story. What I only know is that Anne likes Lieo but other than that I know nothing about her love life.


    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± I asked.


    Mich nodded confidently. ¡°I¡¯m 100% sure because I know the wife of the married guy Anne was involved with. I confirmed it to her. She told me that Anne was their former employee. Anne was her husband¡¯s secretary. Her husband gave that bitch a unit in the high-end condo in BGC. All her luxury bags and even her car were from that guy. And you know how old the guy is?¡±


    ¡°How old?¡±


    ¡°Forty-nine,¡± Mich said with disgust.


    ¡°Did you know all these?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask Lieo.


    ¡°I just found it from Mich. She gave me all the data she got from her private investigator. I ask the HR department if they did a background check about Anne¡¯s work experience. They admitted that they failed to do a background check. Imand them to confirm Anne¡¯s im about her work experiences.¡± Lieo started his exnation.


    Wow! How did I miss this important information about Anne?! I¡¯m sure Andrew is not aware of this. I don¡¯t know what to feel right now. There¡¯s so much information and I am trying to absorb all of it.


    ¡°After a week of background checking, HR regret to inform me that Anne falsifies her work experiences,¡± Lieo added.


    My jaw dropped. ¡°What? But how can she be able to do her job well in yourpany? If I¡¯m not mistaken, your mom likes her because of how well she does her job.¡± I asked a bit unconvinced.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Mich rolled her eyes. ¡°It was all because of her team. She was just taking the credits for her team¡¯s hard work. She had no participation in all of them except signing the documents.¡±


    ¡°Mich was right. We talk to her team to ask about her. She knew nothing about the work.¡± Lieo supported Mich¡¯s ims.


    The dinner went well even after all the revtions they shared about Anne. Mich was very straightforward but you can still see that she is a nice person. I could see the kind friendship between me and Charles in the two of them.


    I also met Mich¡¯s husband. He was the one who fetch his wife. I could see the love between the two of them. Mich¡¯s husband was supposed to join us in our dinner but he had an emergency meeting.


    ¡°I want you to be there on my birthday. You can bring Andrew with you.¡± MIch invited me on her birthday.


    I smile at her. ¡°I would love toe on your birthday but aside from Andrew, can I bring the whole group?¡± I asked pertaining to the boys and Iya.


    ¡°Sure but you can¡¯t bring Anne. Snake is not allowed in my party.¡±


    I chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I won¡¯t bring her.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great! But on a serious note, I hope you convince your boyfriend to change his manager. It¡¯s for your rtionship¡¯s own good.¡± Mich said in a serious tone.


    I smile calmly and nodded at her.


    After our goodbyes. Lieo offered to send me home.


    ¡°Did you tell the group about this?¡± I asked when Lieo stops the car.


    We already arrived at my house.


    Lieo bites his lower lip then he looks at me. ¡°After you left, we all became so busy. We rarely see each other. I tried to share it with Andrew since he was involved with her but he doesn¡¯t want to listen to me. Anne already brainwashed him.¡±


    ¡°You did nothing after that? You just let Andrew be close to her?¡± I can¡¯t believe he did not insist to tell this important information to Andrew.


    ¡°I did. But Andrew doesn¡¯t want to talk to me.¡± He reasoned out.


    ¡°Why? Is it because of your feelings for me?¡± I decided to confront him.


    I guess this is the perfect time to clear everything about Lieo and me. I was clueless for years about the whole thing. I must admit that I¡¯m a bit pissed knowing all these just now.


    Lieo¡¯s eyes widen a fraction. He didn¡¯t see my questioning.


    He looks away. ¡°Did Andrew tell you about it? Did he ask you to stay away from me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he did,¡± I told him honestly.


    He looks defeated. ¡°So are you going to stay away from me after tonight?¡±


    We stared at each other for a long time until I smile at him.


    ¡°Of course not. You were there for me when I needed someone to lean on. And I know how good your heart is, I know that if you really have feelings for me and you n to steal me from Andrew, you already have done that two years ago but you didn¡¯t. It only means that you respected my rtionship with Andrew.¡± I told him with pure sincerity.


    Lieo was taken aback by that. He was teary-eyed.


    ¡°But why didn¡¯t you tell me that Anne and Andrew are not in a rtionship?¡± I asked calmly.


    ¡°I tried but you always stopping me from saying anything about Andrew and Anne. You are always telling me that you are in the process of moving on so I am not allowed to share or even call their names in front of you.¡± Lieo exined himself.


    I chuckled. I remember that. Lieo was right. I always told him to stop with whatever he wanted to tell me about those two. I was drowning from the pain I am feeling at that time.


    ¡°Fine. It was my fault for being so emotional and drama queen.¡± I said.


    We both chuckled.


    ¡°Is there anything that you haven¡¯t told me yet?¡± I asked more lightly now.


    Lieo¡¯s became serious again. It only means one thing, I need to brace myself for another revtion.


    ¡°The night when you saw Anne kissed Andrew, was the day I fired her.¡±

 Chapter 21 WRONG CLAIMS

    ¡°When are you nning to stay there?¡±


    Lieo and I got startled by Lance¡¯s sudden interruption.


    ¡°Would you want toe inside to continue our talk?¡± I asked Lieo.


    He nodded and smile. ¡°Sure, I think it¡¯s still a long talk.¡±


    We both went out of the car before Lance say things again.


    ¡°Good thing the car wasn¡¯t moving,¡± Lancemented upon seeing us out of the car.


    I red at him, I know what he mean by that. I love my cousin so much but sometimes I want to strangle his neck.


    He just shook his neck and went inside the house.


    I ask our maid to prepare us wine and light snacks.


    ¡°You¡¯re still not done for the day?¡± Lance snorted.


    ¡°Will you please shut up Lance? We have a very important thing to discuss.¡± I said and ask him to leave us alone.


    I turned my eyes to Lieo and I can see the amusement in his eyes while watching me and Lance sh.


    I cleared my throat. ¡°Shall we continue? You said that you fired her that night but as per Andrew, Anne told her that you rejected her that day that is why she was on that bar.¡±


    ¡°I did that too,¡± Lieo said.


    My lips parted. Lieo can be cruel sometimes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give that look. I¡¯m sure anyone will do that if they were in my situation.¡± Lieo said in his defense.


    I agree with him. No one will take lightly the situation, especially in the corporate world. What Anne did is considered as a fraud by false representation. She can be sued for that.


    ¡°But how can you reject her after you fired her? That¡¯s too cruel.¡± I can¡¯t help but react.


    Lieo¡¯s lips settled in thin line before he pursed it. He looks like he was remembering something awful.


    ¡°I am not cruel. She pushed me to my limit.¡± He said trying to control his anger.


    My brow furrowed. What did Anne do for Lieo to have that kind of look? He looks angry and betrayed. Well, he was indeed betrayed by Anne.


    ¡°What did she do?¡± The curiosity in my voice and face is very visible.


    He look at me and sighed. ¡°She ims that she only did all those things because she loves me. I already expected her to say that. But her statement only proves that Mich¡¯s allegation is right. She falsifies his work experiences so that she can work in ourpany to target me.¡±


    ¡°As per that woman, she saw me at an event. She fell for me at first sight.¡± Lieo added.


    ¡°But what if she really did?¡± I butted in.


    He looks at me with a ¡®are you serious right now?¡¯ expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s not impossible you know?! You are one of the sought-after bachelors in the country!¡± I eximed.


    Lieo chuckled. ¡°I know what you mean but Anne is a different case. She has a proven record of being a golddigger.¡±


    I sighed. I know I resent her but I really considered her as a friend before and I can¡¯t believe what she really is. I¡¯m sure Iya will be heartbroken when she found out all this.


    ¡°Is that why you look so angry with her?¡± I asked.


    Lieo¡¯s eyes got intense. ¡°No, that¡¯s not the reason. As I have told you, I already expected her to say that.¡±


    I look at him with confused looks. There¡¯s more? ¡°What did she do?¡±


    ¡°When I told her that I never liked her-¡±


    ¡°Wait you never like her?! I thought you did!¡± I butted in again because I got shocked by his statement.


    Lieo shook his head. ¡°I never said I like her. You were the one who imed that I like her. I just let you believe that I do like her because you were in pain at that. It¡¯s my way offorting you.¡±


    My lips parted. He never like Anne?! Is that why he never make any effort to win Anne¡¯s heart because he had no n of doing it in the first ce since he never had feelings for her.


    If I think about it, Lieo never initiates to talk about Anne. It was always me, and he never look interested in her at all!!! How can I be this clueless?!


    ¡°Okay. Thank you for your consideration and I¡¯m sorry for pushing Anne to you. If you happen to fall for her and find out her true color then I will be the one responsible for that.¡± I said now that I know her true feelings for Anne.


    ¡°Silly. I will never for her. She was never my type. And it will never be your responsibility because aside from you, my sister Thea also rooting her for me.¡±


    My eyes widen a fraction as I remember her sister. ¡°Oh, yes she likes Anne for you. What did she say about Anne after knowing her true intentions?¡±


    ¡°She was hurt and felt betrayed. My mom wants to sue and blocked list her in all our connections but I stop her from doing that. That¡¯s too cruel.¡± Lieo said.


    I smiled at Lieo, I always knew that he has a good heart. ¡°So what did she do to make you this angry?¡± I asked again as I noticed that our topic shifted.


    ¡°She used you of seducing me. She ims that if it weren¡¯t for you, she will have won my heart. She knew that I like you.¡± He said in a serious voice.


    ¡°What the hell?! I never seduce you!¡± I eximed.


    Lieo chuckled. ¡°Of course you did not. It was so easy to fall for your charm. You don¡¯t need to do anything to make me fall for you. Being yourself is more than enough for me to like you.¡±


    I slightly shifted on my seat, feeling ufortable. Lieo¡¯s feelings are still new to me. I don¡¯t know how to react to that.


    Lieo gave me a warm and knowing smile. ¡°You don¡¯t need to say something. I already knew that I will never have a chance at you. You were madly in love with Andrew to spare a nce at me.¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    My eye got teary after hearing those words from him. Lieo is a great guy. Any girl will be lucky to have him. It¡¯s just that, Andrew already owns my heart.


    ¡°Thank you Lieo for liking me and I¡¯m sorry for not being able to like you back. You are a great guy and I wish and pray for you to find the woman who will give you the love that you deserve.¡± I said to him with full sincerity.


    Lieo held my hand. ¡°Thank you and you don¡¯t need to apologize. It was my choice to like you but I will never ask anything in return.¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I know. That¡¯s how great of a man you are.¡±


    All the things that I heard about Anne are not something I could overlook. I need to do something about it, especially now that she was involved with Andrew. I can see how much Andrew trusts her. He needs to know all this. But how?


    ¡°Andrew has the right to know all this,¡± I said to Lieo.


    Lieo nodded in agreement. ¡°I tried but I failed because he knew my feelings for you. But you can tell him. He will surely listen and believe in you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but if Andrew found out that the information came from you then he might not believe it,¡± I said.


    ¡°Unless you gave him proof which I have.¡±


    We both turned to Lance who suddenly pop out.

 Chapter 22 Evidences

    This night reminded me that we must not trust anyone so easily because sometimes they are not the people we think they are.


    I still can¡¯t believe everything I heard about Anne. Hearing it from Mich was already a big shock for me, what more when Lance gave me all the pieces of evidence that prove all Mich¡¯s ims about her.


    Lance was walking confidently towards our table. He has an envelope in his hand. He ces it on the table in front of me.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± I asked while looking strangely at the envelope.


    ¡°It has all the pieces of evidence that can prove all Lieo¡¯s im about that woman,¡± Lance said with a smirk on his face.


    My brow furrowed. ¡°Why do you have this? And how did you know that we are talking about Anne? Are you secretly listening to our conversation?¡± I asked him.


    Guilt was written all over his face. ¡°Well, I got curious. But when I heard that woman¡¯s name, I already knew what you guys are talking about. That is why I got all these pieces of evidence since I know that you will be needing this now.¡± He mumbled.


    I got his point but he didn¡¯t answer my first question.


    ¡°But why do you have this?¡± I asked again.


    He looks at me with soft eyes. ¡°You are my cousin, Allison. It¡¯s only natural for me to be protective of you. I should know about all the people who are approaching you. I knew Iya, Andrew, Mike, Vince, and Lieo because they are my friends, I¡¯m confident that they are good for you. But I don¡¯t know anything about Anne. So I should check if she is good for you.¡±


    My eyes widen a fraction from the shock of his statement. ¡°So you did a background check on her? When was that?¡±


    Lance shrugged his shoulder. ¡°I have to. I need to be sure that you are friends with the right people. I don¡¯t want people to take advantage of you. You¡¯ve been away from us for 26 years and now that we found you, I will do everything to protect you.¡±


    ¡°A month after we met her in person, I notice that you are bing close with her, that¡¯s why I hired a private investigator to do a background check about her. A month after your college reunion, I got the result of the investigation. It took a while because I ask for a thorough background check. I was beyond shocked when I read all the information with pieces of evidence about her. I went to Lieo to inform him about that woman but I was alreadyte because he already knew about it.¡± Lance added.


    I saw Lieo smile and nod.


    ¡°That was the night I came back from America.¡± I can¡¯t help but utter.


    Lance nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Then why did you let her be close to Andrew? And why didn¡¯t you tell all this to me?!¡± I demanded him.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°If I told all this to you, then you will not be able to achieve what you have now. You will surely go back here and reconcile with Andrew. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I am not against your rtionship with Andrew but I don¡¯t want you to miss a great opportunity that is already in front of you.¡± He exined.


    I gazed at him waiting for him to answer my first question. ¡°Why did you let her be close to Andrew?¡± I asked again.


    ¡°I simply don¡¯t care about Andrew. He¡¯s old enough to do his own investigation.¡± He said nonchntly.


    My lips parted from his reason. Are they really friends?!


    ¡°Stop looking at me like that. I just think that Andrew needed her to make you jealous.¡± He defended himself.


    ¡°But why only now? If you didn¡¯t hear my conversation with Lieo today, do you have ns on telling this thing to me?¡±


    ¡°Of course! I¡¯m just waiting for perfect timing. And I guess this is it!¡± Lance said.


    I nodded at himpletely understanding his point. But my eyes widen when I remember something.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you also do that to Noah and Charles?!¡± I asked him.


    He smirked. ¡°Of course, but don¡¯t worry those people are good for you. I support you with your friendship with them.¡±


    I didn¡¯t have enough sleep. I was so consumed by all the information I gotst night from Mich, Lieo, and Lance. I need to find a perfect time to talk to Andrew about this. I will not allow him to be blinded by Anne anymore.


    I was scheduled with the boys today. I thought of a light concept for my coboration with them on my vlog. I want people to see their fun and cool side. I¡¯m sure that the people will love them.


    The shoot will be held in the biggest store of my favorite luxury brand, Lush. This vlog is sponsored by them. I am confident of having the boys as my model for this vlog. Aside from good looks, they also have great physiques. They can level with Noah when ites to looks and physiques. But obviously, Noah is more experienced than them.


    ¡°Ms. Alli, our guests are already in the dressing room, our makeup artists are already assisting them,¡± Isabel informed me thru the inte.


    ¡°I got it. Thanks, Isabel.¡±


    I closed myptop and went out of my office to greet them in the dressing room.


    ¡°Alli!¡± Iya greeted me as soon as she saw me entering the room.


    Iya asked me if she could join the shoot. She wants to see the boys in front of the camera. I told her she is wee to join us in the shoot.


    I saw Anne beside Andrew in my peripheral vision. I still can¡¯t move on fromst night¡¯s revtion.


    ¡°Control your emotion. You are too obvious.¡± Lance whispered.


    I nodded at him. I went to Lieo, Vince, and Mike to check on them. I decided to check on them first before going to Andrew. I was trying to calm myself as Lance advice me to do.


    ¡°Hey, Andrew thank you again for doing this for me. Are they treating you well?¡± I asked in a formal voice.


    Andrew looks at me with an amused face. ¡°They are treating me nice. Don¡¯t worry about me ba- Alli.¡±


    I gave him a warning look. I knew he was just teasing me.


    Anne was looking at us. I was nning to ignore her for the whole shoot because I am not confident that I can act as if I was still ignorant about her. But I can¡¯t because of the people around us.


    ¡°Ms. Alli, I heard that you and Ms. Anne were also friends,¡± Lea said, Andrew¡¯s Personal Assistant.


    I was doing my best not to think ill of Anne. But I can¡¯t help it. I think that Lea got that information from Anne.


    ¡°We were friends before. But we lostmunication when Alli went to America. I was hesitant to message her since she was already a big star.¡± Anne answered on behalf of me when she noticed how surprised I was when asked by Lea.


    She looks shy and ufortable.


    ¡°But you are still friends, right? I mean even if you are already famous, you will not forget your friends.¡± Leamented.


    My brow rosed from what she said. It¡¯s so obvious that she means something maliciously.


    ¡°Alli is not that kind of person, Lea. Be careful with your words.¡± Andrew said in a cold voice.


    I saw Lea and Anne flinched.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir,¡± Lea said then she bite her lips.


    ¡°Alli was not able to contact us when she was in the US, except for her family but as you can see we are perfectly fine with it and our rtionship did not change a bit. And I didn¡¯t hire you to gossip. Consider this as a warning Lea. And Anne makes sure you know how to handle this kind of people.¡±

 Chapter 23 TEAMS

    Andrew¡¯s cold voice was new to everyone. Anne and Lea were obviously flustered by Andrew¡¯s warning.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Andrew may look snob but he was never cold to anyone, especially people who are working for him. I can understand the shock and confusion on their face. Maybe he was too lenient with them that¡¯s why they can boldly approach me like that.


    My brow furrowed when I notice Lea¡¯s re at me. I don¡¯t understand why she treats me like she knows me. I¡¯m bing more curious about what Anne told her to receive that kind of hateful stare. Or is she ming me because she got scolded by Andrew?!


    I don¡¯t want to make this issue a big deal.


    I was about to leave when Andrew hold my hand and squeeze it. I gave her a warning look but he didn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°Your assistant told us that you will be the one who will do the briefing about today¡¯s shoot?¡± Andrew asked while still holding my hand.


    I nodded at him. ¡°Yes, since I was the one who came up with this content. I¡¯ll leave you now with them. We¡¯ll leave as soon as you guys are done.¡± I said while forcefully taking his hand out on me.


    Andrew squeeze my hand before he finally release me. ¡°Okay, see youter Ms. vlogger.¡± Andrew naughtily said.


    Andrew did change a lot. He was more yful now. I¡¯m loving him more for that.


    My team already did the setup in Lush¡¯s store. I took my camera and did my first spiel outside Lush.


    ¡°Good day my beautiful stars! This is my first time vlogging here in my country. I miss the US of course especially my friends but it¡¯s still great to be home with my family and friends.¡± I started my opening spiels.


    I stop the recording and gave my camera to our videographer. He will be shooting me now as I introduce Lush¡¯s biggest store here in the Philippines.


    ¡°Do you guys know where I am right now?¡± I said then I pause for five seconds.


    ¡°I¡¯m here at the newly open store of Lush here in Greenbelt, Makati. This will serve as Lush¡¯s gship store here in the Philippines. I can¡¯t wait to see how marvelous this ce is. I heard that Lush coborated with Filipino designers and high-end furniture brands for the store¡¯s interiors.¡±


    ¡°OMG! I am super excited! But before that, I will introduce to you my special guest for today¡¯s vlog. These men are very close to my heart. They are friends since grade school. One of them is the hottest and in-demand leading man in the country, the other one is the most loved singer in the country, anyone would dream to be serenaded by him and the other three are very sessful businessmen. It¡¯s my honor to introduce this band to you my beautiful stars. Let¡¯s wee them today, Allison band!¡±


    The boys when to me one by one led by Vince. They all kiss me on the cheek and greeted me for formal sake.


    ¡°Wee to my vlog guys!¡± I greeted them excitedly.


    ¡°Thank you Alli for having us. It was a dreame true for us, right boys?¡± Mike started to tease me.


    ¡°It¡¯s too early for teasing guys. Don¡¯t show your bully side to them.¡± I said to ride their teasing.


    ¡°We are not teasing you though. What Mike¡¯s said is true. we are a fan of yours. We are also a member of your fans club here in the Philippines.¡± Lance said in support of Mike.


    I can¡¯t help but roll my eyes. ¡°Whatever guys! Let¡¯s go inside the store, I¡¯m so excited to see the interiors and of course their product. You guys are so fortunate because you will be the first to see Lush¡¯s collection for this season.¡±


    All of us went inside the store. We are weed by Lush¡¯s representative, store manager, and their staff.  After a few greetings, we explore the store first.


    I was in awe as I explore the store. The ceiling panels are made of textile made from the fiber of local leaves, with the woman¡¯s leather goods area showcasing bamboo teardropsmps made by Filipino craftsmen. The private lounge¡¯s sliding doors mimic capiz windows while rugs bear designs that echoplex tribal tattoo patterns. There¡¯s a breezy tropical feel to the space but the approach to achieving this cabana vibe is light and understated.


    There are also Filipino artworks here and there made of strips of acrylic, handwoven abaca, polyester fabric, and a tasteful mix of cord, rope, and tapestry.


    They have aplete and extensive selection for women, from thetest ready-to-wear to leather goods. It also has a Capucines Wall where thetest pieces of iconic bags are being disyed.


    And among all Lush¡¯s stores here in the country, this is the only store to have aplete men¡¯s selection. I was asked to highlight this area which is why this vlog content is perfect for the boys.


    After the quick tour of the store, they guided us to the VIP rooms where the main shoot will be held.


    I let the videographer record clips from the VIP room first. We will insert it to highlight the area.


    My staff started to ce the roulette. They signal me that we can go now to the center to start the shoot.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you guys want to see more of these beautiful men beside me. That¡¯s why I decided to do the Ster¡¯s wheel of fashion challenge.¡± I started my second spiel.


    ¡°I will group these men into two. So we have team Vince and team Andrew. I will make it hard for you guys to choose.¡± I said as I look in front of the camera.


    I asked Vince and Andrew to step in front.


    ¡°I will let Vince and Andrew choose their first team,¡± I told them.


    Vince chooses Lieo which I already expect because there is no way Andrew will choose him. Andrew chooses Lance. Since they are five in the group, I will be needing one more yer. I wish Noah was here toplete them but I had no choice but to ask Iya on the spot to join the challenge.


    ¡°Since no one chooses Mike, which is a pity. We need one more person toplete the team.¡± I said as a payback tease to Mike.


    Mike red at me, I just gave him a victorious smirk.


    ¡°My stars are extra lucky for today because aside from these gorgeous men, we also have today our favorite DJ, Iya!¡± I said in an excited voice.


    The boys¡¯ eyes widen from the shock of my sudden announcement. Iya was equally shocked with them. One of my team asks her to go with us. She had no choice but to follow.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if you guys already know that DJ Iya is Andrew¡¯s cousin and a very good friend of mine,¡± I said as an introduction for Iya.


    ¡°Because of that, I will put DJ Iya on Vince¡¯s team.¡±


    Now that the team is already settled. I exin to them the mechanics of the challenge. I will spin the roulette to choose a particr outfit that they will need to do. I will take a picture of the outfit that they made and I will post it on my social media ount and do a poll to determine the winner.


    I asked them to choose their representative or model for the challenge. Vince¡¯s team chose Lieo and Andrew¡¯s team chose him as their team¡¯s model.


    I did the first spin for the first challenge and the roulette pointed at the ¡°Date night¡± outfit.


    ¡°You need to create an outfit for date night. Are you guys dating?¡± I asked to give the viewers what they want to ask.


    ¡°Are we allowed to spill it?¡± Vince said in a teasing tone.


    ¡°Are you?¡± I said to ride his teasing.


    The more it looks natural, the more the people will believe that I was just friends with these men and there is no way I am dating one of them. Or even if they think I am dating one of the boys, it will be hard for them to figure it out seeing how close I am with anyone of them.


    I was nning on going out publicly with them to make the public more confused. In that way, no one will be suspicious of my rtionship with Andrew, even if they saw us going out together.


    The two teams were done with the challenge. Lieo was wearing ck jeans, white sleeve shirt, a navy blue zer, and white sneakers.


    Andrew, on the other hand, was wearing burgundy suits with a white t-shirt underneath and white sneakers.


    ¡°I mustmend the two groups, you guys did a great job to the two gentlemen here. And I¡¯m sure that my followers will have a hard time to choose between these two gentlemen here.¡± I said to them then I look in front of the camera.


    ¡°But if you were the one to choose Alli, who would you choose between Lieo and Andrew?¡±

 Chapter 24 COMPETITION

    ¡°But if you were the one to choose Alli, who would you choose between Lieo and Andrew?¡±


    I wanted to re at my cousin for asking a malicious question. His evil smirk gives his intentions away. But I can¡¯t re at him because the camera is focusing on me. Instead, I gave him my sweetest smile.


    ¡°My opinion now doesn¡¯t matter because my followers will be the ones to decide the winner for this round,¡± I said the safest answer I could think of.


    ¡°We will respect the people¡¯s opinion but we want to hear yours since you are the expert here,¡± Mike said in support of Lance.


    I always wanted to kill these two. They love to tease me every time they see an opportunity to do so.


    ¡°I like how both teams dressed them up so it¡¯s a tie for me,¡± I said then smirked.


    ¡°That¡¯s cheating!¡± Mike expresses his protest.


    I chuckled and shook my head. As a host of this vlog, I need to be neutral to both teams. But if I were to choose, I will pick Andrew not because he was my boyfriend but because he was exceptionally handsome from that outfit. Lieo¡¯s outfit is also good but the burgundy suit caught my attention.


    A minuteter, I saw my staff signal me that they already have the result. They were the ones who posted the photos of Lieo and Andrew on my Instagram ount.


    ¡°We got the result! Are you guys ready to hear the result?¡± I said while epting the envelope where the result is.


    I look at them and I could see thepetitiveness in their eyes. I smile to myself, I guess both teams wanted to win. I thought that this kind of game is nothing to them but their eyes say that they are serious about this game.


    ¡°The winner for this round is team¡­¡± I said then pause for a few seconds to make the announcement more nerve-wracking.


    ¡°Team Andrew!¡±


    Mike and Lance scream yes while Andrew smirk.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s unfair since Andrew has many fans.¡± DJ Iya protested.


    ¡°That¡¯s how losersin!¡± Lance teases Iya more.


    I saw Vince¡¯s brow furrowed and about to say something when I saw Iya¡¯s hand stopping Vince from answering back. Is it just me or there¡¯s really something going on between Iya and Vince.


    I notice them when I first arrived here and had our reunion and wee party, Vince is always beside Iya and they act as if they have their own world. The way they look at each other is different from before. I should ask Iya about this. Thest time I check the one Iya likes is Mavin that¡¯s why she was heartbroken when she found out that Mavin has a girlfriend.


    ¡°So team Vince do you want to change your model?¡± I asked to stop the tension between the two groups.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll have Vince as our new model to be fairer,¡± Iya said.


    ¡°That¡¯s unfair!¡± Lanceined but I know he was not serious about it. He just wants to mess with the other group.


    ¡°Lance behave. Stop being a pussy!¡± I said then rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Oops! Sorry guys, I just need to calm my cousin.¡± I said when I realized my action.


    All of us burst outughing.


    I cleared my throat. ¡°Let¡¯s start our next challenge.¡±


    I did not wait for their answer, I proceeded to the roulette and spin it.


    ¡°Airport fashion! This one is cool. I can¡¯t wait to see the boys with their airport outfits.¡± I said.


    Both teams went to their area and started choosing clothes for Vince and Andrew.


    Andrew¡¯s team was the first one to finish. The team chose a more casual go-to outfit. Andrew was wearing ck ripped jeans, a white t-shirt, a ck leather jacket, white sneakers, a white baseball cap, and a ck leather backpack. I like the outfit especially the ck jacket, it gave a singer vibe which suits him best.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    A minuteter, Vince¡¯s team came out. This team chose a more formal style. Vince was wearing a white long sleeve shirt rolled up, grey checkered slim-fit pants, brown leather belt, brown loafer shoes, and dark brown leather duffle bag.


    ¡°I must admit that I¡¯m quite surprised with your styling skills. I might lose my job now.¡± I joke to lighten up the mood.


    The teams are both determined to win. My team gave me the envelope.


    ¡°The winner for this round is team¡­¡±


    Vince holding Iya¡¯s hand caught my attention. I suddenly want to finish the shoot and ask Iya about them.


    ¡°Team Vince!¡± I announced.


    I could see the disbelief in Team Andrew¡¯s expression while Iya scream from the happiness of winning, Vine and Lieo just smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s only right for Vince to have more supporters than Andrew because he was already a veteran actor.¡± Lance gave a sidement.


    I just shook my head because of how childish my cousin is.


    We started the third round and Team Vince won the challenge. They all say that it¡¯s because Vince has more fans than Andrew but I disagree. I honestly like more the style that Team Vince created from thest two rounds.


    Finally, we are done with the shoot. My team went back to the office after the shoot. I stay with my friends since they want me to treat them for a job well done.


    Vince and Andrew told their team that they are done for today.


    ¡°Anne you can also go with them. We want to enjoy this day. We don¡¯t want to have awkward feels just because of your presence.¡± Lance said to Anne frankly.


    Anne flinches at Lance¡¯s straightforward request.


    ¡°What? Alli are you not yet okay with Anne?¡± Iya asked.


    ¡°Yes. I still feel ufortable with her.¡± I honestly said then I look at Andrew.


    Andrew sighed beside me. ¡°I guess you can¡¯t go with us today Anne. I¡¯m sorry.¡± He said.


    I know that Lance and I were a bit cruel to her now but I can¡¯t act as if I¡¯m still blinded by her facade.


    Anne nodded but you can see that she was on the verge of crying. I understand her reaction it was humiliating for her.


    ¡°What¡¯s with you and Anne?¡± Iya asks as soon as Anne left.


    ¡°I will exin to you soon. I need to talk first to Andrew.¡± I told her.


    ¡°What? I thought you were like that to her because of the kiss.¡± Iya said a bit lost.


    ¡°Well yes, that¡¯s also one of the reasons. Who would befortable knowing someone kisses your boyfriend and what¡¯s more when the person who did that is your best friend?¡±


    ¡°But she had a valid excuse!¡± Iya reasoned out.


    I wanted to spill everything to Iya. She was so nice to Anne, just like me, she also treated Anne as her best friend. I know she will be hurt once she found out everything about her.


    ¡°Is that really valid? I wish I could tell you everything right now, but I need to tell it first to Andrew.¡± I said doing my best to stop myself from spilling it to her.


    ¡°Fine. But promise me, you¡¯ll tell me okay? I don¡¯t want to be in the dark.¡±


    ¡°Of course. That¡¯s a promise.¡± I said and hug her.


    I was about to release Iya from my hug when I notice Vince watching us. I gave him a suspicious look. He look away and went to Lieo to chat.


    I release Iya and look intently at her. ¡°Is there something going on between you and Vince?¡±

 Chapter 25 NEW ROMANCE

    Iya and Vince possible romance never crossed my mind. I always thought that Iya will end up Mavin even though I know that Mavin has a girlfriend. There is something in Mavin and Iya that I can¡¯t exin. Maybe it¡¯s the chemistry between them since they belong to the same radio program and their listeners or supporters are also rooting for them.


    But seeing how flustered Iya is right now after I asked her if something is going on between her and Vince, I guess, something is really going on between them. And I can¡¯t wait to know all the details from them.


    When I was new to the group, Vince was the closest to me. The friendship that we built at that time was like the friendship I have with Charles.


    ¡°Silent means yes. OMG! I can¡¯t believe it! Does Andrew knows about you two?¡± I asked Iya while giggling.


    ¡°Oh no, Alli! Don¡¯t tell it yet to my cousin. We are not there yet, we are in a getting to know each other stage but more deeply and romantically.¡±  Iya said a bit shy.


    I am happy for her. Seeing how she blushes while telling me those words only proves how happy she is and she is already over with Mavin. But the inner Marites (Filipino term for gossiper) in me wants to know about Mavin.


    ¡°What happened to Mavin? I mean after you found out that she already has a girlfriend?¡±


    She smiles at me but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Mavin is doing good. He was very much in love with his girlfriend. I really thought that he likes me, but it was all my delusion. He was nning to propose to his girlfriend this month. He even asks me for advice.¡±


    My heart is aching for Iya. I know the feeling when the person you love is already with someone else. But Iya¡¯s situation is worse than mine. It¡¯s torture for her to listen to Mavin talking about his girlfriend, what¡¯s more, asking her for advice about his wedding proposal to his girlfriend. I was sorry for not being there for her when she was experiencing that.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Iya because I was there when you needed someone to talk to or lean on,¡± I said full of regrets.


    Iya holds my hand and smiles warmly at me. ¡°I understand. You are also going through something.¡±


    Iya¡¯s statement made me guiltier. ¡°Yes, but mine was because of misunderstanding,¡± I said a bit ashamed to admit it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on the past. Everything happens for a reason. If you were there for me at that time, then what I have with Vince now wouldn¡¯t be possible.¡± Iya said tofort me.


    I get her point and I agree that everything happens for a reason. And honestly, I can¡¯t totally say that I regret not asking Andrew for an exnation because if I did that then all the things I have now will be gone. There¡¯s always a perfect season for everything.


    Two years ago is a season for my career and now is the season for love.


    After our dinner, all of us went back to my house. I still need to shoot them ying as a band. It will be the first public appearance or debut of the Allison band.


    Iya and I were so thrilled to watch them again. All of them were very busy in the past years that¡¯s why they weren¡¯t able to jam just like in the past.


    ¡°After two years, we finally got the time to jam just like the old times,¡± Lance said while the five of them were testing their equipment.


    Mike is on drums, Vince on bass, Lance on rhythm, Lieo on keyboard and vocals, and of course my love, Andrew on lead guitar and vocals.


    I miss seeing them perform. I¡¯m couldn¡¯t be happier now because people will finally see a hidden gem in the music industry.  I always feel like Allison band is a loss to the music industry, their band deserves to be known not just in the Philippines but in the world.


    I started setting up my camera to record them. I also opened my IG ount to do live. I can¡¯t wait for the world to see them. It¡¯s their time to shine.


    ¡°Hi, my beautiful stars! I have great news for all of you! My most favorite band in the world is here with me now. I always wanted the world to see this band. They are great and don¡¯t deserve to be hidden.¡± I started my intro spiels.


    I could see the excitement and curiosity in all of them. Some already guess that it¡¯s Andrew¡¯s college band. My viewers were more excited about the possibility that I¡¯m referring to Andrew¡¯s college band.


    ¡°I¡¯m here in my cousin¡¯s band room that he built for his group. And your guess is right guys, it¡¯s Andrew¡¯s college band and yes, Andrew and Vince are here with me now. Vince and Andrew say hi to the fifty-four thousand viewers!¡± I said then I move the phone camera to Andrew and Vince.


    ¡°Hi, guys!¡± Andrew and Vince greeted them.


    Myment section exploded with the viewer¡¯s excitement to watch them. I move my phone camera to myself again to introduce Iya as well.


    ¡°And you guys are extra lucky because with me is the very beautiful DJ Iya!¡± I said then zoom out the phone camera for the viewers to see Iya.


    ¡°Hi everyone!¡¯ Iya greeted them.


    I look at myment section and they were all asking why Iya is with us and if I¡¯m close to her.


    ¡°Trivia guys, Iya is my best friend. And I¡¯m not sure if you guys knew that Iya is Andrew¡¯s cousin. It was thru Andrew that I met Iya and we became the closest friends.¡±


    The viewers started to mention Anne and ask if I was also close with her. I chose to ignore their question and tried to think of a better spiel.


    ¡°I know how much you guys want Andrew and Vince to be in my vlog and magazine. I am giving you want you wanted and so much more.¡± I said instead so that they won¡¯t ask again about Anne.


    I saw Lance give a thumbs up, meaning that they are ready to start.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    I smile widely at the camera, with no ns of hiding the excitement that I am feeling right now. ¡°Now, I am proud to introduce to you, Allison band!¡±


    I click the record button on my camera and shift my phone to them, then Mike gave his signal then they started ying.


    Hearing the song that they yed warmed my heart. It was the song that Andrew sang for me on our first date and asked me to be his girlfriend. It brings me back to wonderful memories.


    Every line in the song, thank God I found you, hits me. Andrew was looking out at me while singing the first verse. I could feel his love for me through the song.


    Then Lieo sang the second verse. It was my first time hearing him sing. He also has a soulful voice, their tone is a bit different but both are beautiful to listen to.


    When Andrew and Lieo sing together, you could hear how their voiceplements each other. This band is so perfect. I hope that they could give people the chance to hear them more. I know they can¡¯t pursue a band career, but I still hope for them to produce an album that could make history. I am more than willing to be their producer.


    After they finish with the son. I pick my phone again and shift the camera back to me. As expected they all love it and they are asking for more. They were all hoping for them to release an album.


    ¡°Wow! Thank you guys for your warm support for my favorite band. Don¡¯t worry guys I will post this on my vlog channel. You could y their cover song as many as you can.¡± I said.


    I saw some who are asking about the name of the band. Why was the band named after me? They even ask if I was the one who suggested the name of the band.


    ¡°I know you guys are all curious why the band name is Allison. They will answer that in my interview with them. I hope you guys will watch it!¡±


    Now, I¡¯m a hundred percent sure that my cover for next month will be a huge hit because aside from Filipino viewers, my followers in America are starting to get curious about the band.

 Chapter 26 PROUD

    ¡°OMG! Allison band is trending on Twitter worldwide!¡±


    I smirked, feeling so proud of them. The first time I heard this group perform, I knew that people would love them. This band is a total package, aside from being so talented they also have exceptional looks that can make people crazy.


    The boys just shrugged upon hearing the news. They are not like the other guys who are into fame. In fact, they avoid it. They are already busy as it is, they don¡¯t have time for things like this.


    ¡°Should I start to get worried about this?¡± Lancemented.


    Iya¡¯s lips parted. ¡°What?! Isn¡¯t it good news?¡±


    ¡°You think so? I know that you are too busy with your love life to even realize that we never wanted fame. We are already busy with our businesses, we don¡¯t have more time to spare for showbiz.¡±


    Iya¡¯s eyes widen at Lance. While Vince red at him. I just shook my head. My cousin is so busy with hispany but he has always time to gossip. Lance and Mike are true-blooded Marites (gossiper).


    ¡°What do you mean love life? Iya do you have a boyfriend now? Why am I not aware?¡± Andrew asks with his brow creased.


    Iya blush and bit her lower lip. ¡°No, I don¡¯t have a boyfriend. Lance was just teasing me.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that you don¡¯t have a boyfriend?¡± Vince asked in a teasing tone.


    Iya¡¯s face reddened even more because of Vince¡¯s teasing. Andrew, on the other hand, remains serious. The ever protective Andrew is here again.


    ¡°How sweet¡± Mike uttered while coughing.


    Mike¡¯s attempted teasing is my cue to change the topic.


    ¡°People are asking for your name guys. They only knew Andrew, Vince, and Lance.¡± I said trying to change the topic.


    ¡°When are you going to post the one that they perform a while ago?¡± Iya asks to help me to change the topic.


    ¡°I will send this recording to the marketing team tomorrow morning, then they will upload it tomorrow night,¡± I said.


    ¡°Then I guess you could put their names while they are ying,¡± Iya suggested.


    ¡°We could do that but, the team already shoot them in the studio before we left to Lush gship store. That will serve as their intro video with their names on it.¡± I exined to her.


    Iya and I were able to sessfully change the topic. We went out of the studio to go to the pool area. We wanted to make most of the time now that we are all free from our schedule.


    I saw Andrew and Iya talking. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s about Lance¡¯s statement about Iya¡¯s love life. I love my cousin so much but I really want to strangle his neck in times like this. He was no help at all.


    Vince was looking at the two, I could see the worries in his eyes. I bet Vince also wanted to strangle the neck of my cousin right now.


    ¡°Are you okay Vince?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I am.¡± He replied still looking at Andrew and Iya.


    ¡°Andrew won¡¯t bite, don¡¯t worry about Iya. He was just too protective of her.¡± I said which earn his full attention.


    I smiled and tap him on his shoulder. ¡°It never crossed my mind that you like Iya. When did you start liking her?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.


    Vince¡¯s feelings for Iya are a big mystery for me. There is no sign that he has an interest in her, so imagine my shock when I found out about them.


    ¡°Since Andrew introduce her to me. I like her since then.¡± Vince said with his serious eyes.


    My eyes widen a fraction from his revtion. ¡°Why didn¡¯t notice that?¡± I asked myself but loud enough for Vince to hear.


    He chuckled. ¡°You are too busy with Andrew to notice it.¡±


    ¡°I doubt that. You are just god in hiding your feelings since you are an actor.¡± I said defensively.


    ¡°Admit it, Alli. Your attention is solely for Andrew. You already failed in Lieo. You made yourself believe that Lieo likes Anne, when the truth is, you were the one who Lieo likes.¡± Vince said then smirked.


    I was not able to answer him because what he said is true. Maybe he was right, I was unaware that all my attention was only towards Andrew, that¡¯s why I fail to see Lieo¡¯s feelings for me and Vince¡¯s feelings for Iya


    ¡°Should I apologize?¡± I asked a bit unsure.


    Vinceughs and messes with my hair. ¡°No, silly. I understand. But I hope you won¡¯t cut us when you are dealing with your broken heart.¡±


    ¡°I know, that was so immature of me. I¡¯m really sorry about that. I won¡¯t do that again, I promise.¡±


    The night went well. I was not able to have alone time with Andrew that¡¯s why I failed to tell him about Anne. I was nning to tell him everything on our next date, next week. We were too busy for the whole week though he said that he will try to visit me at home to spend just a little with me. I know I could tell it to him in those times, but I think the information I got about Anne could still wait until next week since I only have a little amount to spend with Andrew this week, I want that moment to be just him.


    It¡¯s a bit frustrating because I wanted to tell Andrew about it, but I guess it wasn¡¯t the perfect time yet.


    As expected, Allison band¡¯s song cover is a huge hit. We got fifty million views in just one day. We never got that kind of view in all the videos we uploaded. I think the highest views we got for one day is five million and that was my interview with Noah. I can¡¯t believe they surpass Noah!


    ¡°I was beaten by your boyfriend!¡± Noah said on the phone.


    ¡°It was not just Andrew okay?! They are five of them in the video. Of course, they can beat you.¡± I said in a teasing tone.


    ¡°Are you consoling me or what?¡± He said, I could imagine his annoyed face.


    ¡°Of course not! I was being logical here. Plus you know how the Filipino fans are so active when ites to things like this! They would always want to set a record.¡± I reasoned out.


    ¡°Point taken. Ava was asking for the other vocalist¡¯s name.¡± Noah suddenly asked.


    My eyes widen a fraction upon realizing who was he referring to. ¡°Why is Ava asking about Lieo? Did she likes Lieo?¡± I asked excitedly.


    ¡°Maybe? I¡¯m not sure. You should ask her.¡± He said nonchntly.


    ¡°I would ask her definitely!¡± I said while giggling.


    I think Ava would be great for Lieo! Ava is way different from Anne. She was so easy to love.


    ¡°When are youing back? I miss you my star.¡± He said in a sweet voice.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You can¡¯t be like that to me when Ie back. Andrew said that he wille with me when I go back. He will hate you when you act like that towards me.¡± I warned him.


    ¡°Oh, really? I would definitely act extra sweet to you when you introduce me to him.¡± He burst outughing and excited shrieked.


    ¡°Noah!!!¡±


    ¡°What?! Seeing his jealous face is fun!¡± He shrieked excitedly in the background again.

 Chapter 27 INTERVIEW

    A week has passed so quickly.


    My team is confident that our uing cover will break the sales record after getting all the positive responses from the fans. Three days after we uploaded the song cover of the band, we uploaded our first vlog coboration with them. We got another record-breaking views. Fashion Challenge with Allison Band got seventy million views in one day.


    Today is the much-awaited interview with the band.


    ¡°Last week, they became the most trending band after they yed a cover song. We have with us, Allison band.¡±


    Andrew, Lieo, and Vince smiled at me, while Lance and Mike p their hand and chant.


    I chuckled and smiled at them. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you boys! You don¡¯t know how happy I am that finally, people have seen your innate musical talent.¡± I said not nning to hide my genuine happiness for them.


    ¡°No biggie,¡± Mike said in a yful tone.


    The staff can¡¯t help butugh at his short remarks.


    ¡°You are aware that you are trending for a whole week on Twitter and not just in the Philippines but worldwide, right?!¡±


    Vince nodded. ¡°Yes, my handler is giving updates about it.¡±


    ¡°Same with me,¡± Andrew answered.


    ¡°Unlike these two celebrities beside me, we don¡¯t have a handler who could give us updates regarding the trending thingy. But we have DJ Iya, who¡¯s so willing to give updates about it. She even sends us screenshots as proof. That¡¯s crazy because for us it¡¯s just a normal thing.¡± Lance said.


    I understand my cousin¡¯s reaction. ying music with his friends is just a normal thing for him so to hear that what they usually do became a trending topic is unbelievable. Also, they are not aware of how the entertainment industry works. Vince never talks about his industry to them, same with everyone else on their respective businesses.


    ¡°I understand your point, Lance. It may be a normal thing to you but not to the people. Watching you guys y, feels like they found a hidden gem that¡¯s why they are eager to watch you more.¡±


    Now that we are done with the introduction part, I began to ask them questions about themselves. I¡¯m sure people want to know more about them.


    ¡°Can you share with us, how you guys became friends?¡±


    Vince was the one who answered the question. ¡°Andrew and I were neighbors. Since we are the same age, our parents wanted us to be friends. Then when we were in grade school we met Mike, Lieo, and Lance. Lance and Mike are already close on the first day of school since they both have simr personalities. Lieo and Andrew were seatmates, so naturally, they became close. And since Andrew and I were friends, he introduce me to Lieo.¡±


    ¡°How did you be friends with Lance and Mike? I mean those two are extroverts while the three of you are introverts. That¡¯s always been a mystery for me.¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°That¡¯s an interesting one. Andrew never likes Mike and Lance because they are too active and noisy.¡±


    My eyes widen from the shock of his revtion. I never heard of that!


    ¡°What happened? OMG! That¡¯s a revtion to me.¡± I said to my utter amazement.


    ¡°Andrew got bullied by a higher grade. You know, this friend of mine is a bit snobbish.¡±


    I nodded in agreement which gain a re from Andrew. I just gave him my sweet sheepish smile.


    ¡°Since he was a bit snobbish, many from the higher grade hates him. One group keeps on bullying him.¡± Vince continued the story.


    ¡°What are those bullied guys do to him?¡± I asked a bit curious and angry towards those bullies.


    ¡°They are calling him names, sometimes they hit him or they will get his bag and throw it on the trash can.¡±


    I never heard of it! I didn¡¯t know that he got bullied. If I were there I will definitely punch those bullies!


    ¡°One time, Lance saw them throwing Andrew¡¯s bag on the trash can. He approaches those bullies and stops them from throwing the bag. The bullies got angry at Lance for meddling with their business. The next day, they bullied not only Andrew but also Lance.¡±


    ¡°What did you guys do?¡± I asked.


    ¡°We chose to ignore them. But they just don¡¯t stop. One day, one of our girl schoolmates approach us and told us that we shouldn¡¯t tolerate those bullies. So she was the one who did a n on how to get back at those bullies. We follow her nt fight back to them, then the fight became a huge issue in the school. The principal called us and our parents because of the issue. We exin everything that happened and that schoolmate of ours volunteer as a witness of our ims.¡±


    ¡°What happens to them?¡± I asked.


    ¡°They should only be suspended but our parents demanded to expel those bullies. They don¡¯t have any choice but to abide by the request of our parents since they¡¯re the major sponsor of the school. Since then, we became the closest friends until now.¡± Vince ended his story.


    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s a very interesting story. You didn¡¯t share that with me.¡± I said.


    ¡°You never asked us that¡¯s why.¡± It was Mike who answered.


    I just rolled my eyes. ¡°But it¡¯s was all thanks to your schoolmate. If it wasn¡¯t for her, you guys will be bullied until they graduate.  How is she by the way? Did you be friends with her?¡± I curiously asked.


    ¡°We would want to but she suddenly transfer from another school. We were not able to have her contact number. But we are always grateful for her.¡± Lance sincerely said.


    After that, I asked them what kept them busy. They shared all their businesses. Vince as everyone knows is busy not only with his acting career but also in familiarizing himself with the whole organization of their TV Network. That is the reason why he rarely had a project on television. He told them the possibility of his early retirement as an actor to focus on managing the TV Network.


    Andrew on the other hand shared his driving school and car shop, as well as their Hotels and Resorts which is the core business of their family. Though they have their own hotels, they chose to celebrate Liah¡¯s birthday in LHI because they wanted to experience how the rival does their business. Since LHI is expanding in Asia which their hotels dominated, they are also nning to expand their business in Europe and America.


    Mike is the new CEO of one of the biggest shopping malls in the country. He also opened his ownpany andunched an app where people could do their shopping online.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    While Lieo owns one of the biggest telworks here in the country. Like Mike, he alsounched an app where every Filipino, whether a celebrity or not can do a live stream and earn money thru it. It has a great response in the Filipino market.


    Lance inherited his parent¡¯s real estatepany. It was managed by my dad when he was still studying. It was passed on to him after he got familiar with the whole organization. It was his idea to start at the bottom. He became the President and CEO of thepany after two years. Lance now belong to the top 3 property tycoon in the country.


    The group also shared how they came up with the name Allison. In this part of the interview, we already gave a little bit of my story to the viewers. Andrew also revealed that aside from that, Allison was the name of the schoolgirl that help them to ovee the bullies. As per him, it¡¯s their way of appreciating what she did for them. And also, she was the reason why the five of them got closer.


    ¡°Are you guys happy hearing all the positive responses about your band?¡± I asked as myst question.


    ¡°Can I be honest?¡± Lance asked.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I said.


    ¡°Some of us are a bit worried about all this. People wanted us to pursue this career which is impossible for us to do. I¡¯ll be very honest. Vince¡¯s management is offering us a contract and we already declined it because we have so much on our te right now. I don¡¯t know how Andrew manages it, because boy, this guy has many businesses of his own and he also manages their family business. Maybe he was able to do all these things because of love. Everything became possible when you are in love.¡± Lance said in his no filter answer.


    I got nervous at thetter part of his answer. Surely, people will be curious about the person Lance is referring to.

 Chapter 28 PERFECT TIMING

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me that you also got the name of your band from your grade schoolmate?¡±


    Andrew and I finally had our date after one whole week. I¡¯m bothered by the hint that Lance gave during the interview about Andrew¡¯s love life but I¡¯m more bothered by the fact that I¡¯m not the sole reason why they named their band Allison.


    Now, I feel like it was named after their schoolmate and not mine. I¡¯m not being selfish but a bit jealous now that I heard the story about her. It seems like, she was special to Andrew and I can¡¯t me him for that. What the girl did for them is a huge thing. You can¡¯t easily forget that.


    ¡°Am I even included when you named it, Allison?¡± I asked a bit annoyed when Andrew remained to look at me without saying anything.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Andrew held my hand firmly and caressed it to calm me down. But I was more annoyed with what he did.


    ¡°Can you stop staring at me and answer my question!¡± I hissed.


    He sighed but his hand remained on mine. ¡°I really named the band after you. You were the reason why we always y music together. I just remember that her name was also Allison, the reason why the five of us be close friends.¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°I doubt that.¡±


    ¡°Hey baby, look at me.¡± He said in a calm voice. ¡°It was really because of you. You were the first one who pop out when I was thinking the name of the band. Stop with all your doubt and trust me.¡±


    I¡¯m still not convinced with his answer but I don¡¯t want him to think that I¡¯m so shallow to make this thing an issue.


    ¡°I asked Lance a while ago if he met her again after she left your school, he said that he didn¡¯t. What about you?¡± I curiously asked.


    He nodded which made my eyes widen a fraction.


    ¡°I met her two years ago. She was the one who recognize me first.¡± He confessed.


    ¡°Wow! But I assume that you didn¡¯t mention that to the group, because I¡¯m sure that they would like to meet her again.¡± I said in conclusion.


    ¡°Yes. She asked me not to tell the group.¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡±


    Andrew shrugged. ¡°She has her reason. I¡¯m not in the position to share it.¡±


    What reason would that be? I can¡¯t think of the possible reason for her to ask Andrew not to tell the group about her. But I did not push it to Andrew.


    Our dinner went well. I¡¯m happy that we can now go out without people being suspicious of our rtionship. I did everything ording to n. I went out alone with Vincest week which became an issue but easily died down when someone posted that they also saw me having dinner with Lieo, though Mich and her husband are with us.


    Mich and I are getting along well. I remember Anne confronted me a while ago about me going out with Mich.


    ¡°Are you now friends with Mich?¡± She asked when she saw me getting coffee in the pantry.


    I look at her. Her eyes are using.


    My forehead creased. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me, being friends with Mich?¡±


    Her jaw drop. ¡°Are you really asking me that?! Did you forget what that girl did to me?¡±


    I smirk at her. ¡°No, I don¡¯t. Now tell me, what did she do to you for me to avoid her or not be friends with her?¡±


    Her eyes widen a fraction from the shock of my frankness. ¡°You¡¯ve changed.¡± She only said.


    ¡°Of course I change. Change is constant in this world.¡± I said then left her.


    I know that it¡¯s wrong to judge someone by her past. But in this case, we can¡¯t trust a girl like her with that kind of record. I¡¯m not sure if I will be thankful that Lieo didn¡¯t fall for her because he fell for me. I honestly want her to be out of our lives. Though, I hope that she will stop using men to achieve whatever she wants in life.


    I am fortunate to have well-off parents. But even when I haven¡¯t met them, I am happy with the simple life that I have with my adopted family. And I hope in the future, Anne will learn how to be contented in life. Money or material things is not the only thing that can make people happy. I know this sounds too good to be true but it¡¯s possible. I experience that firsthand in the past.


    ¡°How are you with Anne?¡± I asked Andrew.


    We are now in the pool area of my house having wine and light snacks. This area became our sanctuary since we became a public figure.


    Tonight, I am nning to reveal everything about Anne to Andrew. I feel bad that it took me a week before telling him about her, but we can¡¯t do anything about our schedule.


    I saw him flinch. ¡°Why are you asking me about her? Are you still not on good terms?¡± He asked instead.


    ¡°Why do you keep answering my question with another question? Can¡¯t you just answer me?¡± I said displeased with his answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s just weird hearing you ask me that kind of question. You know that I work with her. Obviously, we¡¯re good. I haven¡¯t fired her yet because she was doing good with her job. I¡¯m not surprised though, she always wanted to work in the entertainment industry. I¡¯m sure she told you about that.¡± He answered calmly.


    ¡°How did she be your manager? You haven¡¯t shared that with me yet.¡± I asked to find a good timing to tell him about what I found out about his manager.


    ¡°When I went back from the US, I shared with her why I failed to approach you to win you back. Then she came with the idea of me entering the music industry. She was sure that you will block all the numbers and social media ount that I will use to contact you. As per her, this is the best solution to approach you.¡±


    So it was Anne who encourage Andrew to pursue his career?!


    ¡°Then how did she be your manager?¡± I asked since his exnation is not enough as an answer to my question.


    ¡°Since she was the one who came up with that idea and was unemployed at that time, she automatically be my manager.¡± He said like it was the obvious answer.


    ¡°She was unemployed?¡± I asked to confirm because I think this is a good opportunity for me to open up my real agenda.


    Andrew nodded. ¡°Didn¡¯t Lieo tell you that Anne resigned from her work in Lieo¡¯spany?¡±


    Shocked is an understatement of how I look in front of Andrew right now. I drink all the remaining wine in my wine ss then I get the wine to pour my ss and drank it all again.


    ¡°Hey, you are drinking too much. Don¡¯t tell me Lieo didn¡¯t tell you about that?!¡± He said while taking the wine ss from me.


    The rage that I am feeling towards Anne is overflowing. How can she manipte my boyfriend like this! This only proves that she has another agenda. And I think Lieo and Lance theory is right! Anne¡¯s next victim is Andrew!


    ¡°Did you ask for her resume when you hire her as your manager?¡± I asked a bit in panic.


    Andrew frowned. ¡°Why will I need to ask Anne her resume when I already know her?¡± He asked a bit confused now.


    ¡°Even if you already know her you still need to ask for her resume and do a career background on her! You should also talk to Lieo and ask about her!¡± I raised my voice a bit from irritation of his innocence- scratch that! Stupidity is the perfect term to describe him right now.


    I can¡¯t believe that my boyfriend is this stupid. But I still love him, though.


    ¡°Lieo likes you! Why will I talk to him? And he was also the reason why Anne resigned from her job!¡±


    That¡¯s in stupidity, Andrew!


    ¡°Because Anne did not resign from her job! She was fired by Lieo!¡±

 Chapter 29 STUNNED

    ¡°Because Anne did not resign from her job! She was fired by Lieo!¡±


    I was beyond shocked by Alli¡¯s statement. I know since that night she became hostile towards Anne even though I exined to her what really happened.


    Even before, she always thought that I have a feeling for Anne that¡¯s why she did not even bother to ask for an exnation when she saw Anne kissing me at the bar. I feel like I am somehow at fault for why she feels insecure towards Anne. Maybe, Ick in making her feel loved by me.


    Anne is indeed special to me, but it was in tonic. I never like her romantically. I wish I can exin to her the special bond that I have with Anne, but I can¡¯t because Anne pleaded not to tell anyone about her.


    ¡°Did Lieo tell you that?¡± I asked to confirm.


    She looks at me with disbelief. I disappoint her again. I know what¡¯s running in her pretty head right now, that I am taking Anne¡¯s side.


    Lieo and Anne are both special to me, they are both my friends. But I will be honest that I have been biased because of what I discovered about Lieo¡¯s feeling for Alli. I never me Lieo for falling to Alli. Allison is very easy to love. She¡¯s so genuine and lovable. But I can¡¯t be fine with it because I love Alli to death.


    ¡°Obviously!¡± She answered then she rolled her eyes.


    I sighed. I didn¡¯t know that. And I know that Lieo can¡¯t lie about it but why did Anne tell me otherwise?


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask me why she got fired?¡± She asked in an annoyed voice.


    I bit my lips because I feel guilty. I can¡¯t tell her that I don¡¯t care whether Anne is fired or not. Anne is my friend that¡¯s why I gave her the job and she¡¯s doing pretty well with her job. I could see how passionate she is being my manager.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have any n to ask me about it, am I right?¡± She asked in a lower voice.


    I went to her side and hug her. ¡°Please baby, don¡¯t be mad at me. I don¡¯t want us to fight over this thing.¡±


    She pushes me and pours another wine on her ss. I was about to get her ss to stop her from drinking but she stood up.


    ¡°You are so blinded by your love for her!¡± She used me.


    I shake my head and went to her trying to calm her down but she keeps on pushing me away.


    ¡°Please baby,¡± I pleaded.


    She shooked her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you are too kind or just in stupid.¡±


    My lips parted from the shock in her frankness. She thinks I¡¯m stupid now.


    ¡°I¡¯m not being kind, Alli. It¡¯s just that, Anne is a friend and she also doing great in her job, what happened with her in Lieo¡¯spany is not my concern anymore.¡± I exined in a calm voice.


    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t ask, I will still tell you the reason! I don¡¯t want my boyfriend to continue to be blinded by that golddigger!¡± She raised her voice.


    My brow furrowed at how Alli branded Anne. ¡°What did you call her?¡± I asked displeased.


    ¡°What?! Are now mad at me?¡± She said challenging me.


    I shook my head. I seated and lower my head. ¡°I will never be mad at you,¡± I said quietly.


    ¡°I doubt that. Should I bring you a mirror for you to see how you look at me right now? Did you get hurt because I called your precious girl a golddigger?¡± She said no ns on backing out.


    My lips settled in a thin line before I pursed it. I should stop talking back at her. It makes her angrier at me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you get mad at me right now or you want to break up with me. I will tell you everything I found out about her.¡±


    My eyes widen a fraction again when she said the word break up. Breaking up with her will never be my option.


    ¡°What are you saying?! I will never break up with you!¡± I said grimly.


    She avoided my gaze and swallowed hard. ¡°A-anyways, the reason why Lieo fired her was that she found out that everything in her resume is fake! And not only that, she has a proven record of a golddigger.¡± She said in disgust.


    I was about to say something but she cut me off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything yet and let me finish.¡± She said in a cold voice.


    She went to the chair across from us and open her bag. She pulls out an envelope from her bag. She went to me and handed me the envelope.


    My forehead creased. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± I asked in a low voice.


    That¡¯s all the evidence, Lance got when she did a background check about Anne.


    ¡°Lance did what?! But why?¡± I asked to feel so lost in what¡¯s happening.


    ¡°I was also surprised when Lance handed those documents to me. I was not aware that he did a background check on Anne. As per him, he did that to protect me. He wanted to make sure that the people around me can be trusted. He also did a background check on Charles and Noah since they became close to me.¡± She exined in detail.


    I nodded. I know how protective Lance is when ites to his family, especially to Allison since she just reunited with them. Ipletely understand why he did what he did.


    Since Alli is very much close with Charles and that guy Noah, it only means that those two guys can be trusted. Now I became curious about what these documents contain for Lance to hand it over to Alli.


    I pull out the documents from the envelop. I started to scan everything on it. It contains Anne¡¯s basic information. From her family to her educational background and work experiences. I furrowed because the school she attended missing something. I will just assume that it was not included here since she didn¡¯t graduate from that school.


    Everything in this document is very detailed. My forehead creased more when I look at thetter documents. Anne was involved with two men. I know both of them. One of those guys is Liam, he was the only heir of a manufacturingpany. He was not popr with girls because he was known as a nerd andck when ites to fashion. Nevertheless, he was a decent guy. The other guy is a married man who is well known in the business industry. I don¡¯t know him personally but he was a known yboy. He has many mistresses and in this documents, it says that Anne is one of them.


    There is also credit card billing named to Anne but connected to those two men which proves that she was financed by them for a certain time.


    Anne¡¯s supposedly next target is Lieo. Here it proves what Allie said a while ago. Anne did fake all her working experiences just to work in Lieo¡¯spany. I can¡¯t me Alli for calling Anne a golddigger.


    ¡°I was Anne¡¯s current target?¡± I asked quietly.


    I saw my picture and details about me. It also says that I might be her next target after she failed on her attempt on Lieo.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t obvious?!¡± Allie said in a sarcastic tone.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Baby, please.¡± I just said to her.


    Allie sighed. ¡°Fine, now that you know everything about that woman. What are you going to do now?¡±

 Chapter 30 CONFRONTATION

    ¡°Fine, now that you know everything about that woman, what are you going to do now?¡±


    My mouth twisted in a humorless smile. I was disappointed with what I found out about Anne. I can¡¯t me Alli for reacting this way. I knew what she wants to hear from me. And I also knew that she meant no harm. She wanted me to stay away from Anne for my own good.


    Is it right to leave her because of her past? I¡¯m sure that if Anne has a choice she wouldn¡¯t choose that kind of path. It was lonely and dangerous. But I couldn¡¯t dismiss their theory about her. They have proof to prove what they are using about her.


    I am not trying to act like a saint, it¡¯s just that I wanted to give Anne a fair judgment.


    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know. I understand your point, and I know that you want me to stay away from her for my own good, but Anne is a friend. And she doesn¡¯t do anything wrong for me to push her away.¡± I said calmly.


    An expression of disbelief crossed Alli¡¯s face which I already expected. ¡°When are you going to take action? When she seeds on her n to win your heart and break us up?!¡±


    She paused to lower her head then she look at me. ¡°Oh, wait! If she seeded in her n to win your heart, then you don¡¯t need to take action anymore!¡±


    I went to her and hug her, though she was still resisting but not as strong as she did a while ago.


    ¡°Please Alli, try to understand my point. You also became friends with her. Anne is a good person. I know that her past gave us beyond shock but we also need to hear her side. Everything we do, whether good or bad has a reason. And Anne knows that she can never win my heart. You already owned my heart.¡± I exined to her.


    She look at me intently and sighed. ¡°Fine, if that¡¯s your decision I¡¯ll respect that. But I already warned you. Be careful with her, okay?¡±


    I nodded and caresses her face before I gave her a passionate kiss which she answered back.


    Handling my own business and my family business is already time-consuming. Lance was right when he said that he find it to believe that I was still able to pursue my singing career knowing how loaded my work was. It was indeed a power of love. Sounds cheesy but it¡¯s true.


    Bing a singer was never in my n. I have zero interest when ites to the entertainment industry. I rarely watch television, and if I did, the sole purpose is to watch the news.


    Vincent is a celebrity but I never watch any of his movies or tv drama. I only listen to the radio as a support to my cousin. She was the only family member who was interested in the entertainment industry. It was the reason why she got along well with Alli and Anne.


    I will be meeting Anne today because she was going to discuss the change on my schedule since I told her to cancel all my appoint for the uing month. Since I will be going with Alli to the US.


    I personally want to meet Noah. I want to know his intention towards my girlfriend. I was more jealous of him than Lieo. He was the one who is always with Alli for the past two years. There is even a rumor that they are secretly dating. That¡¯s how media works. They always put meaning on everything even the simplest thing. One of the reasons why I have zero interest in it.


    ¡°Mr. Lopez, your manager Ms. Ellis is already here.¡± My secretary said on the inte.


    ¡°Let her in.¡± I simply said.


    Anne came in with her usual warm smile. I smiled at her and tell her to have a seat.


    ¡°Like what you said, I already cancel all your guesting and interview invitations though it was hard to turn all of them down. They are more eager to have you on their show since that video of the Allison band went viral.¡± She started my schedule report on her iPad.


    ¡°Thank you, Anne. I appreciate it, I know it was difficult on your part.¡± I said to her.


    She smiled at me and continued with her report. ¡°I can¡¯t move the recording because we have a deadline for it but I manage to move your photoshoot schedule after your trip to the US.¡±


    This is the reason why I can¡¯t find myself firing Anne on her job. She was an efficient manager. She understood why I can¡¯t get all the offers for me. She knew the reason why I enter int his industry. It was solely because of Alli. I wanted to be in her world to get her attention.


    But then again, her issue is not something you will have to overlook. When she was done doing all the updates I ask her to stay for a while because I need to talk to her about something. As I said, it was fair to also hear her side story. I don¡¯t discredit all the things she did in the past but as a friend, I wanted to understand her.


    It waspletely silent. I don¡¯t know how to break the news to her. After a long silence, I gather my strength to tell her.


    ¡°Alli and I talkedst night.¡± I started my speech.


    I saw her face be pale and swallowed hard.


    ¡°She told me what really happen between you and Lieo. You did not resign but was fired by Lieo himself.¡± I said in a serious voice.


    Her eyes widen and panicking. I think she already knows what¡¯s the next thing I will say.


    ¡°Alli also revealed to me your past rtionships,¡± I said quietly.


    ¡°Did Lieo tell her that?¡± She asked nervously.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I shook my head. ¡°No, it was not from Lieo. She knew that I will doubt it if the information came from Lieo.¡± I said.


    She furrowed. ¡°Then is it Mich? She believes that bitch?!¡±


    It was my turn to furrow. She never had that kind of expression before. It was as if Anne turned into a new person. And why is Mich involved in this? Does Mich also know about it? Who else knew about Anne¡¯s past? Am I the only one unaware of this issue?


    ¡°Why are you calling Mich like that? I am not that close to her but she was never a bitch. She was a decent person.¡± I said in a cold voice.


    Since mIch was Lieo¡¯s ex-girlfriend, she was able to bond with us. And Mich was a good and decent person. We like her for Lieo. It saddened us to hear the news that the two of them broke up.


    ¡°Decent?! It was because of her that¡¯s why Lieo never liked me! She always badmouths me to him. I bet she still likes Lieo that¡¯s why she was treating me like trash before!¡± She said a bit hysterical.


    ¡°Mich is nothing like that. Lieo and Mich always have a good rtionship even after the two broke up. Their break-up is a mutual decision and a peaceful one. We always root for the two together but we respect their decision to be friends than lovers. And Mich already has someone when you met Lieo. There is no way she will badmouth you to him.¡± I said in defense of Mich.


    I was disappointed with Anne for reacting that way. I didn¡¯t know that she had this side on her.


    ¡°You believe that girl than me then?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Mich never said anything bad about you. And it was not Mich who told Alli everything about your past.¡± I said a bit irritated.


    ¡°Then who?!¡±


    ¡°It was Lance. He did a background check not you but also for Charles and Noah. He did that to protect her cousin from a possible opportunist.¡± I said bluntly.

 Chapter 31 SIDE OF STORY

    ¡°What are you going to do now? Are you going to fire me now that you know my past?¡± Anne looks anxious.


    I had never seen her like this before. Anne is a very strong woman. Even the time when she was rejected by Lieo, she was able to manage it well.


    ¡°You should join us and we¡¯ll make sure that you will have the best time of your life tonight.¡±


    I shook my head. It looks like those scumbags have a new victim.


    ¡°Do I look like I need apany?¡±


    My forehead creased from that voice. Her voice sounds familiar. I turn my head to confirm my suspicion. My eyes widen a fraction when I saw Anne having arguments with the three scumbags.


    I don¡¯t normally meddle with these things but a friend of mine is involved. I walk in their direction to save my friend.


    ¡°Anne!¡± I called her.


    I saw the relief in her eyes. She waved at me. ¡°Andrew!¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± One of the scumbags asked.


    I ignore him and look at Anne to see if she was fine. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    She nodded and smile.


    ¡°You dare to ignore me?! Don¡¯t you know who I am?!¡±


    ¡°Do I need to know who you are?¡± I asked in an equally arrogant voice.


    The guy looks pissed and was about to punch me when Anne stop him.


    ¡°He¡¯s my boyfriend. Is that answer enough? Can you leave us alone now?!¡± Anne said.


    I frowned. Why did she introduce me as his boyfriend? What if Alli heard of it?! Oh no! This can¡¯t be. I need to correct it.


    ¡°Your boyfriend looks hesitant. Are you sure he is your boyfriend? How can we believe you?¡± The other guy said.


    I was about to correct Anne¡¯s im but Anne turn to me and kissed me. I was frozen at the moment. IT took me seconds before I was able to push Anne.


    Then Anne looks at the scumbags with a smirk on her face. ¡°Is that proof enough? Can you guys leave us alone?!¡±


    The scumbags have no choice but to return to their table looking pissed.


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± I asked Anne.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Andrew. It¡¯s the fastest solution for those jerks to leave us alone.¡± Anne answered.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to do that. I know the owner of this bar. I can make them blocked listed in this bar if I want to.¡± I said.


    Anne bit her lips and lower her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Andrew. I didn¡¯t know that.¡±


    I sighed and decided to just let this go. ¡°Fine. It was done so we can¡¯t do anything about it. But don¡¯t do it next time. I don¡¯t want Alli to hear that this happened. But why are you here?¡±


    I saw Anne get teary-eyed. I guess this will take some time. I invite her to my table to listen to whatever problem she has right now.


    ¡°I got rejected today.¡±


    My eyes widen a fraction from her revtion. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you confessed to Lieo?¡± I asked still shocked.


    She smiles bitterly while quickly wiping her tears. ¡°Yes. I finally got the courage but I was rejected.¡±


    ¡°What did he say?¡± I asked.


    She looks at me a bit hesitant to answer. She pour her ss with liquor and drank it straight.


    ¡°He said that he never like me romantically. I was just a reliable employee in his eyes.¡± Her voice broke while talking.


    I could see the hurt in her eyes. It only proves how much she loves Lieo. But sad to say, Lieo doesn¡¯t see her the same way. I feel sorry for her.


    ¡°I asked him if he already likes someone if he was still in love with Mich-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. I already told you that Lieo and Mich are just friends. And Mich is already getting married.¡± I can¡¯t help but cut her off.


    She nodded and pour took another ss. She looks tipsy now. ¡°Yes. You are right. It wasn¡¯t Mich but someone else.¡±


    My forehead creased. Who could that be? I¡¯m sure that Lieo is not dating someone right now. He would introduce the girl to us if he had.


    ¡°It was Allison.¡± Anne finally revealed the girl.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I asked him if it¡¯s not Mich, then is it Allison? He said yes. He liked Allison the first time she met her in Aunt Celine¡¯s boutique. There was something in her that he can¡¯t exin.¡± Anne added.


    I was not able to answer her. I was stunned by the fact that my best friend likes my girlfriend. I know that Lieo is close with Allison. He was the reason why I had to confess to Alli about my feelings because I felt threatened when he arrived at Alli¡¯s life.


    ¡°When he admitted his feelings for Alli, I decided to hand him my resignation. I need to move on. And to do that, I need to avoid him. I will drink and cry till my heart¡¯s content then tomorrow I will start to move on.¡±


    After that night, Anne went back to her usual confident self.


    ¡°Are you doing to fire me, Andrew Lopez?!¡±


    I was back from reality when I hear Anne¡¯s anxious voice.


    I shook my head. ¡°I never said that. I asked you because I want to hear your side of the story.¡±


    Anne looked at me with a bitter smile. ¡°Will that change anything?¡± She asked almost in a whisper.


    ¡°The past will never change. But as a friend, I want to understand why you had to do that? You are a smart girl. You don¡¯t need a man to be sessful.¡± I said with full sincerity.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s easy for you to say because all your life you were living in luxury. You never experience being poor and no one to support you.¡± She said with a bit of mockery.


    I did not respond or react. I just waited for her to share more of her thoughts.


    ¡°When I first met Liam, I didn¡¯t like him. But he was my hope at that time. He made me feel important and loved. I was happy with all the gifts and pampering that he gave me. I ended up falling for him. But his parents never approved of our rtionship. They call me names and threatened me. I had no choice but to leave Liam.¡±


    ¡°I got angry with rich people for looking down on me. And to get my revenge, I became someone¡¯s mistress. Unlike Liam, I never like that guy. I was disgusted whenever he touches me. I asked him for money, properties, and luxury items, he was so willing to give all of it to me. But I was never happy. Until our rtionship got discovered by his wife. Can¡¯t you believe that I feel more relieved than sad when the wife found about our affairs? Because finally, I can be free from him.¡±


    ¡°Then I met Lieo. I really like him when I first saw him. I did everything to be closed to him to the point of faking my credentials. I never regret doing that. He might be angry at me but I was happy because I was given the chance to be close to him.¡± She said while wiping her tears.


    ¡°I already told you my side. It¡¯s your turn to give your decision.¡±

 Chapter 32 SPECIAL

    ¡°I already told you my side. It¡¯s your turn to give your decision.¡±


    I knew that she had a reason why she chose that path. Now, I understand her more. Anne may look tough on the outside, but deep inside she was broken and longing for love. I already noticed it for the past years that I have been working with her. She was always looking for acknowledgment. She wanted to feel that she was needed.


    I like Anne as a friend or a family but never in a romantic way. I am also protective of her. And this time, I think she needed my protection more than anything.


    I went to her and hug her. I felt her flinch but she was shaking while crying.


    ¡°You went through so much. I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t there to help you. I could have rescued you from making those kinds of mistakes. I¡¯m sorry I waste.¡± I said with fullpassion.


    She cried louder after hearing what I just said.


    Minutes has passed, Anne was a bit calm now. She was done crying. She lifts her face to look at me.


    ¡°You are not going to fire me?¡± She asked with hopeful eyes.


    I smile at her and mess her hair. ¡°Of course not. You are doing well with your job. It¡¯s hard to find a manager who¡¯s as understanding as you.¡±


    She removed my hand and straightened her posture. She wipe the remaining tears in her eyes and she rolled her eyes on me. ¡°It¡¯s because I was well aware that you didn¡¯t want to pursue this career. You just need to do it to win the love of your life.¡± She said.


    I chuckled. ¡°Exactly. And it was the two of us who nned all this. But as your friend, I do hope that you will not go to that path again.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will never do that disgusting thing again! I feel like vomiting just thinking about it. Also, I don¡¯t loathe rich people anymore. I realize that not all rich people are looking down on people like me.¡± She said in a calm voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that.¡±


    Andrew told me that she will confront Anne today. As per him, they will have a meeting today about his new schedule. I was not expecting Andrew to fire Anne because based on his reaction from ourst conversation, he still has a soft heart for her.


    I had no idea how close they are right now. They have been working with each other for two years. Anne was someone who was with Andrew during his vulnerable years. That¡¯s why I¡¯m sure that the friendship that they have right now has a strong foundation.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I would have respected that if I didn¡¯t found out about her past. I know I shouldn¡¯t judge her especially when she was not doing anything bad to me, except for the fact that she kiss my boyfriend with herme excuse.


    I couldn¡¯t fully ept her reason especially now that she has a history of being a gold digger. I¡¯m sure Andrew will be disappointed when he hears these things from me.


    I pick up my phone as soon as I saw Andrew¡¯s name on it. He was calling me, it only means that he was done talking to her. I am curious to death about what happened to their conversation and what was his decision, though I already had an idea.


    ¡°Andrew.¡± I greeted him.


    I was trying to be calm as possible.


    ¡°Baby¡­ I am done talking to her.¡± He said quietly.


    His voice is calm too. It only means that the talk went well. I¡¯m not sure if I should be happy or not.


    ¡°What happens?¡± I asked.


    I heard him sigh. ¡°She was anxious when I found out about her past. She was expecting that I will fire her.¡±


    ¡°And what did you do?¡±


    ¡°I told her that I want to hear her side. I know she has a reason why she did what she did.¡±


    Andrew started to share to me Anne¡¯s side of the story. At first, I was not that interested, but hearing the details makes me feel a bit sorry for her.  I feel like her story is true except on Lieo¡¯s part.  I don¡¯t know why I can¡¯t force myself to fully believe her story.


    I got curious about Liam and her. Liam was also in the fashion industry. Their family owned a multi-awarded international fashion enterprise that is home to top proprietary brands shaping the retail industry here in the country today. All their proprietary brands are popr not just here in the country but also in Asia. They are nning to expand their brand in the US and Europe.


    Liam is currently the general manager of one of their proprietary brands. He waspeting with his cousin Gabriel for the CEO position.


    I actually had a meeting with him when Ie back from my business trip to America. I could use that opportunity to investigate more about Anne. I couldn¡¯t wait for my business trip to finish.


    As expected, Andrew didn¡¯t fire her. He wants to protect Anne this time so that she will not go on the same path anymore.


    I feel like I was the evil one in the situation and Anne was the victim. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit hurt by every word that Andrew was giving me. It feels like I was pped by him through his words.


    I can¡¯t believe that I was thankful that Andrew couldn¡¯t make it tonight. I need topose myself and I don¡¯t think I could hide what I feel right now to Andrew.


    I wanted to calm myself down that is why I decided to go to my favorite dessert cafe. I was driving when my phone rang again, it was Lieo this time. I put the phone in speaker mode.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s up?¡± Lieo greeted me.


    ¡°Good,¡± I answered him nonchntly.


    ¡°Are you alright? Your voice is telling me that something happened,¡± Lieo asked me with concern.


    I smiled to myself. I can¡¯t believe that Lieo can easily tell through my voice if I¡¯m okay or not. I wish that Andrew could also be like him.


    ¡°Andrew already confronted Anne.¡± I started my speech.


    ¡°And?¡±


    I sighed. ¡°Anne was obviously anxious she even ask Andrew if he will fire her. And knowing Andrew, he asks her to exin and tell her story to him.¡±


    I told Lieo exactly how Andrew shared with me her side of the story even the conclusion that Andrew arrived.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Lieo asked after hearing the story.


    My forehead creased. ¡°Why are you asking me that?¡±


    ¡°Because I can feel that you are hurt by Andrew¡¯s words.¡± He said knowingly.


    I stop my car at the side of the road and cried.


    ¡°Hey Alli, stop crying. I know Andrew has no intention of hurting you. I¡¯m sure that he was not even aware that you will get hurt by it.¡± Lieo started to say words offort.


    But I was notforted at all. It only made me feel more hurt. I cry louder this time.


    ¡°Hey, Alli where are you? I will go to you.¡± He said sounded so worried.


    I did not answer. I don¡¯t want to be with anyone. I wanted to be alone.


    ¡°Am I the evil person here?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°O course not! Anyone will react as you did. You had no evil intention, to begin with. You were just worried about us especially Andrew since he was closest to her.¡±


    That is exactly what I wanted to hear. I don¡¯t want to be an evil person. Maybe I should be more understanding of Anne¡¯s situation. Just like Andrew.


    I cried and calm myself more. When I feel a bit okay, I started again my car and drive to my favorite dessert cafe.


    I was enjoying my favorite chocte mousse cake and champagne when I saw Anne entering the cafe. I was stunned when she started walking in my direction wearing a smirk on her face.


    She looks victorious as she was going near me.


    ¡°Your eyes are swollen. Did you cry, princess?¡± She asked teasing.


    My forehead creased. What¡¯s with her? Why is she talking to me like this?


    ¡°Cat got your tongue, princess? Did you cry because your prince charming did not take your side but he take mine instead?¡±


    I did not answer her. I just remained looking at her like she was a different person. When she noticed that I have no ns on answering back, her face went closer to my ears and whisper.


    ¡°Want to know a secret? No matter what you say to him, he will always take my side. Do you know why? Because I am that special to him.¡±

 Chapter 33 PITY

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Anne smirk at me and seated on the chair across mine. ¡°For the past two years, Andrew and I created a special bond. So no matter how hard you try to tarnish my name and reputation, Andrew will always believe my story while you be the bad person.¡±


    I remained poker face though deep inside I was hurting because all the things she just said hit me. I was indeed the bad person since Andrew chose to protect Anne.


    ¡°And soon he will realize who he really loves.¡± She said and then she stood up.


    Anne was about to leave when I finally found my voice. ¡°Special is different from pity,¡± I said calmly but I made sure that all the words I uttered are clear.


    She stops and turns to me again. ¡°What did you say?¡± She said. Irritation is visible in her voice.


    ¡°I said being special is different from pity. I hope you know how to differentiate the two.¡± I said maintaining the calmness in my voice.


    She red at me. ¡°How dare you?!¡±


    ¡°What? Do you want me to exin to you the difference between the two?¡± I asked. It¡¯s my turn now to smirk.


    She did not answer but her gaze is like fire ready to attack me.


    I hold my champagne and took a sip. I smiled at her. ¡°Andrew shared to me your heartbreaking story. I was touched by your story and I also feel sorry towards you. The same thing with Andrew. That¡¯s why he wanted to protect you. So you see, it¡¯s more of pity than being special.¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Anne¡¯s face was reddened by anger. I think I hit the spot. She was about to leave again when I answered herst statement a while ago.


    ¡°Two years have past but Andrew is still very much in love with me,¡± I said while holding my champagne.


    She gritted her teeth and storm out of the cafe.


    I may have won my face-to-face battle with Anne but I was defeated deep inside myself. I keep thinking about what she just said. Anne was so sure of herself that Andrew will always take her side even if she will be against me. It was as if she knew something that I don¡¯t that¡¯s why she is that confident.


    I want to stop overthinking and just trust Andrew but I can¡¯t make myself do it. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s something I don¡¯t know about Anne and Andrew.


    I have a scheduled guesting on Vince¡¯s TV Network. It was a lifestyle-morning talk show hosted by veteran actress and host. I was the main guest of the show today, Vince will also be there as a support for me since they all know that I am close to him.


    ¡°Today we are fortunate to have her finally in the show! She made our country proud when she made her name in the fashion industry in the US, she was also an ambassador of many luxury brands that we all dreamed of. Please wee, one of the most influential fashion gurus in the world, Ms. Allison Alonzo!¡±


    I was fluttered by how they introduced me in their show but also a bit ashamed because I didn¡¯t see myself as big as that.


    ¡°Thank you for having me, Ms. Ka, and Ms. Toni,¡± I said to the two hosts.


    I was a big fan of Toni Reyes. She was an award-winning actress and host. In fact, I was always watching her shows and interviews because I learn a lot from her as a host myself.


    I know Ms. Ka personally because her son, Daniel Ford worked with Vince when I was still Vince¡¯s assistant.


    ¡°For those of you who don¡¯t know I met Allison before when she was working with Vince two years ago.¡± Ms. Ka said.


    ¡°Yes, I heard that Allison is working as Vince¡¯s stylist or assistant stylist is that true?¡± Ms. Toni asked to confirm.


    I nodded at her. ¡°Yes, it was a favor I asked from Vince since I always wanted to work in media.¡±


    We began to discuss more of my dreams to work in media. They also asked me about my favorite actors and actresses.


    ¡°You surprise all your followers about your life story in yourst vlog upload.¡± Ms. Toni started to bring up life stories that they got from my vlog.


    A week after we release the interview with the band, we uploaded Vince as a guest host and me as the guest of my show. As expected we are bombarded with likes,ments, and views from supporters, and invitations from TVworks to share more of my story.


    ¡°Yes, I never nned to keep my life story a secret. I loved all my adopted parents and brother. I was happy living with them.¡± I said.


    ¡°Speaking of adopted parents, there are somements who are questioning the way you epted your biological parents.¡± Ms. Ka said.


    I nodded. I understand where this statement is heading two. You can¡¯t please everybody. Bashers are everywhere. They are always looking for an opportunity to question you and to bash you. It was something I already expected when I decided to share my story with the public.


    ¡°Yes, I read all thosements. I was not surprised by it. And I don¡¯t need their approval. I am thankful to people who understood my decision and supported me all the way.¡± I started my speech.


    ¡°I guess people especially here in the Philippines are used to hearing dramas in every story like mine. So some of them were disappointed because they are expecting me to act like in the drama that they are watching on television. But my life is not a fictional thing. It was real. My parents who were looking for me for how many years were in front of me, wanting me toe home with them. They did not throw me or give me away. They are not used to hardship but they endure it for me, for our family. They didn¡¯t want me to be sick. They didn¡¯t want to lose me it just happened. And no one is to me.¡±


    ¡°You said in the interview that you already know that you were adopted even before you got to meet your real parents. How did you know it?¡± Ms. Toni asked.


    I smiled at them. ¡°My neighbors and even my rtives often tease me that I was not really a child of my parents, that I was just an adopted child. It was a joke of course, but as we all know jokes are half meant true. And the fact that I don¡¯t resemble my parents and my brother is also one thing. Though I received their genuine love, deep inside I know that I don¡¯t belong in the family. But I love them so much and I¡¯m thankful for all the genuine love and care that they have given me.¡± I said while looking at the camera.


    After sharing more of my life story, they started to call my friends in showbiz. I already expected Vince, but I was surprised when Iya and Andrew were also in the show.


    Andrew did not inform me that he will also join the show.


    ¡°How does it feel to be close with two of the hottest celebrity in showbiz?¡± Ms. Ka asked.


    ¡°When I first met them, Vince was the only celebrity in the group. I was beyond shocked when I saw him in our house.¡± I said.


    ¡°Did you have a crush on him? Because people are rooting for the both of you.¡± Ms. Ka asked which made the audience make a crazy noise.


    ¡°Vince was so kind to me. My heart flutters from the kind and sweet gestures that he was showing me.¡± I admitted.


    Vince grins at me. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that. So you like me then?¡±


    The audience is getting wilder because of Vince¡¯s question.


    ¡°You were a celebrity in my eyes. Of course, I will like you.¡± I said like it was a dumb question.


    I could feel the irritation on Andrew¡¯s face. Iya was whispering something but I can¡¯t hear her voice clearly because of the noise from the audience.


    ¡°What about you DJ Iya? How do you feel to be close with these two hottest men and one of them is your cousin? Though, we know that you are a celebrity yourself.¡± Ms. Toni started to ask Iya.


    ¡°I was shocked when my cousin decided to join showbiz because thest time I check he hates showbiz,¡± Iya said like it was trivia to them.


    ¡°Really? What made you Andrew join the showbiz then?¡± Ms. Toni asked.


    My heart starts to beat fast because of that question. I know that Andrew already agreed to keep our rtionship a secret but I can¡¯t help but feel nervous whenever he was asked about things like this.


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate showbiz, I need to clear that out because hate is a very strong word. It¡¯s more like, I have no interest in showbiz. But I decided to join this industry because of someone.¡± Andrew said his usual answer.


    ¡°Can we name that someone?¡±

 Chapter 34 MYSTERY GIRL

    ¡°Can we name that someone?¡±


    People in the studio were all quiet but you could see the anticipation in their faces. Vince is not giving any reaction, while Iya and I were exchanging nces.


    Andrew took a while before he gave his answer. He smiled at the camera. ¡°I would love to announce to everyone how much I love this girl, but I must respect her decision to make our rtionship private.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying that you are already dating?¡± Ms. Toni was the one who was brave enough to ask Andrew.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve been dating her for more than two years now.¡± He said in a calm voice.


    The audience was cheering Andrew giving him their support. I, on the other hand, was shaking. I am a bit scared that people will discover that I was the girl Andrew was referring to since he already gave them a hint.


    I was not able to enjoy the show because of what Andrew did in the show. I became careful with our actions, I¡¯m scared that they might suspect me as Andrew¡¯s girlfriend.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Vince said when we reach the dressing room.


    Anne was also in the dressing room. She went to Andrew and start assisting him. I was more than thankful for that because I want to avoid Andrew as much as I could.


    ¡°I¡¯m not okay. Andrew shouldn¡¯t say that.¡± I whispered to him.


    Vince chuckled. ¡°Chill Alli. Trust me, people will never suspect you.¡±


    I frowned. ¡°How sure are you?¡±


    Vince pointed to Andrew and Anne. They look busy discussing something. I shrugged. I guess I am scared for nothing. How can I forget that people are suspecting these two? For sure all of them were thinking that Anne was Andrew¡¯s mystery girl.


    ¡°You are trending my dear cousin,¡± Iya said while browsing her phone.


    I am not surprised by that since the show is live and Andrew¡¯s statement is something big for the fans.


    ¡°Vince and Alli are also trending. People are shipping you two.¡± Iya said.


    I look at her to see if there¡¯s a trace of jealousy on her face but I saw nothing but pure teasing. I can¡¯t believe her! It¡¯s not that I want her to be jealous of me and Vince, I just want her to be more possessive of Vince.


    ¡°They are already shipping us way before this interview. Remember we were once on the front page?¡± Vince said riding the issue.


    I remember that. Someone from the media saw us having dinner together. With just one dinner they already assumed that we are dating.


    ¡°You should have cleared the issue before. Now, people are assuming that there¡¯s a romance between you too.¡± Andrewmented.


    Andrew is starting to be grumpy. He was theplete opposite of Iya. This guy is full of jealousy on his body.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry cousin, there are fans that are against their romance,¡± Iya said tofort his cousin.


    Andrew¡¯s face is starting to light up. ¡°Really? What are they saying about them?¡±


    Iya smirk. ¡°They say that Alli looks better with Noah than Vince, that Noah is the perfect guy for Alli. Hashtag Noah and Alli forever.¡±


    Andrew became grumpier after hearing thosements.


    ¡°No one is shipping you with Alli,¡± Iya said as if she was reading what¡¯s on Andrew¡¯s mind.


    We allugh at Andrew¡¯s reaction. It was so that he wants to say something but he was controlling himself because there are other staff with us.


    ¡°Andrew we have to leave. You still have a recording today.¡± Anne said in a sweet voice.


    Andrew nodded. ¡°I have to go guys. Let¡¯s catch up again soon.¡± He said then he went to us and gave me and Iya a goodbye kiss.


    I pinch Andrew on his side belly because he kissed me near my lips. Good thing that people are not looking at us. ¡°They can ship you with any guy they want but you will still end up with me because you are mine.¡± He whispered enough for me to hear.


    I lower my head after he left because I could feel my face heated at what he said. My heart is beating so fast.


    Iya, Vince, and I freed our schedule for today because we want to grab the opportunity to spend more time together. We are all busy these past few weeks. We only met whenever we have they are scheduled as my guest in my vlog.


    We had our lunch then we hangout to my favorite dessert cafe.


    ¡°Iya are you seriously not jealous of people shipping me with Vince?¡± I ask because I can¡¯t get over the fact that she was not jealous even a tiny bit.


    Iya chuckled. ¡°Why would I be jealous? We all know the truth.¡±


    ¡°Even so. If I were in your shoe I will be jealous.¡± I admitted.


    Iya wickedly looks at me while sipping in her champagne. ¡°So you are jealous of people shipping Andrew and Anne?¡±


    I was stunned by her question. I didn¡¯t expect her to ask that. I averted my gaze and hold my champagne and took a sip. ¡°People are not shipping them. They are just suspecting them that they have a romantic rtionship.¡± I said in a nonchnt voice.


    Iya shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s pretty the same thing Alli. But you did not answer my question, are you jealous of them?¡±


    I look at Iya intently and then I sighed. ¡°I am not jealous of them. I know my ce in Andrew¡¯s heart.¡± I said in a calm voice.


    Iya smiled and had a big bite of her chocte cookies. ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that.¡±


    ¡°Are you also the same as me?¡± I asked Iya.


    She frowned while Vince smile. I guess Vince already knew what I am nning to say.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Iya asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m just curious if we have the same reason why we are not jealous of people shipping our boyfriend to someone else,¡± I said in a teasing tone.


    Iya¡¯s face reddened and her eyes widen a fraction. ¡°Vince is not yet my boyfriend!¡± She eximed.


    ¡°Alli we are NOT YET an official couple. I still need to propose to her to make it happen.¡± Vince said sounding so confident.


    ¡°Wow! You are so confident that Iya will ept your proposal! I will reallyugh hard if she rejected you.¡± I said to tease him but deep inside I was rooting for them.


    ¡°That won¡¯t happen. I already marked her. She¡¯s mine already. I just need to ready her cousin.¡± Vince said.


    My eyes widen from shock at his revtion.


    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think it is Alli. Stop thinking dirty.¡± Iya said while her face is in full red.


    Iughed. ¡°My mind is so pure Iya. I am not green-minded. What were you thinking for you to suspect me of that?¡± I said to tease her more.


    Iya couldn¡¯t answer back. You could see the embarrassment on her face which made me more curious about what happened between them. What did Vince mean when he said that he already marked her?!


    ¡°We just kiss Alli. Stop making teasing her.¡±


    What?! They already kissed?! OMG! I¡¯m sure Andrew will go berserk when he heard this.


    Time passed so quickly and now I am going back to my second home. I can¡¯t deny that I miss the people who became close to my heart during my stay there for two years.


    As we have agreed on, Andrew will being with me. Since we want to keep it secret, we use Andrew¡¯s private jet.


    We told no one about our flight except Noah. I needed his people to make sure that no one will notice us, but if it happens his people will make sure that they can¡¯t take pictures of us.


    ¡°Wee back my star!¡±

 Chapter 35 ANDREW MEETS NOAH

    ¡°Wee back my star!¡±


    Noah opens his two arms to ask for a hug. I smiled and went to him with excitement. He hugged me as soon as I reach him. I could feel the warmth in his hug. I miss this guy.


    I immediately release him when I heard Andrew¡¯s fake cough. I smiled and went to him. I hold his hand and I introduce him to Noah.


    ¡°Noah I¡¯d like you to meet my boyfriend Andrew. Andrew, he¡¯s Noah a very good friend of mine.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Noah was the first one who offered a handshake to Andrew but Andrew just red at him.


    ¡°Andrew,¡± I warned him.


    Andrew shook his head and sighed. He look at Noah again and epted his hand.


    One of Noah¡¯s people said something to him. I heard him telling Noah that the area is already cleared and we can finally leave the airport.


    We went straight to my apartment. I already called a housekeeper to clean the apartment. Andrew and I will be staying here.


    ¡°America is boring without you my star,¡± Noah said in a teasing tone.


    I red at him. I know that he was teasing me intentionally because I caught him looking at Andrew whenever he starts his teasing. He was enjoying seeing my boyfriend jealous.


    I smirked at him when I thought of a counterattack. ¡°Alexa will be sad when she hears that,¡± I said in the same teasing tone.


    He flinched then his face turned sour. Alexa is Noah¡¯s only weakness. He was madly in love with her, that is also one of the reasons why we never romantically look at each other because both our hearts are already owned by someone.


    I could see the confusion on Andrew¡¯s face. I just leaned my head on his shoulder and caress his arm. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you about itter,¡± I whispered to him.


    Mentioning Alexa was a sess. Noah¡¯s mood change but he was not grumpy or anything. He just ept his defeat because he knew that I will keep on mentioning Alexa if he will not stop with his teasing.


    I felt Andrew¡¯s hands holding my waist as soon as Noah left the apartment. He can¡¯t stay here for long because he still has a photoshoot today.


    Andrew started kissing my neck up to my ears. He slowly turns me to face him. His fingers started to touch my neck up to my jaw and my lips. His eyes were passionately looking at my lips. He bit his lower lips as he keeps on caressing my lips with his fingers.


    My heart is beating so fast as I keep on anticipating his every move. His head leans on my shoulder and started giving soft kisses. He runs his lips from my shoulder to my neck and then to my ears. His hand softly touch my face and gave me a soft and passionate kiss. I tasted his tongue as he traced it across the bottom of my lips. Soon we started swallowing each other making the kiss more intense. He let out a moan and so did I while his warm breath traveled into my face.


    Andrew is always like this whenever he feels jealous. It was his way of confirming that he owns me.


    ¡°I told you I will never like him.¡± Andrew whisper between our kisses.


    I smiled and kiss him deeply then releases him. ¡°He was just teasing you,¡± I said while our faces still leaned on each other.


    ¡°He likes you!¡± He said frowning.


    He sits on the sofa while ring at me. I chuckled, even after our kiss he was still jealous. I sit next to him and hug him from his side.


    ¡°He only likes me as a friend. He was like Charles but a more naughty one.¡± I said to defend my friend.


    Andrew was still unconvinced so I guess I need to tell him more of Noah. I already got permission from Noah anyway.


    ¡°Noah and I never like each other romantically because we are both in love with someone else. I am in love with you while Noah is in love with Alexa.¡± I exined to him hoping he will give up his idea of me and Noah.


    He didn¡¯t say anything but I could see that he was more at ease now.


    ¡°Alexa is Noah¡¯s first and only love, well as per him. But sadly Alexa is in love with someone else. Noah is basically Alexa¡¯s dog. Noah keeps on chasing her while Alexa chases Noah¡¯s cousin.¡±


    Andrew turned to me with his shocked eyes.


    I nodded at him and smile bitterly. ¡°Yes, Alexa is in love with Noah¡¯s cousin. Their love life is soplicated. I hope one day Alexa will learn to open up her heart to Noah because it¡¯s so obvious that Thomas- Noah¡¯s cousin doesn¡¯t like her.¡±


    ¡°How sure are you that Noah is still in love with that girl?¡± Andrew asked suspiciously.


    My eyes widen a fraction in shock at his question.


    ¡°If you could only see how Noah chases her, then you will never ask me that again,¡± I said confidently.


    Andrew just shrugged. I did not react anymore he should see Noah in action as he does his chasing.


    The next day, I went to my office here in the US with Andrew. My staff recognizes him instantly. I could see questions in their eyes but I chose to ignore them. The more I give a reaction, the more they will be suspicious.


    I toured and introduce Andrew casually to them. After that, I asked him to wait in my office because I will do a quick meeting with my team.


    He was sitting on my office table along with his ownptop doing his work. I¡¯m sure that he won¡¯t get bored while waiting for me.


    It was already our n. While I meet my team and do my work here, he will also do his work in my office. In that way, we will be both efficient with our work.


    Kaia the head of marketing started the meeting. She gave me updates on the supposed celebrities who will do the cover and interview for Ster. They were able to exin everything to them. And since I had a close rtionship with them, they agreed to push back the supposed schedule.


    They present the concept for the magazine¡¯s next cover. My two weeks of stay here is already full pack. My whole stay here will be spent in business meetings, interviews, and shoots. It¡¯s a good thing I extended my business trip for a week, But I did not tell anyone about it. Andrew and I were nning to  go in a private ind owned by a family friend of his.


    As the meeting is ongoing, I noticed my team keeps on ncing at Andrew who is now busy with hisptop. I shook my head. I can¡¯t me them for reacting this way. It was really weird seeing someone using their boss¡¯ office to work. Even Noah hasn¡¯t done it yet.


    ¡°Are you done presenting everything?¡± I asked to grab their attention.


    Some of them are lowering their face looking guilty because they are not that attentive in today¡¯s meeting.


    ¡°Yes, Ms. Alli we are done with the presentation,¡± Kaia said in a calm voice.


    I nodded at her and began checking the hard copy presentation. I ask some rification and after that, I ended the meeting.


    Some started to fix their things ready to leave the conference room. Some did nothing but look at Andrew in my office. Since Andrew will most likely stay in my office to work, I decided to request a new table and chair for him.


    ¡°Emma can you ask someone to add another table and chair in my office for Andrew,¡±


    Emma was startled because she was also looking at Andrew. She bit her lower lips and nodded at me.


    ¡°But Ms. Alli, why is he here with you?¡±

 Chapter 36 Well Planned

    ¡°You took this long to ask me that?¡± I said to Emma and chuckled.


    All of them stop with what they are doing and waited for my exnation.


    I smiled at them. ¡°As you all know, Andrew is a very good friend of mine.¡± I started my speech.


    ¡°It just so happen that he also has a scheduled business meeting here in the US. When he heard that I will go back here to do all my pendingmitments, he ask me if he could go with me since we both have a businessmitment here in the US.¡± I exined to them.


    They did not say anything and waited for me to continue with my exnation.


    ¡°I agree and even offered my office to him. It¡¯s way better to work in my office than in his hotel room right? And from the looks of my schedule, you got for me, I will rarely use my office.¡± I said to end my speech.


    They all nodded and look convinced. I already expected it. Andrew and I already nned this.


    Andrew did schedule a meeting with some of their business partners and clients. It was a good excuse since it will be impossible for us not to be noticed on this trip. Someone will surely post our photo together. And if that happens, people will surely be suspicious of our rtionship.


    Allison has been meeting her team for the whole afternoon. I can help but be proud of all her achievements. It¡¯s just a pity because I wasn¡¯t with her when she was achieving all this.


    ¡°Oh! I didn¡¯t know that someone is now upying my star¡¯s office.¡±


    I red at the uninvited person who had just gone in without knocking. It seems like he was doing this all the time when Alli was still working here.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I asked in a cold voice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll escort my star in her meeting with Catherine tonight,¡± Noah said in an annoying voice.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to escort her because I¡¯ll go with her to that meeting. And stop calling her ¡®my star¡¯ because she is not yours okay? She¡¯s my girlfriend so she¡¯s mine.¡± I hissed.


    He gave a wide, devilish grin which made me more annoyed. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m just used to calling her that. You know, endearment. Anyways, I know that you will also be meeting Catherine but even if you hate my presence you need to deal with it because I¡¯m also part of the meeting.¡±


    I did not answer him anymore and just went back to check documents on myptop. I don¡¯t want to argue with him anymore because I know that Alli wouldn¡¯t like it and also I know that whatever he said will just add to the insecurity that I am feeling right now.


    Yes, I am insecure with him. He was the person who was with Alli when she was building this dream and I had zero participation in this. Now that we are here, I can¡¯t help myself from thinking that I don¡¯t have any significance in Alli¡¯s life. She can always be sessful whether I am with her or not. And this guy right here is the one who helps her to be sessful. I am so jealous of him because I wish I was the one who¡¯s with her during that time.


    Someone knock and went in to give Noah a drink. They greeted each other and had small talk. It seems like the people here are so used to him. And I could see the smile on their faces with Noah¡¯s presence. It was different from mine. They are looking at me like a stranger which made me feel that I don¡¯t belong here.


    This is Alli¡¯s life where I know nothing about.


    ¡°Noah you¡¯re here!¡± Alli said when he saw Noah sittingfortably on her sofa.


    Noah smiled at her and open her arms asking for a hug. I red at him but he just ignore it. Alli looks in my direction and smiles awkwardly.


    ¡°Noah stop teasing Andrew.¡± She said.


    ¡°I am not teasing anyone!¡± He eximed. ¡°I always do this to you before, remember?¡± He said in a teasing tone.


    I know he¡¯s telling the truth. I saw them being this sweet andfortable with each other when I went here to win Alli¡¯s back. But I also know that Alli is right, this jerk wants to annoy me.


    I walk to the door to lock it and close the office window blinds. I went to Alli and hug her from the back. Now that her office is safe from the eyes of her employee I can do everything that I want with her.


    I kiss her on her nape. ¡°I miss you, baby,¡± I said in my sweetest voice.


    She giggles and turns to face me. She ces her hands on the back of my neck to pull me for a kiss. It was just a quick kiss.


    ¡°I miss you too baby. You¡¯re not bored or anything? My meeting took a while.¡± She said apologetically.


    We heard a fake cough from Noah. I smirk at him while my hands wrap around Alli¡¯s waist.


    ¡°Respect on the single guy here.¡± He joked.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    Alli chuckled while I did not give any reaction. I just keep on caressing her waist.


    ¡°What time is our meeting with Catherine?¡± Alli asked Noah.


    ¡°In an hour.¡± Noah simply answered.


    Alli¡¯s eyes widen. ¡°Oh! Shoot we need to leave right now. Filipino time is not a thing here.¡±


    Alli grabbed my hand and we both went to her table to fix our things and get ready to leave.


    Our meeting will be held in Lush¡¯s head office. They invited me to this meeting when Alli told them that I will go with her to the US. They are offering a sponsorship with me. It¡¯s my first time to have a luxury brand sponsor, I¡¯m used to hiring them for business events.


    Iya will surely scream with jealousy if she found out about it because she was a fan of the luxury brands.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to finally meet you, Mr. Lopez.¡± Catherine greeted me and offer her hand.


    I smiled at her and received her hand.


    Since it was almost dinner, Catherine invited us for a dinner meeting. I heard that Lush is nning to venture into the culinary industry with the help of Noah¡¯spany since that is their expertise.


    This restaurant inside their head office is the mini version of the restaurant that they are nning to open real soon.


    ¡°I saw your band¡¯s interview with Alli, and I must say that all of you are star materials. But I do understand why some of the boys are not nning to join the entertainment industry. And to be honest, your band¡¯s profile is perfect for our brand. That¡¯s why we want to offer Allison band to be part of our family.¡± Catherine started exining her offer.


    ¡°I know that I should talk to all of the members, but when I heard from Alli that you will also be here for a business trip, I ask Alli right away to set a meeting with you.¡± She added.


    I smile and nodded at her. ¡°Alli exined it to me already. I am interested but I¡¯ll just need to consult the group about it. Vince will surely agree, I¡¯m not sure with Lieo, Lance, and Mike.¡±


    ¡°I can easily convince my cousin and Lieo,¡± Alli said enthusiastically.


    Catherine looks hopeful about the meeting. I am also positive about this. The group is so easy to please, added the fact that this will be a great favor for Alli. Surely the boys will agree to this. That¡¯s how we spoil her.


    After that topic, they both proceeded with the culinary venture of Lush. Noah is the main person when ites to food (menu, chef, etc.) while Alli will be the first one to feature Lush Le Cafe and Haute (Lush restaurant). Since I was in almost the same industry as Noah, I was also able to give suggestions.


    The meeting went well. They are all excited about the uing project with Lush. I was happy too because, in a way, I feel like I am bing part of Alli¡¯s life here in America.


    After the meeting with Catherine, Noah suggested a ce to hang out.  He brought us to a luxurious penthouse lounge near Alli¡¯s ce. It¡¯s a perfect ce to chill out if you are not a fan of the nightclub.


    ¡°Allison!¡±


    Suddenly a girl called Alli¡¯s name. I turn to Alli and I could see the recognition in her eyes. She smiles and waves at her.


    ¡°Alexa!¡±

 Chapter 37 ALEXA

    ¡°OMG! I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re here! I miss you, Alli!¡± Alexa greeted me excitedly while hugging me tightly.


    I smiled and hug her too. ¡°I miss you too, Alexa!¡±


    Alexa was busy at the time when I decided to go back to the Philippines. We didn¡¯t have a chance to talk and said our goodbyes.


    ¡°Hi, Alli! Wee back!¡±


    It was Thomas. My forehead creased when I notice his hand on Alexa¡¯s hip. They look so close and intimate.


    ¡°Hi, Thomas. Thank you but I am not back for good. I will return to my country after I¡¯m done with all my pending works here.¡± I said.


    I turn to Noah to see his reaction. He looks so cold. It was the first time I saw him like this. He always looks sweet and friendly especially if it¡¯s Alexa who is in front of him.


    I¡¯m sure something happened while I¡¯m gone. I already notice that something is off with Noah. And I am sure that it involves Alexa.


    Noah stood up and went to someone else¡¯s table. He approaches the girls and introduces himself.


    The girls look confused by Noah¡¯s sudden introduction but they wee him to their table. I could see the admiration in all the girl¡¯s faces. The three girls giggle to Noah¡¯s lines.


    I rolled my eyes. This is not Noah! What the hell is happening?


    I turned to Alexa¡¯s side. She was looking at Noah and she was feeling sorry for him.


    ¡°Did something happen while I¡¯m gone?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.


    I could see the hesitation on Alexa¡¯s face.


    ¡°Alexa and I happened,¡± Thomas answered me instead.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked for confirmation though I already have an idea what he means.


    ¡± Exactly with what you are thinking right now. Alexa and I are officially together.¡± Thomas said in a calm voice.


    My jaw dropped. I couldn¡¯t say a word. I never expect them to be together. As far as I know, Thomas doesn¡¯t like Alexa romantically. It was Noah who likes her.


    What the hell happened?!


    ¡°Howe?¡±


    Thomas chuckled. ¡°I just realize how wonderful of a person Alexa is and I want her to be mine. I asked her and she said yes.¡±


    I look at Alexa. ¡°What about Noah?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Noah and I are just friends,¡± Alexa said quietly.


    ¡°I know. But you know that Noah likes you!¡± I said a bit frustrated.


    ¡°But you guys know that I only see him as a friend and the one I really like is Thomas.¡± She replied.


    I was about to say something when I felt Noah¡¯s hand on mine.


    ¡°Stop asking them. Let¡¯s go.¡± He said in a cold voice.


    His grips in my hand are getting tighter. Andrew went to us and remove Noah¡¯s hand from mine.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t permit you to touch my girl.¡±


    ¡°Andrew¡­¡± I said trying to stop him from shing with Noah.


    It was not the time for him to argue with Noah.


    ¡°Wait! What? Girlfriend?¡± Alexa butted in.


    I sighed while ring at Andrew.


    ¡°Alexa and Thomas meet my boyfriend, Andrew.¡± I had no choice but to introduce Andrew as my boyfriend to them.


    They both looked shocked. I bet that I also looked like them a while ago.


    ¡°Wait! Is he the guy from yourtest cover? The lead vocalist of Allison band?¡± Alexa asked.


    I don¡¯t have a choice but to tell her the truth.


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s the guy from Ster¡¯stest cover. I hope you could keep our rtionship a secret.¡± I told her.


    I know that Alexa and Thomas can be trusted. Also, they are not in the entertainment industry, I can rest assured they can keep my rtionship with Andrew a secret.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± Alexa asked.


    ¡°You know howplicated the entertainment industry is. We just want to have a more peaceful rtionship.¡± I said to them and I¡¯m sure they will understand.


    ¡°Sure. But I can¡¯t believe this. You just went back to the Philippines and now you have a boyfriend? Wow!¡± Alexa said.


    ¡°We are already together for almost three years,¡± Andrew said.


    ¡°What?! But Alli stays here for two years. So you mean you guys are already together at that time?¡± Alexa asked still in shock.


    I wanted to punch Andrew because this is not the time to tell them about our rtionship. My main concern right now is Noah.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story. I¡¯ll tell you about it the next time we meet. We have to go. I¡¯m sorry.¡± I said to end the conversation because I want to speak to Noah and hear the whole story from him.


    ¡°Oh, sure! Let¡¯s catch up soon.¡± Alexa said.


    I grab both Andrew and Noah¡¯s hands and leave the ce.


    Noah was silent the whole drive. We are now in my apartment.


    Andrew was also quiet the whole time. I think he knows that this is a serious situation. He was just waiting for anyone to talk.


    ¡°Noah, what happened? Why are they together?¡±


    Noah looks at me teary-eyed. My heart hurts from seeing him like this.


    I went to him and hugged him. He hugged me back and his shoulder started to shake. Noah is crying!


    I can feel the pain in his sobbing. My tears started to fall. I witness how great Noah¡¯s love for Alexa was.


    He does everything for her even if it hurts him.


    He breaks our hug and looks at me. I touch his face and wipe the never-ending tears on his cheek.


    ¡°I know that it was a one-sided love. I know how much she loves Thomas but I was hoping that I will make her fall for me. But everything I¡¯ve done for her is still not enough. She still chose him over me.¡± Noah¡¯s voice broke as he was saying it.


    ¡°What does Thomas have that I don¡¯t?!¡± He shouted with frustration.


    ¡°Is he more good-looking than I am? Am I not worthy to love?¡±


    I shake my head. ¡°No, Noah, please stop saying that.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Then why?!¡± He shouted.


    He stood up and keep on shouting his frustration and heartache.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why she fell for him! I¡¯m more good-looking than my cousin! I¡¯m more sessful in my career and my business! Thomas is always below me in everything but Alexa.¡±


    ¡°I could trade all the sess I have right now just to have Alexa. Just to win her heart!¡±


    ¡°I did and gave her everything but why can¡¯t she love me?!¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t she see me?!¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t she love me?!¡±


    I look at Andrew asking for help. He looks at me and mouthed ¡°go andfort him¡±


    I smiled at him and mouthed ¡°thank you¡±


    I went to Noah and hug him.


    ¡°You are a great guy Noah. Any girl will be blessed to have you. You got everything that a girl could wish for in a guy.¡± I said trying tofort him.


    ¡°Then why did Alexa fail to see it?¡± Noah asked while he was hugging me.


    I release him from my hug and look at him intently.


    ¡°I can¡¯t answer that because I am not her. But the best thing you could do is to forget her. You did everything you could to win her heart. You did notck anything. It was her who fail to see your heart. Maybe she is not the one for you. You need to move on now. I can¡¯t bear to see you hurting. I want you to find your happiness. I love you, my friend.¡±

 Chapter 38 Request

    ¡°Alli!¡±


    It was Alexa. She texted mest night asking if I could spare her time because she wanted to talk to me. Even though my schedule is loaded, I still made time to meet her. I know that the reason why she wanted to talk to me is because of Noah.


    ¡°Alexa!¡± I greeted her back and kiss her on the cheek.


    We are in one of Thomas¡¯ restaurants. Most of Noah¡¯s family are in the food industry. Some of them open a restaurant and bars. Some chose to be in food distribution like wine. Thomas¡¯ restaurants are also known here in America but not as famous as Noah¡¯s restaurant, simply because Noah¡¯s restaurant is their family¡¯s legacy. Yes, Noah was chosen as the heir of their family business.


    Noah and Thomas arepeting with sessorship. There is a silentpetition between them. When I heard their story, I feel sorry for Thomas. Since they were kids, Thomas always dreamed to be chosen as Elordi¡¯s sessor. He was more passionate about their family business. It was theplete opposite with Noah.


    Noah has no interest in their family business. He always wanted to be in the fashion industry. He already gave up the sessorship but something happened. Their family business almost got bankrupt because of an ident. It was Noah who save their business from bankruptcy.


    Noah¡¯s effortless way of handling business is acknowledged by their family as the reason why he was chosen to be their sessor.


    I remember Noah telling me before that he would rather have Alexa than their restaurant. Noah envies Thomas because Alexa is head over heels in love with him. While Thomas envies Noah for being Elordi¡¯s sessor.


    ¡°I know that you are busy right now. Thank you for epting my invitation.¡± Alexa said.


    I could feel the awkwardness in her. Maybe because she knew how much I care about Noah and she knew that Noah is hurting right now.


    I smiled at her to make her more at ease. ¡°Of course, Alexa! You are a friend. I will make time for you. Especially now that I decided to be in the Philippines for good.¡±


    ¡°Are you noting back here?¡± She asked curiously.


    ¡°I will still visit here for work since I have Ster here in the US. And other businessmitments.¡± I exined to her.


    Minutes have passed, the waiter went inside our private room to serve our food. Alexa and I agree to eat our lunch first before we continue our chat.


    ¡°The food is good. It has the signature taste of Elordi¡¯s food.¡± I can¡¯t help but givements on the food.


    ¡°Thomas still has the right of their family recipes. So some of the menus are the same as Elordi¡¯s signature dish. But of course, Thomas includes some of his original recipes.¡± Alexa exined.


    I nodded. Alexa was right, Thomas as a member of the Elordi family has a right to use the family recipe. Unlike Noah, Thomas is a chef. That¡¯s why I am not surprised that Thomas was able to make his own dish.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure Noah wouldn¡¯t mind.¡± I just said.


    ¡°Thomas asks Noah¡¯s permission before he includes the dish on the menu.¡± She said sounded awkward.


    I guess it¡¯s about time to discuss whatever she wants to say.


    ¡°Is Andrew really your boyfriend?¡± Alexa asked quietly.


    I smiled at her. ¡°Yes, but we are keeping a rtionship a secret in public because both of us are in the entertainment industry.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Did Noah know about it?¡± She asked.


    My forehead creased. ¡°Yes. Noah always knew about Andrew. Why did you ask?¡±


    Alexa averted from my gaze. She cleared her throat before she look at me again.


    ¡°I just thought that you are perfect for Noah.¡± She said in a whisper.


    I did not like what I am hearing from her, though I know that she doesn¡¯t have a bad intention when she said that. I already noticed it before, she always push me to Noah. I even thought that she was starting to get jealous and maybe she is slowly realizing that she is falling already for Noah. But I guess I was wrong. Based on her tone, she really means when she was pushing me to Noah. She wanted Noah to end up with me so that she will not feel that bad when she finally be with Thomas.


    ¡°Noah and I are just friends. What we feel for each other is in tonic. We never romantically see each other. It was always you who he loves. And it was always Andrew who owns my heart. And I will be very honest with you, Andrew and I only reconcile when I went back to the Philippines. We never had a proper breakup because I left him without asking for an exnation, which ispletely my fault. And I was thankful that after all these years, he still loves me and wants to be with me.¡± I exined to her.


    She bow her head and bit her lower lips. I know she was feeling embarrassed about what she said a while ago.


    I hold her hand and squeeze it. ¡°Noah and I knew about your feelings for Thomas. But Noah is just head over heels in love with you that is why even though he knew that he will get hurt in the end, he still chooses to take a risk to win your heart.¡±


    ¡°No one will me you for choosing your heart¡¯s desire. I am happy for you and Ipletely understand. And I also want to ask you to respect Noah¡¯s choice of loving you. Don¡¯t push him to anyone just to lessen your guilt. You are just hurting him more. Just let Noah heal by himself. Noah is a strong person. He can ovee his heartache.¡± I added.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She whispered guiltily.


    I smiled at her. ¡°And I also have a request from you for Noah¡¯s sake.¡±


    Alexa looks at me. ¡°Sure. What is it?¡±


    ¡°Can you please avoid Noah? Leave him alone. Let him heal first. Don¡¯te to him to apologize or exin yourself or ask to be just friends with him, because I am telling you now that the two of you couldn¡¯t be friends if Noah still has feelings for you. He already got the message loud and clear. I told him to forget about you and move on. So whatever he will do, please don¡¯t get involved. Let him heal on his own way.¡± I said with a bit of warning.


    ¡°But I care for Noah and I love him as a friend,¡± Alexa disagrees.


    I look at her intently. ¡°If you really care about him, then do what I ask you to do.¡±


    I could see that she still want to protest but when she saw how serious I am, she just sighed and nodded.


    ¡°Fine. If that will be the best for him. But I am still your friend right?¡± She said hesitantly.


    I smiled genuinely at her. ¡°Of course. I am really happy for you. I am sad and hurt for Noah but I¡¯m happy for you because I know that you always wanted to be with him. I wish you both to be happy and in love.¡±


    Tears fell from Alexa¡¯s eyes. She went to me and hug me.


    I hug her back. ¡°Be happy okay? Just leave Noah to me. I will help him to move on.¡±


    Alexa nodded and hug me more tightly.

 Chapter 39 Drinking Buddies

    ¡°You¡¯re back.¡±


    I was startled by Noah¡¯s cold voice. The way he looks at me matches the coldness of his voice. He was seated in the home bar area. It was Noah who suggested building a home bar in my apartment. We both love to drink wine and other liquor, especially during winter.


    Andrew is across him, looking like a bartender in the bar. I saw him pouring whiskey on Noah¡¯s ss.


    My forehead creased. What are these two doing right now? Are they doing a role y where Andrew is the bartender and Noah is the customer?


    I went to them and kiss them both on the cheek.


    ¡°What are you guys doing?¡± I asked.


    ¡°We are drinking, obviously,¡± Noah said sarcastically.


    I smirked. ¡°I only see one ss. Are you guys doing role-ying or something?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Hell no!¡± They both reacted.


    Iughed aloud. Their reaction is epic. I wish I was able to record it and showed it to the group.


    ¡°I invited your boyfriend for a drink. I hide his ss in case you are not okay with him drinking.¡± Noah exined then she showed me the ss he hide.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯m not that type of girlfriend. I¡¯m a cool girlfriend and not a strict one.¡± I defended myself.


    ¡°She¡¯s a cool and jealous girlfriend,¡± Andrew added.


    I red at him. He grins then his hand wrap around my waist. He kisses me and whispers sorry and I love you.


    ¡°Hey, lovers! Have some respect here okay? I¡¯m single and brokenhearted. Can you please be sensitive and stop doing PDA in front of me.¡± Noah said.


    My mood suddenly changes, especially when I remember my conversation with Alexa a while ago. I really like Alexa for Noah. She¡¯s an amazing girl. I understand why Noah fell hard for her. She is truly a one-of-a-kind girl and Thomas is so lucky to have her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that,¡± Noah warned me.


    I went to his side and hug him tightly. I heard him sigh and felt his hand hugging me back.


    ¡°How¡¯s your talk?¡± He asked quietly.


    My eyes widen. I break our hug and look at him. He smiled at me but it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. My heart hurts seeing my friend in pain.


    ¡°I know you went to see her. Alexa told me.¡± He said in a calm voice.


    ¡°I told you to stopmunicating with her. You need to move on. She¡¯s not the one for you!¡± I scolded him.


    He smiles sheepishly. ¡°I thought you like her for me?¡±


    I sighed aloud. ¡°I did but not anymore. She already made her choice. You did your best to win her heart but she still chooses Thomas. It¡¯s a red g for you, my friend. You need to ept it and move on.¡±


    I know I was being harsh to my friend. But I had no other way but to tell him directly the truth and he need to ept it whether he likes it or not.


    I know that it¡¯s easier said than done. I also had a hard time forgetting my feelings for Andrew. I was just lucky because Andrew loves me too. But I believe that Noah is a strong person, he can win over a heartbreak. And I know that one day he will meet someone who will give him the love that he deserves.


    Noah is a very loving and caring person. Anyone he chooses to love will be happy to have him. It¡¯s just unfortunate that Alexa already loves someone else. But I am very sure that Noah will meet a woman he deserves and when that happens, I will give them my full support.


    ¡°Is that what you guys talk about?¡± He asked.


    I nodded. ¡°And I told her that I respect her decision and I am happy for her. But I asked her to leave you alone. That is the best way she could do to help you to move on.¡±


    ¡°And what did she say?¡±


    I red at him. I don¡¯t like the hope in his eyes. He was hurting himself for Pete¡¯s sake!


    ¡°Stop expecting from her, please. You are just hurting yourself.¡± I said.


    ¡°Fine. I get your point.¡± He said sounded defeated.


    I hug him again. ¡°You¡¯ll get over her and you will meet the girl who is destined for you.¡±


    He nodded then I release him from my hug.


    We all decided to drink and enjoy the rest of the night. I was beyond thankful now that Noah and Andrew arefortable with each other. The time I¡¯m out with Alexa gave these two a time to bond.


    Andrew is good at giving advice and Noah needed real good advice. I am very content with my life right now. I have a good career, a supportive family, a loving boyfriend, and real friends. My only wish now is for Noah to find the love that he deserves and my life will be beyond perfect.


    ¡°What if you are really the one for me?¡± Noah suddenly asks then he look at Andrew with a smirk on his face.


    I purse my lips together to prevent myself from smiling. I know Noah didn¡¯t mean what he said. He was just teasing Andrew.


    ¡°Stop dreaming Elordi! Alli is mine. I¡¯m the only one for her.¡± Andrew said possessively.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never know what fate will do.¡± He said to tease Andrew more.


    Andrew looks really pissed with Noah. ¡°Can¡¯t you just go home?!¡±


    Noahughed aloud and I was not able to control myugh anymore. Iughed together with Noah which made Andrew more pissed.


    ¡°Chill, dude. Allison is all yours. I never look at her romantically. You can rest assured that I will not steal Alli from you.¡± Noah said but stillughing.


    ¡°Even if you did you will never seed in stealing her.¡± Andrew confidently said.


    ¡°You are not sure about that, right Alli?¡± Noah said then he wink at me.


    I purse my lip and shrugged. ¡°We will never know until it happened.¡±


    ¡°Allison!¡± Andrew scolded me.


    I burst outughing then I kiss Andrew on his lips and hug him tightly. ¡°I¡¯m just joking baby. So just chill okay? I¡¯m all yours. No one can steal me away from you.¡±


    ¡°Whatever lovers! I¡¯m out! Thank you for this great evening!¡±


    After Noah left, Andrew and I talked about our trip. My work here is almost done. Next week I am free to spend time with the love of my life.


    Though, I was having second thought about it. I would love to spend time with Andrew but I am not sure if it¡¯s right to continue our n knowing Noah¡¯s situation.


    Noah needed me now. It was finally my turn to be his shoulder to cry on. When I was heartbroken with Andrew, Noah is always there tofort me and help me not to think much about him. It was Noah who help me with all the things I am achieving now. Though Noah never asks anything in return. As a friend, I also want to do to him what he did to me before.


    ¡°Keith told me that the helicopter that I requested is avable anytime. So if we decided to leave earlier, I could just tell him and he will arrange everything.¡±


    I could see the excitement in his eyes. I was hesitant to ask him because it might ruin his mood. But I will not be still until I say it.


    ¡°Can we invite Noah to join us on the ind?¡±N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

 Chapter 40 Runways

    ¡°Can we invite Noah to join us on the ind?¡±N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    The excitement in Andrew¡¯s eyes is now gone. It was reced with a frown.


    ¡°Why do you want to invite him on our vacation? We both agreed to spend this vacation with just the two of us.¡± He calmly said.


    I lower my head due to the guilt that I am feeling now. I know that I am being unfair to Andrew. He was right, we both agreed to spend this because with just the two of us. But I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to enjoy the vacation knowing Noah¡¯s heartbroken.


    Andrew sighed and pulled me to him and he wrapped his arm around me. I leaned on his chest.


    ¡°I understand that you are worried for Noah. But he¡¯s a strong guy. He will surely ovee this.¡± He said while brushing my hair with his hand.


    I lean my chin on his shoulder to look at him. ¡°Alexa is the only girl he ever loved. He only sees his future with her, many girls tried to win his heart and all of them failed.¡± I reasoned out.


    ¡°I get your point. I know exactly what he is feeling right now. You are also the only girl I ever loved and the only girl I see my future with.¡±


    My heart flutters hearing those words from him. I feel like I¡¯m the luckiest girl in the world.


    I hide the giddiness I am feeling and acted unaffected by what he said.


    ¡°Exactly! And you know how hard it is for him right now. He needs us now.¡± I told him.


    He sighed and look defeated. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s ask him the next time we see him.¡±


    My eyes widen with excitement. ¡°Really? You agree to bring Noah with us?!¡± I couldn¡¯t hide the shock and excitement that I felt.


    ¡°Yes I will allow him to go with us but I doubt he¡¯ll join us.¡± He said nonchntly.


    ¡°Of course, he¡¯ll agree,¡± I said confidently.


    Andrew and I were invited as a guest to the Lush fashion show. They will beunching their Spring-Summer collection for this year.


    Noah and Ava are the finales. I¡¯m super excited to see Ava. I haven¡¯t seen her since I got back in here. And I know that we have a lot to catch up on.


    Andrew is my escort for today¡¯s event. I¡¯m sure that people will not put malice on this because the media here is rooting Noah for me.


    And I know I was right when some of the people from the media started to ask me questions about Noah.


    ¡°Are you here to support Noah?¡±


    ¡°Did Noah aware that brought a different escort?¡±


    ¡°Are you back for good?¡±


    ¡°When are you going to reveal your real rtionship status with Noah?¡±


    I smiled at the cameras who click and shed nonstop. ¡°Noah and I are just friends. And here with me is another friend from the Philippines. He was featured in my magazine and he was a famous singer in the Philippines. Since we are both invited by Lush to this event, we decided to be partners for tonight in support of Lush and of course Ava and Noah.¡±


    ¡°Does Noah knows him?¡±


    ¡°Is Noah okay with it?¡±


    I smiled again before I answered them. ¡°Yes. Noah and Andrew knew each other and they are now friends. Noah always respects and supports my decision.¡±


    The media keeps on asking questions, thankfully the staff help Andrew and me to handle the media. They directed us to our seats.


    The show started. I like how the designer came up with the new collection. It was like a fusion of all generations. The design explores the tension of opposing forces like present and past, couture and casual, day and night.


    Noah and Ava nailed the final walk. Everyone was in awe as they watched them on the runway.


    The event was a sess.


    I was excited to go backstage to see them. I held Andrew¡¯s hand and showed him the way to Ava and Noah.


    The backstage is in chaos which is normal in all runway events. Some models are taking pictures with others, some are just with their phones, some are talking to their manager or make-up artist, some are doing video, I guess for the vlog.


    I already took some videos for my spiels. Then my team was the one in charge to take videos for the whole event as a highlight. This event will also be featured in my vlog and magazine.


    ¡°Ava!¡± I called her.


    She was still in the dress that she wore on the runway. She was talking to Noah and their makeup artist.


    ¡°Alli!¡± She greeted me back.


    She hugged me as soon as I reach her. ¡°Oh my gosh! I miss you so much!¡±


    I smile and hug her back. ¡°I miss you too my supermodel.¡±


    We exchange some greetings also with other models that I knew. I even introduce Andrew to them. I could see the admiration in their eyes. I just let them be. I know they may look flirty or naughty but they are harmless, also Andrew will never take anyone¡¯s baits of seduction.


    As Andrew and I wait for Noah and Ava to finish with their business backstage, I met my team who did the cover of the event. I check the videos and gave some instructions.


    The four of us will be attending Lush¡¯s after-party. We can¡¯t skip that event because Noah and Ava was the star of the event. My team will also be there to take some pictures and videos for the magazine and vlog content.


    ¡°OMG! Alli, I couldn¡¯t believe when Noah told me that you decided to stay in the Philippines for good.¡± Ava said as soon as we went inside Noah¡¯s car.


    Noah will be driving us to the event.


    ¡°I have been staying here for too long. My parents miss me. They just found me but were not able to spend time with me and catch up with the lost time we had. Also, my dad was hospitalized. That was the wake-up call for me not to take my parents for granted and I should value the time I have with them.¡± I exined to her.


    Ava is a sweetheart. After my interview with her and after she met my mom, I became close with her. She was my closest friend here next to Noah.


    ¡°I heard your story. Howe you did not tell me about that? That exins why you don¡¯t know much about your mom¡¯s legacy.¡± She said.


    I nodded. ¡°I was not nning to keep it a secret. There¡¯s no chance to open up the topic.¡±


    ¡°Agree. And that is not something to be kept secret. But aside from that, I also found out something. That the guy in front is your boyfriend!¡±


    It was not a question. I¡¯m sure Noah was the one who told him since no one knew about it except him.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story but I¡¯m sure Noah already told you about it,¡± I said then I rolled my eyes.


    ¡°He did. But I was happy when I heard about it. I¡¯m happy for you girl!¡± She said then she hug me.


    ¡°She¡¯s happy because your boyfriend is Andrew and not Lieo!¡± Noah teases her.


    She releases me from her hug and ps Noah in the shoulder. Andrew and I justugh because of their childishness.


    ¡°I heard about that. It seems like you are interested in Lieo.¡± I said with a bit of teasing.


    Ava¡¯s face reddened. Even Andrew looks surprised by her reaction.


    ¡°Should I video call Lieo?¡± Andrew started to tease her too.


    ¡°No! No! Don¡¯t you dare do that!¡±

 Chapter 41 Alone Together

    ¡°Hello? Alli?¡±


    ¡°Dude I was the one who called you and you are looking for my girlfriend?¡± Andrew said a bit annoyed.


    My eyes widen. I can¡¯t believe that Andrew really calls Lieo! Did they reconcile already? That¡¯s great news! I¡¯m happy for both of them.


    ¡°I know that it¡¯s your phone number. I just assume that it was Alli who called using your number since it¡¯s impossible for you to call me especially at this hour.¡± Lieo calmly exined.


    ¡°Fine. The reason that I called is that I want to introduce you to someone.¡± Andrew said then he look at Ava.


    Ava on the other hand suddenly became quiet and her face is looking at the car window. She is not moving at all. I¡¯m concerned because she might have a stiff neck.


    ¡°Who might that be?¡± Lieo curiously asked while his forehead creased.


    Ava is now holding my hand tightly while she was still facing the car window. I can feel the coldness in her hand. She was nervous and I¡¯m kind of surprised because I have never seen Ava this nervous and shy. She was always confident. She can carry this kind of teasing with other models. This is so unlike her. Maybe she really likes my friend. And I will support her because she¡¯s been a friend of mine for two years and I could attest that she is a great person. Any man will be so lucky to have her.


    Should I y as a matchmaker for these two?


    ¡°Sure. Meet¡­¡± Andrew pause then looks at us.


    I red at him, telling him to stop teasing Ava.


    Andrew turns the phone to Noah who is now driving.


    ¡°Meet Noah a new friend of mine and Alli¡¯s best friend.¡± He said.


    I heard a sigh of relief from Ava. But she was still holding my hand and still looking at the window.


    ¡°Is that it? I already know Noah when I went there to visit Alli.¡± Lieo said in a bored tone.


    Andrew chuckled. ¡°Oh, yeah! I forgot. So I assume that you also met Ava? She was also a close friend of Alli.¡± He said casually.


    I also sighed because it doesn¡¯t look like he was teasing Ava to Lieo.


    ¡°Ava? I heard her name from Alli but I never met her. Why? Is she there?¡± He asked.


    Ava squeeze my hand. I could see the ghost smile on the side view of her face since I was having a hard time seeing her face. I knew she likes what she heard from Lieo, it somehow shows that he is curious about her.


    Ava slowly turns her face to Andrew. I want tough seeing how she tried her best to put on a poker face.


    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s here. Ava meets one of the members of my band, Lieo. Lieo meet Ava.¡± He introduces them in a calm voice.


    It was Lieo who greeted her first. ¡°Hey, Ava! It¡¯s nice to finally meet you. I heard many good things about you from Alli. Thank you for being a great friend to Alli. I hope to meet you in person.¡±


    Ava bit her lips, doing her best to control her expression. I know deep inside she wanted to scream.


    Ava cleared her throat before she greeted him back. ¡°Nice to meet you too. I also heard many good things about you.¡±


    ¡°I might go to the US within the month for a business trip. I hope I can finally meet you in person.¡± Lieo said after he said his goodbye.


    I didn¡¯t know that he has a business trip here. I hope Andrew and I were still here when he arrives.


    After two weeks of nonstop meetings, shoots, and interviews, I¡¯m finally done with my work here in the US. My works will cover the whole quarter, we have more time to conceptualize for the next quarter.


    As nned, Andrew and I will spend one whole week on a private ind owned by Andrew¡¯s family friend.


    We invited Noah toe with us but he declined. He assures me that he can handle the pain that he is experiencing now but if the time wille that the pain is unbearable, he promised that he will tell it to me and I also promise that I will go to him, I don¡¯t care if I¡¯m already in the Philippines when that timees, I will surely go to him tofort him. And Andrew supported my decision.


    ¡°Finally, I¡¯m alone with you,¡± Andrew whispered.


    Andrew and I were dancing to a romantic song. He prepared a romantic dinner for both of us. He set the table right at the pool¡¯s edge. The light and reflections give an extra dimension to the glorious ind sunset. Since the pool was located on our private deck, it made us enjoy the tranquility of our residence and of course the alone time together.


    I smiled at him then I ce my head on his shoulder.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to spend my whole life with you,¡± Andrew said sincerely.


    I was about to move my head to look at him when he stop me from doing it.


    ¡°I¡¯m not yet proposing to you. Don¡¯t worry. I know that you have many things you want to aplish. But I¡¯m not nning to wait for too long. So finish whatever you want to aplish so that I can finally propose to you.¡± He said then he put my hand on his lips.


    I turn to face him teary-eyed. I was so touched by what he just said.


    ¡°How can you make me fall deeper in love with you every day? I love you, baby!¡± I said.


    He touches my face, touching my cheeks and my lips. ¡°I love you more, baby!¡±


    He leans closer to mine and reaches out for my lips. He started to suck my lip gently passionately. Then slowly he extends his tongue and reaches out on mine. I answered his kiss with the same intensity.


    This day is so perfect and romantic. I couldn¡¯t ask for more.


    We are not yet married but our three days spent alone here on the ind feel like we are having our honeymoon. He always teases me that this is our advanced honeymoon, I will just give him a death re but deep inside the butterflies in my stomach is already in chaos.


    What I love about him is that he never took advantage of me. Yes, we are kissing so passionately, we even get to a point that we are already making out but he knows where to stop. He respects me and promises me that we will not sleep together until we got married.


    Whenever wee to a point where we feel so hot because of the intensity of our kiss that sometimes leads to making out, he will be the one who will pause and remind me of his promise. He will then kiss my forehead and hug me for a few minutes.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    The next day, we woke up because of the nonstop ringing of our phone. I look at my phone screen and saw my cousin¡¯s name on it.


    Lance always seeds in annoying me. It was only four in the morning. Since we got here on the ind, Andrew and I woke up between seven and eight in the morning. Can you imagine how pissed I am right now?


    Just like the famous line in our country. You rather messed with drunk people rather than people who just woke up. What more now that it¡¯s not yet our time to get up?!


    ¡°Lance do you have any idea of the time here in the US?!¡± I scolded him.


    Andrew also woke up but since Lance was calling my phone, I was the one who answered it. He put his head on my legs and resume sleeping.


    ¡°I do my dear cousin. I¡¯m well aware that it¡¯s 4 am now. I would love you to take much sleep as you want, but I really need to wake you up so that you will not bete for our meeting.¡± He said in the most annoying tone.


    ¡°What the hell?! What meeting are you talking about? I¡¯m on vacation!¡± I hissed.


    Lance chuckled. ¡°Sorry to disappoint you my dear cousin but vacation is over. We have a meeting today at seven in the morning with Lush. We are already in our hotel.¡±


    My eyes widen. ¡°What are you talking about? What hotel?¡±


    Andrew woke up because of my loud voice. ¡°Hotel?¡± He asked a bit disoriented.


    ¡°Lance said that we have a meeting with Lush today at 7 am, and they are already in the hotel,¡± I said then rolled my eyes.


    His forehead creased. He asked me to put the phone in speaker mode.


    ¡°Where exactly are you guys now?¡± Lance asked calmly.


    ¡°United States of America baby!¡±

 Chapter 42 Complete

    ¡°Oh! You guys are fast!¡±


    I rolled my eyes at my cousin who was the one who opened the door for us. He asks us toe in, I rolled my eyes again at him as I was entering their hotel room.


    Andrew and I had no choice but to shorten our vacation because of these people. I didn¡¯t get all the details, all I know is they are here because they have a meeting with Catherine to talk about the sponsorship. I didn¡¯t know that this sponsorship is in a hurry for them to fly here in the US.


    ¡°We are nowplete!¡± Mike said cheerfully.


    Indeed because even Iya was here. I can¡¯t believe that time wille where I¡¯ll say to myself that I am not happy to see them. How can I be happy to see them if they are the reason why my vacation with Andrew is shortened?!


    Iya went to me and hugged me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Alli I failed to stop them froming here. I know that your vacation with my cousin is ruined by them.¡± She whispered to me.


    I just sighed and hug her back. ¡°I understand you. These people are not easy to handle.¡±


    We arrived at the head office of Lush. I could see the amazement in Iya¡¯s eyes. I was just like her when I first went here that¡¯s why I totally understand what she feels right now.


    Iya is more into luxury brands than I am, which is not surprising because Iya grew up in an affluent family.


    Vince¡¯s manager is already in the conference room when we got there. He will serve as the band¡¯s manager. Though Andrew has his own manager which is Anne, he will be the point person for this project. He will just exin the details of the project or sponsorship to Anne. I will not be a hypocrite, I was happy when Ben, Vince¡¯s manager exined it to us. I don¡¯t want to see her as much as possible even though it¡¯s inevitable since she was my boyfriend¡¯s manager.


    The meeting went well. They came to an agreement that all business and entertainment events of the group will be attended, individually or as a group will be sponsored by Lush. And they will also be the main model of Lush¡¯s next collection. Catherine will talk to the legal team about the contract.


    ¡°It seems like the project is not in a rush. But why did you ask for an immediate meeting?¡± I asked Catherine.


    Catherine¡¯s forehead creased while the boys except for Andrew and Ben coughed and looks like they were choked by something.


    ¡°I did not request this meeting. I told them that we can do a virtual meeting first to talk about the offer then we can have a contract signing event for them. They were the ones who insisted toe here.¡± Catherine exined.


    I just smile at her. I need to control the rage that I am feeling right now. They obviously nned this! They wanted this meeting as an excuse to ruin my vacation! I hate them!


    As soon as we reach my apartment I punch all the boys except Andrew of course.


    ¡°You guys are so evil! How can you do this to me and Andrew?!¡± I yelled at them.


    They just grin at me which made me more irritated. Howe I¡¯m friends with these people?! They are not normal!


    Lance went to me and ce his arm on my shoulder. ¡°It was my fault. I was the one who thought of this n. I can¡¯t help but feel protective of you. I trust my friend Andrew. I know that he really loves you. But I¡¯m still notfortable with you spending vacation with him alone. So when Vince told me about Lush¡¯s offer, I had an excuse to go here in the US.¡±


    I look at him to see if he was sincere and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. I sighed aloud. I now understand him but I¡¯m still pissed.


    I rolled my eyes at him. ¡°I thought that it was only Andrew who is very protective of his cousin. I didn¡¯t know that I also have one.¡± I said in a calmer but with a bit of teasing tone.


    We allugh at my remark and they started teasing Lance.


    The group decided to celebrate that deal that they got from Lush. I decided to call Noah and Ava to join us here in my apartment for the celebration party of the group.


    I can¡¯t wait for Noah to meet my friends in the Philippines and of course, I am also anticipating Ava and Lieo¡¯s first meet-up. I hope that they will get along well.


    ¡°OMG! I can¡¯t believe that the supermodel Ava has a crush on our friend Lieo.¡± Iya said after I told her about Ava and Lieo.


    We are in my room to change clothes for tonight¡¯s party.


    ¡°Me too. But I¡¯m not that surprised because Lieo is really handsome. He is actually more handsome than the models here.¡± I said.


    ¡°I bet Noah will object on that,¡± Iya replied.


    I nodded at her. Knowing Noah, he will really not ept that. ¡°Well, Noah is a different case. He¡¯s in the same level of Lieo when ites to looks.¡±


    ¡°Wait, I suddenly remember something. You are still not telling Andrew about your rtionship with Vince. I ask him a bit about it and he has no idea at all.¡± I asked.


    Iya¡¯s eyes widen. ¡°What did you tell him?¡±


    Iya looks really nervous. Well, knowing how protective Andrew is when ites to Iya, I¡¯m not surprised why Iya was feeling nervous about this. Andrew is more worstpared to Lance.


    ¡°Rx. I did not tell him about your rtionship with Vince. I just ask him if he knows the girl that Vince is courting right now.¡± I said.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    She looks serious and attentive. ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°He said he doesn¡¯t have any idea. He didn¡¯t even know that Vince like someone.¡± I said to calm her.


    She sighed aloud. ¡°Thank you for not telling my cousin about me and Vince. I know it¡¯s hard to keep this a secret to him.¡±


    I hold her hand and smiled at her. ¡°I was not in the position to tell Andrew about you and Vince. It shoulde from both of you. But I hope you guys will tell him about your rtionship soon. He deserves to know about it. And he might be angrier if it¡¯s toote.¡±


    Iya nodded and smile at me. ¡°Vince told me that he will talk to Andrew when we go back to the Philippines.¡±


    ¡°Will you go with him when he decided to talk to your cousin?¡± I asked quietly.


    She pouted her lips. ¡°I wanted toe with him but he told me that he wanted to talk to Andrew alone.¡±


    ¡°I agree with Vince¡¯s decision. I also think that it will be best for the both of you if Vince will talk to Andrew alone. In that way, Vince can handle Andrew¡¯s reaction better.¡± I told her.


    I am thrilled with the development of their rtionship. They just need Andrew¡¯s approval for their rtionship to be official. I hope Andrew will give his approval the soonest. It will not be easy on Vince¡¯s part but I know he will ovee.


    After our not too short chat. We decided toe down and join the boys. Noah texted me that they are already on the way to my apartment.


    This night will surely be exciting! I can¡¯t wait!

 Chapter 43 Ava meets Lieo

    The party has already started but Noah and Ava are still on the road. My forehead creased. It¡¯s been an hour since Noah texted me that they are already on the way here. They are supposed to be here by now because my apartment is just 30 minutes away from Ava¡¯s house.


    I excuse myself from my friends to call Noah.


    ¡°Where are you? You guys are supposed to be here by now!¡± I said as soon as Noah answered his phone.


    I heard him sigh. ¡°We are already outside your apartment.¡±


    My eyes widen. ¡°What?! Then why are you noting inside?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Ava is hesitant toe in,¡± Noah exined.


    ¡°What?! Wait I¡¯ll go outside to fetch you.¡±


    I went outside as soon as I end the call and I saw Noah and Ava inside the car in front of my apartment. This is so weird. Attending a house party is not something new to Ava. We used to attend parties like these. Ava even hosted her own house party.


    I walk to Noah¡¯s car and knock on his car window. He pulled down his car window.


    ¡°What are you guys waiting here?! Let¡¯s go inside!¡±


    Noah look at me and pointed at Ava. He mouthed ¡°you talk to her.¡±


    ¡°Ava?¡± I called her.


    I turned to her. Ava looks shy and nervous. ¡°What¡¯s wrong Ava?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s okay for us to join your party?¡± She asked quietly.


    ¡°Of course! They also want to meet you guys because they know that you two are my closest friends here.¡± I said to assure her.


    Ava sighed aloud. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    I smiled at her when I saw her removing her seatbelt. I cling to both of them as we went inside the apartment.


    The boys are already enjoying their conversation while Iya is with Vince looking so in love. Iya and Vince are so obvious and I can¡¯t believe that Andrew is still clueless about these two.


    ¡°Everyone! My guests are finally here!¡± I announced.


    Their attention went to us. I introduce Noah and Ava to them and as expected, they wee my two friends with open arms.


    Andre, Noah, and I are so nervous as Lieo went to Ava.


    ¡°Hey, Ava. It¡¯s nice to finally meet you. I told youst time that I will be flying here right?¡± Lieo said in a gentlemanly manner.


    My heart flutters as I look at them. In all fairness, they look so good together. I hope that I seed in pairing them.


    ¡°Nice to meet you too,¡± Ava said shortly.


    I wanted tough hard but I know that will only make Ava more ufortable. This is the first time I saw her getting shy at someone. I find her so cute today.


    After the introduction, the boys are now enjoying each other¡¯spany while Iya, Ava, and I went to the garden at the back of my apartment.


    ¡°Are you sure Andrew doesn¡¯t have any ideas about you and Vince?¡± I was not able to stop myself from asking what was bugging me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he doesn¡¯t have any idea about my rtionship with Vince. You know how protective Andrew is.¡± Iya answered with full conviction.


    I nodded at her. ¡°I just find it hard to believe that he doesn¡¯t have any idea at all. I mean, you guys are so obvious. But you are right, knowing how protective your cousin is to you, he will definitely confront you and Vince if he is sensing something.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe he doesn¡¯t put malice on the two of them because as you told me before, they are friends since they were in grade school or high school.¡± Ava shared her opinion.


    My eyes widen. ¡°I think that¡¯s the perfect exnation. Thanks, Ava, as expected from you, my smart friend.¡±


    She just smiles and looks in Lieo¡¯s direction. I giggle.


    ¡°What can you say about Lieo now that you met him in person?¡± I asked.


    Ava¡¯s face reddened by my sudden question. ¡°He looks more handsome in person. I can¡¯t believe he didn¡¯t pursue modeling or the entertainment industry. And he seems like a gentleman.¡±


    ¡°He is.¡± Iya and I both said.


    We allughed while watching the boys.


    ¡°How¡¯s your schedule this week?¡± I asked.


    Ava¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°I¡¯m don¡¯t have shoots or runway this week. I have been busy for the past weeks and I wanted to take a short break that¡¯s why I ask my manager to free my schedule this week.¡±


    I look at Iya. We were both grinning.


    ¡°Then you cane with us tomorrow?¡± Iya asked excitedly.


    ¡°Where are you guys nning to go?¡± Ava asks.


    ¡°You know that Andrew and I were supposed to be on a private ind by now and enjoying our vacation,  right?¡±


    Ava nodded. Ava and Noah were the only ones who knew about our vacation.


    ¡°But unfortunately, we need to cut our vacation to go back here because of my friends¡¯ sudden visit. Since their alibi is done, we decided to tag them along. We are leaving tomorrow. Do you want toe with us? I¡¯m sure you will love the ce!¡± I said to convince her.


    I really wanted her toe with us because I want Lieo to know more about her. I really want to y cupids with them.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine with me. But what about your friends?¡± Ava said.


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s fine with us. We love to have you with us.¡± Iya answered her.


    ¡°Then I have no choice but to ept your invitation.¡± She said wearing her sweetest smile.


    We are finally back on the ind. I miss this ce. I think I can live here forever.


    Since we are with friends, the boys will upy the two rooms while Iya, Ava and, I will share in one room.


    ¡°Are you sad because you will not share the same room with Andrew?¡± Ava started to tease me.


    ¡°Of course not! Though I will miss our cuddling at night still I¡¯m fine with it.¡± I said while touching my face because I can feel the heat on my face from her sudden question.


    ¡°Are you sure it was only the cuddling that you miss?¡± Ava teased me more.


    ¡°Of course! We are not doing that yet okay? Andrew and I both agreed that we will only do that after our wedding.¡± I said in defense.


    ¡°That¡¯s no fun!¡± Ava said.


    Well, I can¡¯t me her. She grows up here in the States. Losing your virginity with someone you are not married to is not a big deal. Unlike in the Philippines, virginity is a big deal. We believe that the best gift that you can give to your husband is your virginity.


    We are currently enjoying the activities on the ind and I can see that Lieo and Ava are getting along very well.


    I always make sure that they will have their moments together.


    ¡°Just let them fall naturally,¡± Andrew said as I was watching Ava and Lieo talking alone together.


    I leaned on Andrew¡¯s chest and look at him. He was hugging me while we were sharing in one of the beach lounge chairs.


    ¡°I know. But I can¡¯t help myself. I really want them to be together. Look at them, they look so expensive together. I love it!¡± I told him while giggling.


    Andrew chuckled while caressing my waist. ¡°Indeed. But it will be best if you will not be involved with them. Lieo might not like that.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°You think so?¡±


    Andrew nodded then he kissed my lips.


    Night came and I saw Lieo alone sitting on the beach sand. I went with him.


    ¡°Why are you alone?¡± I asked while sitting beside him.


    ¡°Nothing. I just want my alone time.¡± He answered.


    ¡°So you want me to leave you alone?¡± I asked.


    He shook his head. ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. You know that I always want yourpany.¡±


    I smiled at him. I am a bit ufortable with what he just said because I am already aware of his feelings for me.


    ¡°I¡¯m fluttered. But what can you say about Ava? She¡¯s nice right?¡± I asked instead.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    Lieo sighed and look at me intently. ¡°I know what you are doing,¡±


    I swallowed hard. I felt nervous from his stare. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You are pairing me with Ava.¡± He said in a cold voice.


    I averted from his gaze and lower my head feeling guilty.


    ¡°I know that your intention is good. But I don¡¯t like what you are doing right now. Every time you try to pair me with someone, you are hurting me more.¡±

 Chapter 44 Uninvited

    I was shocked and ashamed at the same time. I realize that in my eagerness for him to move on, I became insensitive to his feelings. I know how hard it is to move on from someone you truly love. I¡¯m so thankful for the love that he is giving me, but I want him to fall in love with someone else who will give me the love that he deserves.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I said sincerely.


    Lieo smile at me but it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. My heart hurts seeing him like that.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. As I said, I know that your intention is good. But I will appreciate it if you will let me move on, on my own way and phase.¡± He said quietly.


    I bit my lower lip and nodded at him.


    The night was so beautiful and romantic. Andrew asks me to walk with him on the beach after we had dinner.


    We were quietly walking on the beach while holding each other¡¯s hands, feeling the cold wind and appreciating the beauty of the ind. This is the best feeling ever. I could live on this ind forever, of course with Andrew.


    As we are walking away from where we are staying, I saw a romantic setup that I assumed was prepared by Andrew.


    There¡¯s a nket and two huge cozy pillows. There is also wine and a light snack. The rose petals that were scattered in the nket and scented candles made the ce more romantic.


    ¡°How did you prepare all this?!¡± I said in disbelief.


    ¡°I n all this before we went here. I thought this n will not push through because of the sudden call of your cousin. I¡¯m d that we were able toe back and do this. Do you like it?¡± He asked gently.


    I touch his face and move it closer to mine to give him a quick kiss. ¡°I love it! Thank you, baby.¡±


    ¡°Anything for you, my love.¡± He said then he kissed my hand.


    As we enjoy our moment alone together, I shared with him about my talk with Lieo.


    ¡°I told you he will not like it,¡± Andrew said.


    I nodded and sighed. ¡°Yes, you are right. I feel a bit ashamed because I became insensitive of his feelings.¡±


    ¡°He will understand. He knows that your intention is for his own good.¡± Andrew said while ying with my hand.


    I sighed again and lean on his shoulder.


    The days we spend on the ind are so worth it. All of us enjoy our stay on the ind. We became so busy for the past months or years rather. I think this is the first time we had this kind of vacation.


    We all wanted to extend our vacation but we simply can¡¯t. Our work is already filling up.


    Ava and Noah escort us to the airport. We are using Andrew¡¯s private jet since we are avoiding the media to have an idea about our arrival.


    I was happy to see my friends are getting close with Noah and Ava. Especially Lieo and Ava. Maybe I should let them fall naturally just like what Andrew said. I really hope that they will fall in love with each other and have their happily ever after.


    It was a long flight but we never feel bored because we wereplete. We talk and bond just like what we always do when we have free time and they are in our house. We didn¡¯t even notice that we already arrived in the Philippines.


    Andrew was driving me home when his phone rang. It was Anne calling him on the phone. He look at me and smile then he answer his phone, the loudspeaker was on.


    ¡°Andrew!¡± Anne called him.


    ¡°Yes? What is it?¡± He asked in a formal voice.


    ¡°I was told about your project with Lush. Why am I not aware of the offer you agreed on? Am I still your manager?¡± Anne said in a cold voice.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    I get her point. I will also not like it if I were in her shoe. So I understand why she is acting like this. I was also surprised when I did not see Anne at the meeting. I forgot to ask him about it.


    ¡°The offer was sudden.¡± He only said.


    ¡°Really? Then howe, Vince¡¯s manager was able to join the meeting?¡± Anne asked.


    I nodded. I got her point again.


    Andrews sighed aloud. ¡°Believe it or not I was also surprised with the sudden arrival of Vince and the group, what more the meeting with Lush. They almost ruined my vacation with Alli.¡± He exined.


    ¡°I hope you are telling the truth. You should tell me if you still want me to be your manager or not.¡± Anne said.


    ¡°Of course Anne. You are doing well with your job, I had no n on changing my manager.¡± He said tofort Anne.


    I couldn¡¯t help but roll my eyes. They sounded like a couple arguing.


    Andrew saw me when I rolled my eyes. I avoided his gaze and turn to the car window.


    ¡°Can we talk about the details today? I¡¯ll go to you.¡± Anne said.


    ¡°What? No! We can talk about that tomorrow, I am driving Alli home and might stay there for a bit.¡± He said trying to stop Anne from going to our house.


    Andrew knew that she was not wee in my house anymore.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll go to Alli¡¯s house and we can talk about the contract there.¡± She said then she end the call.


    That made my jaw drop. What did she just say?! She will go to my house today? Who said she¡¯s wee in my house?


    I can feel my head boiling from irritation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry baby, I was trying to stop her from going to your house,¡± Andrew said apologetically.


    ¡°I know. I heard you saying that. I can¡¯t believe her! What a thick-faced!¡± I couldn¡¯t hide my irritation.


    ¡°I will call her again to stop her.¡± Andrew carefully said.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°As if she will listen!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry baby. But I saw you agreeing to her a while ago.¡±


    My eyes widen. ¡°Because I understand her point. She was bypassed! I understand why she was reacting that way. And you guys sounded like a couple by the way.¡± I said in a sarcastic tone.


    Andrew looks troubled and doesn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry baby. As you said, I am at fault because she was bypassed by Vince¡¯s team. I was just consoling her.¡± He reasoned out.


    ¡°But you should sound that way. She might misinterpret it. You sounded so sweet that it irritates me.¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I really do. I will change my tone next time and will give a clear line between me and Anne so that she will not give meaning to my actions.¡± He said assuringly.


    I just shook my head.


    Anne was already in front of my house when we arrived. Andrew stops his car and we both went out of the car and went to Anne.


    ¡°Andrew you don¡¯t need to stay here. I will just call the maids to get my luggage in your car, just go with Anne and talk about the offer or whatever.¡± I said calmly.


    ¡°What? This meeting will surely end fast. I can still stay here with you.¡± Andrew said.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. We had a long flight. I also need to rest and get ready for my meeting with Liam of tinum Inc.¡±


    I was about to kiss Andrew to say goodbye when Anne speak angrily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡±

 Chapter 45 Plea

    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    Anne was stunned by her sudden reaction. She cleared her throat and avoided my eyes.


    I¡¯m not sure if this is the first time that she lost her temper. I guess, Liam still affects her. That increases my curiosity about their past rtionships. I know that I shouldn¡¯t fry on her business with him, but I can¡¯t help it. I wanted to know more about Anne¡¯s past since she¡¯s working and close to my boyfriend, Andrew.


    ¡°A-Andrew, I suddenly feel unwell. Can we just meet tomorrow about the contract?¡± Anne asked looking so pale.


    Andrew nodded but looks confused. ¡°Sure, you look pale. Let¡¯s meet tomorrow.¡±


    Anne nodded and went straight to her car and drove it.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Andrew blurted out.


    I just shrugged and I invited him inside the house to push through our initial n which is to spend more time together since we¡¯ll be back to work tomorrow.


    Andrew and I stayed in the garden while waiting for our lunch to be ready. None of us are talking. I think we are thinking the same thing. Something is really fishy about Anne and Liam. I¡¯ll make sure that I will find some information tomorrow.


    ¡°Who are you going to meet tomorrow?¡± Andrew suddenly asked.


    I sighed. I know why he is asking me about my meeting tomorrow. ¡°I¡¯m meeting Kyle William Valencia of tinum, Inc tomorrow,¡± I answered him.


    ¡°tinum Inc?¡± He said then his eye widen by the realization of whom I am meeting tomorrow.


    ¡°You are meeting Anne¡¯s ex-boyfriend.¡±


    It was not a question.


    I nodded like it was nothing.


    He look at me suspiciously, but I just shook my head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. My meeting with Liam has already been in my schedule even before I found out about his past rtionship with Anne,¡± I said in my defense.


    ¡°Are you telling the truth?¡± Andrew asked suspiciously.


    I rolled my eyes at him. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m telling the truth. There¡¯s no point in lying to you about my meeting with him. But now that Anne gave me that reaction, it made me more curious about their past rtionship and I want to know more.¡± I honestly said to Andrew.


    Andrew holds my hand and caresses it. ¡°Baby you don¡¯t need to do that. Their past is none of our business. We shouldn¡¯t meddle with it.¡±


    ¡°I have no ns on meddling with them. But I want to know what happened to them. I need to be sure that she¡¯s not nning anything for you. Anne¡¯s past is no joke.¡± I said firmly.


    ¡°Baby,¡±


    I remove her hands from mine and ignore his plea.


    Andrew stays here until dinner. He bonded with my parents and siblings. I am content with my life right now. I couldn¡¯t ask for more. I want this peaceful life forever. And to be able to achieve that, I need to know more about Anne¡¯s past and her future n.


    I was preparing for my meeting tomorrow when my phone rang. I look at my phone and saw Anne¡¯s name on it. My forehead creased. Why is she calling me thiste? It¡¯s almost midnight!


    Because of curiosity, I decided to answer her call.


    ¡°Yes?¡± I said.


    ¡°Can we talk? I¡¯m outside your house right now.¡±


    My eyes widen. ¡°What?¡±


    I went to the window and saw her car in front of our gate. Is this about my meeting tomorrow? Oh my! What¡¯s her deal?!


    ¡°I¡¯ll be down in a bit,¡± I said then I end the call.


    I went to my walk-in closet to change clothes since I¡¯m already in my sleeping wear.


    I call our guard to open the gate for Anne. I invited her to our garden to talk.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here thiste?!¡± I said a bit irritated.


    I was so tired and I want to get my work done so I can finally sleep, but thanks to Anne, I will have to work more hours.


    ¡°Are you really meeting Liam tomorrow?¡± She asked ignoring my irritation.


    So this is the reason why she¡¯s here? She still can¡¯t over the fact that I will be meeting his ex-boyfriend.


    ¡°Why will I lie about that?¡± I just said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb with me Alli. You knew that I have a past with him. So tell me, are you really meeting him tomorrow or you just say that so I can leave you and Andrew alone?!¡± She said using me.


    My jaw dropped from her usation. Why will I go that low? For what?!


    ¡°Yes, I know that you had a past with him. But I will never lie just to make you leave. Liam is in the fashion industry, remember? My meeting with him is already on my schedule even before I found out about your past.¡± I said coldly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you!¡± She said raising her voice.


    ¡°Then don¡¯t! No one is forcing you!¡± I said in an equal tone.


    ¡°Why are you doing this to me? What did I do to you to deserve this?¡± She said then her tears fell.


    I was stunned by the sudden shift of her emotion. ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything! Can you stop using me?!¡± I said a bit panicking because her tears won¡¯t stop.


    I don¡¯t know if I should console her or what. She was sitting and crying helplessly. I decided to go close to her, then I smell something.


    ¡°Are you drunk?!¡± I asked.


    She red at me. ¡°Why are you making my life miserable?!¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?!¡±


    ¡°First, you stole Lieo from me. I thought you are my friend! You knew that I like him but you still seduce her!¡± She shouted at me.


    ¡°I am not!¡± I denied her usation.


    ¡°You did! I am almost seeding in winning his heart, but because of you, my n went to waste! And the worst part is, you chose Andrew over him!¡± She said almost hysterical.


    ¡°Even though Lieo knew that you are in love with Andrew, he still chose to love you secretly. He never let me in. And it¡¯s all your fault! You are so selfish! You want them in the palm of your hand!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not selfish and I never seduce Lieo! And it¡¯s a good thing that Lieo never fell for you because I¡¯m not sure if you really love him or his money!¡±


    I know that my statement will hurt her, but I couldn¡¯t control myself anymore. She has no right to use me of anything.


    ¡°I like Lieo! I really do! Yes, I started to approach him because of his money, but I fell for him in the end! And because of you, I lost him!¡± She shouted again.


    ¡°Lieo didn¡¯t like you! He never did.¡±


    I could see the hurt in her eyes after hearing those words from me. I guess, she really did fall in love with Lieo.


    I can feel my heart soften for Anne. She still used to be my friend. And looking at her right now pains my heart. I was about tofort her when she look at me again.


    ¡°Can you not meet Liam?¡± She pleaded.

 Chapter 46 Victim

    ¡°Can you not meet Liam?¡± She pleaded.


    My forehead creased from her request. What¡¯s with Liam? Why Anne is so affected by the fact that I will meet the guy.


    ¡°Give me a reason why do I need to follow your request.¡± I challenged her.


    I don¡¯t have any n to follow her request but I may consider it if she will give me a valid reason.


    Anne looks at me intently. She was trying to read my mind but I just remained poker face.


    ¡°Liam will surely ask you about me.¡± She said.


    I frowned. ¡°Why will he ask about you? I mean our meeting has nothing to do with you, the meeting is purely business.¡±


    Anne¡¯s expression did not change. It was serious and so sure of her statement.


    ¡°What¡¯s with you and him?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business. Just promise me that you will cancel your meeting with him and you will never meet him again or I¡¯ll steal Andrew from you.¡± She warned me.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    The concern I felt for her vanished. How could I forget that this girl is different from what she was before? Now, her real intention is finally revealed. I should have recorded our conversation so I can just make Andrew listen to it.


    I smirked. ¡°You have been doing that for the past two years, and yet Andrew was still madly in love with me,¡± I said confidently.


    She was not affected by what I said, she just gave me the same smirk I¡¯ve given her. ¡°I did not do any move to him yet. Believe it or not, I still value the friendship that we had for the past years that¡¯s why I never made a move on your boyfriend.¡±


    I must admit that my confidence crumble by what she just said. Anne smile wickedly at me as if she was able to read my mind.


    I clenched my fist trying to control myself because I didn¡¯t like the victorious look that she is giving me.


    Then, I suddenly thought of a rebut that will surely crush her arrogance. ¡°Do that and if you seed in stealing him from me then I might consider seducing Liam since you told me that I¡¯m good at seducing men.¡±


    As expected, Anne¡¯s face changed to hatred.


    I only had three hours of sleep. I finished my presentation for my meeting with tinum veryte.


    I will go straight to tinum¡¯s main office. I was so tired with the long flight and argument with Anne. I ask our family driver to drive for me.


    As we are already on our way to tinum, I can¡¯t help but think of Anne and Liam. She was so affected by this meeting that she lost her temper. Anne is really good when ites to concealing her true emotion but Liam is the exception. And that reaction of her made me more curious about them.


    I was already in tinum¡¯s main office. Liam¡¯s secretary was the one who meet me in the lobby. He guides me to Liam¡¯s office.


    My heart is beating so fast. I¡¯m a bit confused because I never felt nervous in any of my business meetings. And I know that the nervousness I am feeling now is not because of work but because of Anne.


    Anne is certain that Liam will ask me about her.


    ¡°Good morning Ms. Alonzo!¡± Liam stood up and greeted me as soon as he saw me in his office.


    I smiled at him. ¡°Good morning Mr. Valencia!¡± I greeted back.


    Liam looks different now. Based on my research, Liam¡¯s fashion style is more of a nerd kind of style. But looking at him now, he could pass as a high-end model.


    Liam asked me to sit at the chair across from him. I opened my MacBook to show my presentation. So far so good. We only talk about business. I bing more at ease. Maybe Anne is just assuming things.


    I ended my presentation and got a positive response from him.  We are almost done with our meeting when he suddenly drops the bomb.


    ¡°I heard that you are in a rtionship with Andrew Lopez.¡± He said.


    My eyes widen a bit because of shock but I was able to recover from that shock and tried to be as calm as I can.


    ¡°What are you saying? Andrew and I are just friends.¡± I said casually.


    He grins at me. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about me, I won¡¯t spill your secret rtionship.¡±


    I remained poker face but my heart is beating so fast like it will explode any minute now.


    ¡°Loosen up Ms. Alonzo, will you? I promise, your secret is safe with me.¡± He said.


    My forehead creased. ¡°What¡¯s your deal?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.


    He shrugged. ¡°Nothing. I am not really interested in your rtionship with that singer. I was actually d when I found out that you are his real girlfriend because everyone thought it was Anne.¡±


    I think I get his deal now. Anne was right! He will surely ask me about her.


    He smirked. ¡°I think you finally get it now. How¡¯s Anne?¡±


    ¡°Why are you still interested in her? You guys broke up years ago. Are you nning revenge on her?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.


    I think this is the reason why Anne is so scared of the fact that I will be meeting her ex-boyfriend. And based on how he acts right now, it makes me believe that she was still angry at Anne. ording to the result of the investigation of Lance, Liam was naive a guy that¡¯s why it was easy for Anne to seduce him and take advantage of his money.


    Maybe it was also the reason for his sudden change of style. As I said a while ago, his looks and style will pass as a high-end model. The reason why he was one of the sought-after bachelors here in the country.


    ¡°Revenge? I am. I will surely get my revenge on those who ruined my life.¡± He said in a cold voice.


    I shivered from the coldness of his voice. I was a bit scared for Anne. Now, I understand why Anne was so desperate to stop me from meeting him today.


    ¡°Revenge brings no good to people. I hope you¡¯ll reconsider your n.¡± I said bravely.


    I was never a fan of revenge.  For me, revenge makes the worst in the person because it nurtures the hatred in your heart. Hatred will never give you peace. The best revenge for me is to move forward and be happy.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I have no n of changing my n. I will surely have my revenge. I will never let those people get away from ruining my life.¡± He said in the coldness of his voice.


    It¡¯s a bit weird hearing this from him. He was openly giving me his n and intention.


    ¡°But your life seems better now,¡± I said.


    ¡°My life was never getting better since the day that they ruined me.¡±


    He looks serious and murderous. I cleared my throat. I am scared not for myself but Anne. I don¡¯t think she can win in this revenge.


    ¡°You will soon be getting the CEO position. That is enough revenge for Anne. Believe me, you don¡¯t need to do anything to her. Just get the position and that will be enough revenge on her.¡± I said even though this attempt is aplete failure.


    He has so much hatred and doing nothing will never appease him.


    ¡°I never n on getting revenge on Anne. She was also the victim here.¡±

 Chapter 47 Genuine Happiness

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Liam shook his head. ¡°As expected. She just let you guys judge her without defending herself.¡±


    I was stunned by what I am hearing from Liam. I was so sure that Anne is a golddigger and he was her first victim. But Liam is saying otherwise. I don¡¯t know anymore what to believe. Lance has strong evidence but Liam has first-hand experience with Anne.


    If Liam was telling the truth, then I should be ashamed of myself for judging Anne quickly without hearing her side.


    ¡°Anne was a sweet and innocent girl when I first met her. She¡¯s good at designing clothes. Her dream was to work as a fashion designer in Paris. But because of me, she throws that dream away.¡± He said while looking at me intently.


    My eyes widen at his revtion. It was Anne¡¯s side that no one knew.


    Liam stood up and went to one of his office drawers and took a folder. He went back to his seat and gave me the folder. I took the folder and started to check what this folder was all about.


    It¡¯s a fashion portfolio. I check the portfolio and I was in awe of the design. The designs are all ssic and elegant. These are perfect for luxury brands in Paris. I can see great potential in this work.


    ¡°What can you say about the design?¡± Liam asked me.


    ¡°These designs are great. The designer has a great potential to make it in the fashion industry.¡± I told him my honest opinion.


    Liam smiled proudly which I find so weird. ¡°That was Anne¡¯s old design.¡±


    My jaw dropped. Did I hear it right? It was Anne¡¯s work?! Oh my gosh! She really has great potential to make it internationally!


    ¡°Why?¡± The only word I can utter.


    I was still in shock. Why did she not pursue her dream? Why did she choose a different path?


    ¡°As I said, it was all my fault. If I was strong and smart enough, I will be able to protect her from my family.¡±


    I looked at Liam. I can see the sincerity in him.


    ¡°Why are you saying all these to me? It seems like you are updated in all of Anne¡¯s moves. It¡¯s safe to assume that you know that Anne and I were not on good terms. So tell me, why are you telling all these to me?¡± I asked him with frankness.


    He nodded at me. ¡°I know. Anne med you for ruining her ns on Lieo and now she is trying to steal your boyfriend from you.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. So why are you telling me all these?¡± I asked a bit annoyed because he keeps on beating around the bush.


    ¡°Because you are the perfect ally that I need to fulfill my n.¡± He said then smirked.


    My heart is beating so fast. He sounded a bit creepy to me. ¡°What n?¡±


    ¡°I want Anne to redirect her n. I want her to fulfill her dream.¡±


    I look at his eyes and I know that he meant every word he said. I can see that he genuinely cares about Anne. I was more curious to know their past. What really happen to them that lead Anne to forget her greatest dream and ruined her life by being branded as a golddigger.


    ¡°What do you want from me?¡± I asked.


    His n is not bad. So I guess I can give it a shot. It will also benefit every one of us.


    ¡°I want you to do everything for Anne to get fired as Andrew¡¯s manager.¡± He simply said as if it was easy to do.


    ¡°What? Do you think that¡¯s easy?!¡± I said raising my voice a bit.


    ¡°I will help you with that don¡¯t worry.¡± He said to assure me.


    ¡°And how will you do that?¡± I asked.


    ¡°By dating you?¡±


    My eyes widen. I stood up and take my MacBook. This guy smell trouble. I should have not listened to him.


    I was ready to leave when Liam stoop up from his seat and went to me to stop me. ¡°Hey, listen first okay? I¡¯ll exin my whole n. You¡¯ll like it, I promise.¡±


    I look at him and saw the sincerity and desperation in his eyes. I sighed and put back my think on his table and sat down.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll listen to your n,¡± I said feeling defeated.


    He smiled at me and went back to his seat. ¡°Thank you for giving me a chance to exin my n.¡±


    ¡°I know that Anne went to your housest night to convince you to cancel this meeting.¡± He started his speech.


    I nodded. I am not surprised to hear it from him. I have an idea that he¡¯s following Anne for a long time now. Which made me more curious about their rtionship.


    ¡°Because of what happen to Lieo, she started to get scared of you, which made her insecure. Anne felt like you can easily get what you wanted, while she needs to work hard to get it, but will still fail because of you.¡±


    ¡°I can tell that she was fond of Andrew. She did try to win him, but not all out because she knew that it is still you that Andrew loved. That fact made her more insecure of you.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°And now that she found out that you are meeting me, I can tell that the reason why she was afraid for you to meet me is that, she¡¯s scared that I might also fall in love with, which will never happen. ¡± He said with conviction.


    I rolled my eyes. As if I was interested in him. But it also made me think of my conversation with Annest night. Anne¡¯s face changed when I told her that I will seduce Liam.


    Why is Anne scared of Liam falling for me? Does she still have feelings for this guy?


    ¡°It¡¯s not because she still loves me,¡± Liam said as if he read my mind.


    ¡°It¡¯s all because of her pride. She can¡¯t bear to see me falling for you. It willpletely crush her self-esteem and confidence in herself.¡± He exined to me.


    I can¡¯t believe that I am hearing all these from him. It shows how much she knew Anne. I honestly, don¡¯t know what to feel about it. I always see Anne as a confident woman. Hearing all these from him pains my heart. I may have issues with her, but I don¡¯t want her to feel that way.


    ¡°Let her believe that something is going on between us. Use that opportunity to convince your boyfriend to fire her.¡± He said so sure of his n.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that will be enough reason to fire her,¡± I said.


    He smirked. ¡°Believe me, Anne will act on his own to make her fired by your boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°And if that happened. What will you do?¡± I asked her.


    ¡°I will deal with her if that happens. I will help her to redirect her life. I will help her to be in her right ce.¡± He said dreamingly.


    I was in owed with all the things I am hearing from him. Anne will surely be happy to hear this from him and enough to gain her lost self-worth.


    ¡°Why are doing all these for her?¡± I can¡¯t help but asked his intention.


    ¡°Because I love her and I want her to be genuinely happy.¡±

 Chapter 48 Misjudge

    I am trying to absorb everything that I heard from Liam. I don¡¯t know if I should trust him or not. Should I believe everything that he just said?


    What if all the things he said were all make-up stories to be closer to Anne? What if he wanted me to believe that he genuinely cares for Anne, but the truth is, he wants revenge.


    But what if it¡¯s true? Then, Anne was just a victim. And as a former friend, I kind of feel guilty for not giving her a chance to talk and exined herself. I judge her based on the evidence that my cousin gathered. It didn¡¯t ur to me that there¡¯s always a reason why people resort to doing evil things. Instead of judging her, I should have known first why she did those things.


    I was not able to do my work properly because my mind is full of questions. I don¡¯t know the right thing to do. It¡¯s a good thing that Liam agree to give me time to think before I gave him my decision.


    I don¡¯t know much about Liam. I did some research about him since he was lined up in the list of my potential guests in my vlog and magazine. I¡¯m not even aware that Liam and Anne has a past until Lance gave me the result of his investigation about her.


    I sighed aloud. I gave up. I need to know more about their past so I can make a good decision not just for me and Andrew but also for Anne as well.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    I must admit that my talk with Liam somehow changes my perception of Anne. For now, I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. This time, I choose to trust Andrew¡¯s decision about Anne. Though I know that the friendship that I had with her will never be the same again.


    ¡°Ms. Alonzo?¡±


    I smile and nodded at him. Then I stood up and offer my hand. ¡°Mr. Arce right? I¡¯m Allison Alonzo, thank you for epting my invitation.¡±


    He epted it and introduce himself as well. His name is Jake Arce. He¡¯s an investigator rmended by my dad. I shared with my dad everything about my meeting with Liam. I can¡¯t think of anyone I can trust who will help me with the issue.


    My dad agreed to what I decided to do, and that is knowing the whole story of Liam and Anne. In that case, I¡¯ll be able to make a good assessment and I will know the next step that I should be taking.


    ¡°I want you to help me know everything about Kyle William Valencia of tinum Inc and his ex-girlfriend Allison Nicole Ellis,¡± I said in a formal tone.


    Yes, Anne and I have the same name. People call her Anne because that¡¯s the acronym of her full name. She¡¯s Allison Nicole Navarro(middle name) Ellis. As per her, people started calling her Anne when she was in college. One of her ssmates notices the acronym of her name. Anne¡¯s ssmate was amazed by that acronym so they started calling her Anne and the rest is history.


    My meeting with Jake went well. He said goodbye while I stay in the restaurant to wait for Andrew. Since we are in a high-end restaurant, no one will try to mob Andrew. Also, people wouldn¡¯t mind seeing me alone with Andrew since they also see me having this kind of meeting with the other members of the band. People find my rtionship with them tonic.


    ¡°Hey, baby!¡± He whispered to my ears then he gave me a quick kiss on my cheek.


    I smiled at him. ¡°No, I had a meeting before you came so it¡¯s fine,¡± I said to him.


    Andrew sits across from my seat. ¡°Who did you meet?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Work-rted.¡± I just said.


    He nodded and did not try to fry more. ¡°So you had dinner with that person?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°We agree to have a dinner date tonight so we only had coffee. And it was a short meeting so, there¡¯s no need to have meals.¡± I exined to him.


    He nodded and gave the signal to the waiter to get our orders.


    While having our dinner, I remember Andrew telling me that Anne told him about her past.


    ¡°Baby, remember when you told me about Anne¡¯s past?¡± I asked him.


    His forehead furrowed. ¡°What past?¡±


    ¡°Past rtionship? Like her past to the general manager of tinum Inc.¡± I said.


    ¡°What¡¯s with them? Why are you asking about it now?¡± Andrew said sounded a bit suspicious.


    I shrugged. ¡°Nothing much. I am just curious about them because I had a meeting with Liam this morning.¡±


    Andrew¡¯s forehead furrowed even more. ¡°What¡¯s with him?¡±


    ¡°Nothing! I¡¯m just a bit curious because he¡¯s so different from what I know about him. He looks like a nerd in her picture with Anne. But now he looks freaking hot! Like he can be a GQ model.¡± I said with excitement.


    ¡°You find him hot?¡± Andrew ignore everything I said and just focus on me describing Liam as a hot guy.


    I chuckled because jealousy is so visible in his face. Andrew is the cutest when he¡¯s jealous.


    ¡°Yes, I did. I think anyone who sees him now will agree to me.¡± I said to tease him more.


    ¡°You had a crush on him? Did he make a move on you?¡± He said looking pissed.


    I did my best to control myself fromughing. ¡°No, he did not! But is he popr with girls? I mean do you know if he has a girlfriend or if he¡¯s single did he have a girlfriend after Anne?¡±


    Andrew looks more pissed now. I know that I should stop teasing him but I also want to know if he had any idea about Liam¡¯s past rtionship after Anne.


    ¡°I never heard of him being linked to any girls and I don¡¯t care about his love life!¡± He said in a cold voice.


    I already got the information I needed. I should stop teasing him.


    ¡°Why are you asking me about him? Are you interested in him? Should I remind you that you aremitted to me?¡± He said still in a cold voice.


    I bit my lower lip. He was really pissed this time. I should stop teasing him or it will be world war two.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in him, okay?! Yes, I find him hot but that¡¯s because I know how to appreciate beautiful things. But it doesn¡¯t mean that I had a crush or something. Crush is only for high school, baby. I was curious about his sudden transformation. What did you think change him?¡± I asked a bit careful this time.


    ¡°I had no idea,¡± Andrew replied.


    I wanted to ask him more about Anne¡¯s rtionship with Liam. I was not able to absorb their story because I was too overwhelmed with hatred because of what I found out about her.


    ¡°Why did Anne and Liam break up, again?¡±


    I can¡¯t think of any other way of asking Andrew about Anne¡¯s past with Liam but to ask him directly.


    ¡°Anne told me that she didn¡¯t like Liam at first. But Liam was able to win her heart. He made her feel important and loved. But Liam¡¯s family was against her. They called her names and threatened her. She had no choice but to leave Liam.¡± He said.


    I nodded. ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Anne¡¯s failed rtionship with Liam made her loathe rich people. She felt like rich people is looking down at her simply because she was poor. So she wanted revenge. Not just to Liam¡¯s family but also to rich people. That¡¯s why she decided to be a mistress.¡± He added.


    ¡°Unlike Liam, Anne never loved the guy he was in a rtionship with. She acted like a gold digger to get her revenge. When the wife found out about their affair, Anne was more relieved than scared when their rtionship busted. She was disgusted by the affair that she went into.¡±


    I don¡¯t know what to say or react to. Now that I finally listen to Anne¡¯s story, I kind of understand why Andrew chose to remain friends with Anne. Because if I will connect it with Liam¡¯s story, I will agree with him that Anne was indeed the victim and not the other way around.

 Chapter 49 Meeting

    A week has passed since my dinner date with Andrew.


    My mind is not a bit at peace with Anne. Even though I haven¡¯t received the result of the investigation about her past with Liam, I am convinced that Anne is not as bad as I thought she was.


    But I still need the result of my investigation because I want to be sure that Liam is sincere in his intention of helping Anne. I can¡¯t ignore the possibility that he wanted to get his revenge on her. I won¡¯t let that happen.


    I left the office a bit early because I will be meeting the investigator at my house. One of the house helpers informed me that my visitor is already waiting in our living room. I nodded at her and told her to bring the visitor to my study area.


    We all have our own study room in the mansion. But I don¡¯t usually use my study room because I prefer to work in my room that¡¯s why I asked for a working area inside my room. I usually used my study room whenever I have a meeting with my team in my house or I need to talk to someone about a serious matter just like today.


    I put my things in my room, I only took my phone and iPad for the meeting. I went out of my room to go straight to my study room. I don¡¯t want the investigator to wait for too long.


    The investigator stand up when he saw me entering the room. He greeted me and I greeted back at him.


    ¡°You may take a seat now, sorry for keeping you waiting,¡± I said then I sat down on my chair.


    ¡°No don¡¯t worry. I was only five minutes earlier than you so I did not wait for too long.¡± He said then he took a sip of the coffee prepared by our house-helped.


    I smiled at him and ask him to give me the reports.


    ¡°Ms. Ellis graduated cumude with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and Merchandising in one of the prestigious universities here in the country. She was also a schr of the said university.¡± Jake started his report.


    Wow! I didn¡¯t expect that Anne was this smart. I wonder why she did not pursue her dream. I mean, I get it that she had her heart broken but that is not enough reason not to pursue her dream. I know something is missing. And that is what I needed to know.


    ¡°Ms. Ellis was easily epted in tinum Inc as a junior fashion designer. She was a potential fashion designer in thepany. All of her designs were picked in the clothingpany¡¯s collection.¡± Jake added.


    ¡°She had a rtionship with Mr. Kyle William Valencia, the marketing manager, and son of the CEO of thepany but their rtionship onlysted for a year. They broke up and Ms. Ellis passed her resignation letter.¡±


    ¡°I already know about her rtionship with Liam. I want to know why they broke up and why Anne did not pursue her fashion designer career.¡± I said full of curiosity.


    ¡°Based on my investigation, Ms. Valencia¡¯s family was against their rtionship. Ms. Valencia¡¯s family did something to make Ms. Ellis¡¯ parents suffer. This must be the obvious reason why Ms. Ellis broke up with Mr. Valencia and passed her resignation.¡±


    ¡°And about Ms. Ellis¡¯ not pursuing her fashion designer career that¡¯s because Mr. Valencia¡¯s family put her on the cklist in all fashion designpanies.¡±


    My eyes widen after hearing Anne¡¯s story. I did not expect that she went through so much at that time. I feel ashamed of myself for not getting her side of the story. I judge her so easily. I can¡¯t me her for hating rich people. They ruined her dream and her life.


    I¡¯m d that Andrew chose to be a friend to Anne and trust her. I know how much that means to Anne after hearing about her past. You can¡¯t really judge a person with a small piece of information. We should always know the whole story with an open mind.


    I wanted to make up for all the things I said and done to Anne. Because looking back, Anne was a good friend to me. I should have trusted the friendship I have with her. I suddenly miss her and I know I had no right to miss he because I was the one who push her away and call her names.


    I am really ashamed of myself for being so judgemental. I want to help Anne. I want her to reach her dream, her original dream. But how? I don¡¯t think she will trust me anymore, so I doubt that she will ept my help.


    I was alone in my study room still thinking how can I be of help to Anne. What do I need to do to make her ept my offer about her fashion design dream? I can help her now knowing the connection I have in the fashion industry not only here in the Philippines but also in America, I can even extend the connection I have to Europe.


    I was in deep thinking when I saw Anne and Liam¡¯s picture. Then I thought of Liam¡¯s offer.


    I was supposed to have a dinner date with Andrew but I told him to reschedule our date because I have an important meeting to attend which he understand. I¡¯m always grateful to my boyfriend because he is so understanding and supportive of me. I couldn¡¯t ask for more.


    I called Liam that night and schedule a meeting with him. He wanted us to meet tonight that¡¯s why I needed to reschedule my date with my boyfriend. Andrew knew that I will be meeting Liam tonight. I intentionally told Andrew about my meeting with Liam tonight. In case I decided to ept Liam¡¯s offer.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again Ms. Alonzo or can I call you Alli so that we can¡¯t be morefortable with each other?¡± Liam greeted me as soon as I reached our reserved table.


    I can hear the excitement in his voice. I really hope that this talk will end well.


    ¡°Whatever you want, Mr. Valencia,¡± I said nonchntly


    He pulled a chair for me. ¡°You can just call me Liam too.¡± He whispered.


    I nodded and thank him as I sat on the chair he pulled for me.


    We both agree to get our order first before we start our main agenda for tonight. We are both having our dinner when I decided to break the silence.


    ¡°I think you already have an idea why I asked for a meeting tonight,¡± I said.


    Liam smiled at me and took his wine ss and sip before answering me. ¡°Yes. You took a week to call and schedule a meeting. I guess you already got all the information you need about my past with Anne.¡±


    I already expected him to say that. Based on our first encounter, he gave me the impression that he monitored our every move.


    ¡°It¡¯s true that I already got the information I need for Anne but not with you. I want to know why you did not do anything to win back Anne or to help her with the cklisted thing?¡± I asked him straight.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    I have no n to beat around the bush. This matter is urgent for me. I want Anne to be where she should be. I want her to reach the dream that was stolen from her.


    ¡°I had no idea what¡¯s happening at first. I thought that Anne broke up with me because she failed to hear my whole conversation with my family. I thought that she misunderstood me. I did try to win her back but she keeps on pushing me away.¡± Liam started his speech.


    ¡°I never stop pursuing her no matter how hard she tried to push me away. But she made a big decision that might ruin her life. And that made me feel guiltier knowing that she did that to make me give up. I decided to respect her decision and to let her go.¡± He continued.


    I can see the love and pain in his eyes. I can see that he still loves Anne.


    ¡°As I was trying to move on, I found out about what my family did to Anne and even Anne¡¯s effort to break up with me. She did that not because she wants to but because she wanted to protect her family from mine. And I totally understand her decision. I know how much she loves her family.¡± He said with his eyes a bit teary.


    ¡°I¡¯m d to know that Anne did not misunderstand me, that she heard my whole conversation with my family. Because I can¡¯t imagine the pain that she will suffer if she did not hear the whole conversation. After I found out what really happened, I realize that I needed a strong position that will give me the power to protect the one I love. I am slowly getting there, in months, I will get the CEO position of my family¡¯spany. I can finally get my revenge on them for ruining Anne¡¯s life.¡±


    I shiver from Liam¡¯s coldness. The hatred I saw in his eyes is scary. But I understand where he ising from. What his family did to both of them is not easy to ept. But I still hope that they all reconcile and start over.

 Chapter 50 ISM

    I epted the deal with Liam. I think his n was the best thing for all of us. After hearing their story, I can¡¯t help but feel sorry for both of them. Based on my investigation and Liam¡¯s side of the story, they both genuinely love each other.


    I hate it when people try to destroy someone else¡¯s happiness just because of money or ss status. I feel sorry for them. There is no genuine happiness in those kinds of people. Their world only revolves around money and power, there is no contentment in them. They failed to appreciate what truly matters, and that is God and family.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    I want not only for Anne to achieve her dream of bing a famous fashion designer but I also want her to love again. And yes, I¡¯m rooting for Anne and Liam. Their rtionship is such a waste. I feel like, they have an unfinished business, and now is the perfect time for their love to finally happen.


    But before we start our n with Anne, we need to secure Liam¡¯s position in theirpany. I offer him not just to hype his name on my vlog and magazine but also to connect him on my connection in the fashion industry.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, baby!¡¯


    Andrew and I are scheduled to visit my adopted parents. It¡¯s been months since thest time I visit them. I miss them so much and I know they miss me too.


    I am thankful that the rtionship I had with my adopted family never changed. We might not see each other often but we always make sure that we willmunicate every day either thru call or text message. Even when I was in the US, I consistentlymunicate with them.


    It was Andrew¡¯s first time visiting the ce I grew up in. My adopted parent¡¯s house is not as big as the Alonzo mansion. Our house is just as big as the living room of the Alonzo mansion. It was good for a middle-ss family like ours.


    We are almost there, I already saw the car my adopted father parked outside our house. I call my brother Dennis to inform him that we are already outside the house so that he can open the mini gate of our house.


    A minuteter, I saw Dennis opening the gate. Andrew drives the car inside the garage. I already saw my mom and dad at the door. It¡¯s a good thing that our house has a garage. Andrew and I can visit my adopted parents¡¯ ce without worrying that people might see us together.


    ¡°Hi, mom, dad! I miss you so much!¡± I ran to them and hug them tightly.


    I miss them, I miss them so much.


    ¡°We miss you too, sweetie. We are so proud of all your achievements!¡± My mom Leona said while caressing my back.


    I release them to see their proud faces. It gave warmth in my heart hearing those words from them.


    After our little chitchat, they invited us in. Andrew gave my mom Leona a bouquet, while he gave a bottle of wine to my dad Carlo and running shoes to Dennis.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, and Dennis, I¡¯d like to formally introduce to you my boyfriend Andrew Lopez.¡± I formally introduced Andrew to them.


    They wee Andrew with open arms. I just found out that Andrew visited my parents when I left for the US. So it¡¯s not the first time for Andrew to be here. No wonder my parents had no reaction when Andrew was making a move on me when I went back from the US.


    ¡°I¡¯m d that you two went back together. We saw how devastated he was when you left. We also saw how faithful he is to you. Despite his fame, he never looks at anyone or finds a recement. He would always tell us that you wille back to him, and when that happens, he will never let you go.¡± My mom said teary eyes.


    I¡¯ve heard this story many times from my biological parents and to my friends but every time I hear it, it always feels like the first time hearing it. It made me hate myself a bit because I wasted so much time crying and mending my broken heart but all those pain are because of me and not Andrew. I was the one who made everythingplicated.


    But as they say, everything happens for a reason. If I did not leave the country, I wouldn¡¯t meet Noah, and Ster will never happen. Also, my strong connection in the fashion industry will help Anne and Liam to get to their dreams or goal. I believe that everything that has happened, or the decision we¡¯ve made is in line with God¡¯s n.


    Just like what we used to do before, my mom and I will be the ones to prepare our afternoon snacks while the boys will just do their thing. I take a look at them to check what they are doing, I saw dad Carlo carrying our family¡¯s photo album.


    I could see the excitement in Andrew¡¯s eyes when my dad gave him the photo album.


    ¡°The afternoon snack is done. You can bring these snacks to them.¡± My mom said.


    I nodded at her and take the tray with the snack. I went to our living room where the boys are while my mom followed me as she was carrying the drinks.


    ¡°You studied in ISM?¡± Andrew asked as soon as he saw me.


    I look at him a bit confused because he looks confused and bothered by the fact that I went to ISM.


    ¡°Yes, but not for long. I had to transfer because even though I¡¯m a schr in that school, it¡¯s a bit far from our house, so I asked my parents and my sponsor if I could transfer to a nearby school.¡± I exined to him.


    My forehead creased when Andrew became more confused after hearing my story.


    ¡°Why? Is there a problem?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Do you have any memories of when you were still studying in ISM?¡± He ignored my question and asked me instead.


    ¡°Not much. I only studied there for months, I did not even finish the whole school year.¡± I said still confused with all his questions.


    ¡°Are you sure? Maybe you saved a bunch of kids getting bullied by the higher level?¡± Andrew asked again.


    I sighed aloud. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But, wait? saved a bunch of kids getting bullied? Like what happened to you and Lance?¡± I asked.


    He nodded. ¡°Yes, just like how that girl saved me and Lance.¡±


    ¡°I-¡±


    I was about to say that I don¡¯t remember anything like that when my dad butted in.


    ¡°I think Andrew is referring to the ssmates of yours. I remember that time when you asks us to extend your stay in that school because your ssmates needed your help.¡± My dad reminded me.


    ¡°What? Did I?¡± I said to my dad.


    ¡°Yes, sweetie try to remember it.¡± My dad said.


    I sighed and did my best to remember my grade school memories in ISM. Then suddenly a memory popped in my head. My eyes widen.


    I did save my ssmates from the higher-level bullies. I remember being annoyed with my two ssmates for allowing the higher level to bully them. Until I can¡¯t take it anymore. Since I will be leaving the school, I have nothing to fear. So I approach them and share with them the n I had in mind to defeat the bullies.


    Oh my gosh! It was the same story with Andrew and Lance.


    My eyes widen and look at Andrew. He smiled and went to me.


    ¡°Finally, I found my real savior.¡±

 Chapter 51 Deception

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, baby!¡±


    Alli and I agreed to visit her adopted family today. It¡¯s our first time to visit them together. I¡¯m sure that Alli thinks that it¡¯s my first time going to her former house. But little did she know, when she left me years ago, I often visit her adopted parents to ask for advice, they are very weing and I could see and feel how much they love Alli. I understand now why Alli loved them so much.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, and Dennis, I¡¯d like to formally introduce to you my boyfriend, Andrew Lopez.¡± Alli formally introduced me to her adopted family after we settle down in their house and after I gave my gifts to them.


    Aunt Leona gave me a warm hug, while Uncle Carlo and Dennis tap me on my shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯m d that you two went back together. We saw how devastated he was when you left. We also saw how faithful he is to you. Despite his fame, he never looks at anyone or finds a recement. He would always tell us that you wille back to him, and when that happens, he will never let you go.¡± Aunt Leona said with teary eyes.


    I smiled and hug Alli because I could see that she is starting to get emotional again. Two years was indeed wasted forck ofmunication but Alli and I both believed that it was meant to happen so that God can lead us to where we are now. And in all of this, our greatest achievement was our strong love for each other. We¡¯ve been away for two years, met so many people but our hearts still chose one another.


    Alli and Aunt Leona are busy preparing our afternoon snack while the boys(us) were enjoying each other¡¯spany. Talking about business, music, and basketball.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Have you seen Alli¡¯s childhood photos?¡± Uncle Carlo suddenly asked.


    I shake my head in response. ¡°Not yet, but I love to see her childhood photos. I bet she¡¯s still beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Of course. She¡¯s our daughter.¡± Uncle Carlo said then he excuse himself to get Alli¡¯s photo album.


    Excitement is an understatement of what I am feeling right now when Uncle Carlo gave me Alli¡¯s childhood photo album. I always wanted to know about Alli¡¯s life that I missed.


    As expected, Alli¡¯s baby pictures are so cute. I could see her resemnce with Aunt Celine.


    ¡°Is this Aunt Celine and Uncle Gab?¡± I asked when I noticed one photo where Alli¡¯s biological and adopted parents were in one frame.


    Uncle Carlo nodded and smile. ¡°Yes, it was Alli¡¯s first month I think. My wife and I brought food to them to celebrate Alli¡¯s one-month-old. We made sure to keep this photo, in case her biological parents find her and they asked for evidence.¡±


    I nodded and continue to browse the photo album. My forehead creased when I saw my ss picture in grade school. I browse the said photo and saw the girl who helped us with the bullies in our school. Then I checked the other photos of Alli in her grade school days.


    My eyes widen when I confirmed that Alli and the girl who saves us looked the same. But how is this possible? Anne said that she was the girl who saves us before. Did Anne lie to me? Did she deceive me? For what?! Is Alli and the boys were right in their ims about Anne?! I felt betrayed! I don¡¯t think I can forgive her for deceiving me!


    ¡°You studied in ISM?¡± I asked Alli when she was done with the afternoon snack.


    I tried topose myself because I don¡¯t want Alli and her family to know what was going on in my mind. I will probably share this with Alli but I will not involve her parents in this issue.


    ¡°Yes, but not for long. I had to transfer because even though I¡¯m a schr in that school, it¡¯s a bit far from our house, so I asked my parents and my sponsor if I could transfer to a nearby school.¡± Alli exined, still has no idea why I asked her that.


    I¡¯m confused because Alli doesn¡¯t seem like remembering anything.


    ¡°Why? Is there a problem?¡± She asked when she noticed my confusion.


    I ignored her question and asked this instead, ¡°Do you have any memories of when you were still studying in ISM?¡±


    ¡°Not much. I only studied there for months, I did not even finish the whole school year.¡± Alli said still clueless about the situation.


    ¡°Are you sure? Maybe you saved a bunch of kids getting bullied by the higher level?¡± I asked a more specific question now begging her to remember.


    Alli sighed aloud. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But, wait? Saved a bunch of kids getting bullied? Like what happened to you and Lance?¡± She finally getting it.


    I wanted to shout ¡®Yes Alli! Yes! Now refresh your memory and try to remember our childhood memory, my love!¡¯


    ¡°I-¡± Alli was about to answer when Uncle Carlo butted in.


    ¡°I think Andrew is referring to the ssmates of yours. I remember that time when you asks us to extend your stay in that school because your ssmates needed your help.¡± Uncle Carlo shared.


    Thank you Uncle Carlo for having a sharp memory!


    ¡°What? Did I?¡± Alli asked her dad.


    I shook my head. Baby is your memory that poor?! Then Alli¡¯s eyes widen. Finally! I think she finally remember! Thank God! Alli looked at me and I smile at her.


    ¡°Finally, I found my real savior!¡±


    I went to her and gave her a hug and a kiss on her forehead.


    We were on our way to Alonzo¡¯s mansion but our smile is still big. We can¡¯t believe that the Allison who saved us when we were kids is the same Allison we knew.


    ¡°I want to see Lance¡¯s reaction when he finds out that I am her savior! I will ask him apensation!¡± Alli said with her evilugh.


    I just shook my head. Now, Alli finds a way to bully her cousin. She alwaysins to me about how annoying her cousin is.


    ¡°I¡¯m d that Uncle Carlo showed me your childhood photos or I will still be deceived by Anne.¡± I can¡¯t help but share my frustration and anger with Alli.


    I saw Alli¡¯s forehead creased in my peripheral vision. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Remember when you asked me why I always defended Anne whenever she has an issue with the group?¡± I asked to start with my main topic.


    She nodded. ¡°Yes, and I understand now.¡±


    I shake my head. ¡°No, Alli. You were right all along.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She asked.


    I stopped the car near their gate. I couldn¡¯t wait to share my frustration with Alli.


    ¡°Anne deceived me! She made me believe that she was the Allison that saves me and Lance when we were in grade school.¡± I finally said it.


    Alli¡¯s eyes widen in shock. ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe she deceived me! I was a great friend to her! I always took her side even if you will be mad at me, I epted her past without judging her! She had all her time toe clean but she never did! Maybe you are right, she did have an agenda in doing all of this! I will surely fire her!¡± I said in pure rage.


    ¡°No, Andrew! You can¡¯t fire her yet.¡±

 Chapter 52 Caught in the act

    ¡°What?¡±


    I could see how shocked and confused Andrew is right now. Who wouldn¡¯t?! Just months ago, I was in the same rage as he is right now and telling him to fire Anne.


    I¡¯m disappointed with another lie made by Anne but I¡¯m not surprised anymore. I know that she has feelings for Andrew. I can¡¯t me her for falling for him.


    Andrew was the only person who took her side when everyone was against her.


    ¡°You can¡¯t fire her¡­ Yet.¡± I said to him.


    Andrew¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°Why can¡¯t I fire her now?¡± He asked.


    I turned to him and held his hand to calm him. I could still feel the rage in him. He was really angry with Anne.


    ¡°Anne was once a simple girl who had a big dream. She had every skill and talent that she needs to fulfill that dream but because of love she was robbed of that dream.¡± I said with full sympathy for her.


    I¡¯m not saying that what Anne did now and in the past is right and valid. I¡¯m just saying that I understand why she did what she did.


    I still feel sorry for her whenever I remember her past. I can¡¯t imagine how painful it is for her to let go of her dream because she had no choice but to let it go.


    How she tried to fight for it but still failed. How she went through those hardships alone. She had no one to talk to. No one to help her.


    I wish I knew met her at that time she was going through hell. I may not be Allison Alonzo at that time but I can still be a friend to her, a friend she can count on, and a friend that will be with her as she was dealing with those shits.


    And maybe by now, I already helped her fulfilling her greatest dream.


    ¡°What are you saying? How did you know that?¡± Andrew asked a bit suspicious.


    I sighed aloud and squeeze her hand then I smiled at her.


    ¡°Anne is just a victim of people greedy for power and money.¡±


    I decided to tell Andrew everything about Liam¡¯s offer and side of the story.


    I want Andrew to know what Anne went through that made her do those things.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I understand and I feel sorry for her. But it doesn¡¯t justify what she did to me. She deceived me!¡± Andrew said.


    He is still pissed with Anne but he¡¯s calmer nowpare to a while ago.


    ¡°I know that what she went through doesn¡¯t justify all her wrong decisions. But at least learn to understand her. What she went through is not easy. As a friend of hers, let¡¯s be the bigger person here.¡± I said.


    He sighed. ¡°Fine. I will support you and Liam with your n.¡±


    ¡°Really?! Omg! Thank you, baby! I¡¯m so blessed to have you, my love!¡± I said while removing my seatbelt to hug him.


    A month has passed since we visited my adopted family.


    Everything went smoothly. My interview with Liam will be posted on my channel this week and our coboration with their newest collection will be posted next week.


    I will be flying to the US again next month with Liam. It was part of our n to make Anne think that there was a thing between me and Liam. And we will also use this opportunity to connect Liam with my contacts in the fashion industry in the US as his biggest edge to his rival for the CEO position.


    I will be meeting the group today since it¡¯s our rest day and we¡¯ve been so busy with work for the past weeks.


    ¡°I miss you, Alli!¡± It was Iya.


    We hugged as soon as she saw me in the garden. She was with Vince as expected.


    We are in our usual chilling spot in the mansion. The boys started to grill the meat for our bbq party. While Iya and I went to my room to change clothes.


    I wore an open-back one-piece swimsuit and I partner it with a maxi skirt. While Iya wore a white halter bikini paired with a printed pareo.


    ¡°When are you nning to tell your cousin about your rtionship with Vince? You told me that Vince will talk to him after our US trip but it¡¯s been months and yet Andrew still has no idea about your rtionship with Vince.¡± I asked after we were done changing.


    I don¡¯t want to keep a secret from Andrew. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking Iya for an update. But I still can¡¯t believe that Andrew still has no clue about his cousin and his best friend rtionship.


    ¡°Vince and I are just finding the right timing,¡± Iya whispered.


    ¡°It¡¯s been months Iya! And you guys are so obvious!¡± I whispered back.


    ¡°Sorry, but we can¡¯t help it. We¡¯ve been hiding our rtionship with the public. So now that w is from the public eyes, we wanted to make the most of our time.¡± She exined.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°If that¡¯s the case then you need to tell it now to your cousin. He¡¯s also as scary as the public eyes.¡±


    I¡¯m not angry with their PDAs. I¡¯m just concerned for them because Andrew might not like the fact that they kept their rtionship a secret to him. Andrew might question Vince¡¯s intention on his cousin.


    You can never underestimate the protectiveness of Andrew Lopez to his beloved cousin.


    We were enjoying our lunch prepared by the boys but my eyes are keep on looking in Iya and Vince¡¯s direction.


    Am I the only one getting nervous about them?


    I sighed and went back to my food. My paranoia might be a giveaway to Andrew. I have to control myself from overthinking.


    Instead of worrying, I chose to spend time with Andrew. I need to make the most out of it because Andrew will not fly with me to the US. He has manymitments that he can¡¯t cancel. And I needed him to be in the Philippines as I will be spending my time in the US with Liam. My time with Liam in the US is enough for Anne to suspect that something is going on between me and Liam.


    ¡°I will miss you, my love. I will finish all mymitments and try to follow you in the US.¡± Andrew said as we cuddle on the lounge chair.


    I shook my head before I turned to him. ¡°You can¡¯t follow me in the US, baby. It¡¯s part of the n.¡± I reminded him.


    He sighed and hug me in the back. He leaned his chin on my shoulder.


    ¡°I will miss you so much, baby.¡± He whispered in my ears.


    I felt a tingling sensation with what he did.


    ¡°I¡¯ll miss you too baby,¡± I said.


    I felt his breath against my neck. He then started kissing me on my shoulder to my neck up to my jaw.


    He turned me to him. His hand went on my face and caressed it. He looks at me with so much love and desire. His eyes went down to my lips.


    He slowly moves his face closer to mine and gave me a sweet and gentle kiss.


    Our kiss is getting intense so I push him a bit to stop him. ¡°We are in public,¡± I whispered to him.


    ¡°We are not. We¡¯re in your house.¡± He said then he kiss me again.


    I pushed him again. ¡°Yes but our friends are also here. He will see us!¡± I said.


    ¡°So what?¡± He asked still drowning from our kiss.


    ¡°I¡¯m not as thick face as you Andrew! Control yourself, baby!¡± I said.


    ¡°Fine. Onest.¡± He said then gave me a quick kiss.


    ¡°I just need to go to the washroom.¡± He excused himself.


    I was checking my phone when I heard amotion. I look at where themotion is and I saw Andrew in rage. I hurriedly went to his side.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you Vince and Iya! What is the meaning of this?! Why  are you guys kissing?!¡±

 Chapter 53 Deja Vu

    ¡°A-Andrew¡­¡±


    Vince stopped Iya from going to Andrew. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to him.¡± He whispered to her.


    Iya nodded at him and step aside.


    I caress Andrew¡¯s arm to calm him down. He was shaking in rage. I cleared my throat, my heart is beating so fast. I hope that Vince will be able to make Andrew ept their rtionship.


    Vince clenched his jaw before he turn to Andrew. Both of them are staring intently at each other. While the others are waiting for their next move.


    I could see the confusion in Mike and Lance¡¯s faces but they chose to keep quiet. While Lieo seems to have an idea about Vince and Iya¡¯s secret rtionship.


    ¡°I¡¯m in love with your cousin.¡± Vince was the first one who broke the silence.


    Mike and Lance gasped at Vince¡¯s confession. Lieo and I remain quiet while Iya was shaking as she kept on looking at Andrew.


    Vince then hold Iya¡¯s hand who was standing beside him. Andrew looks at their hands.


    ¡°You can¡¯t!¡± Andrew strongly disagrees.


    My eyes widen and turned to him. ¡°But why?¡± I butted in.


    He turned to me giving me a cold stare. ¡°You should know since you were the one who first suggested keeping our rtionship a secret.¡±


    I pursed my lips. I get his point now. Vince is a famous actor and I heard that their tvwork will give him an official love team since histest project with the actress he was paired with has captured many casual viewers and now starting to have a strong fanbase. If the public found out about their rtionship then Iya will be affected the most. She will be the one who will receive all hatefulments and her radio program will surely be affected too.


    ¡°I know what you mean, but I promise you I will protect her,¡± Vince said in full conviction.


    ¡°How are you going to do that? I heard that yourwork will officiallyunch your love team with Isabel.¡± He asked.


    ¡°They suggested but I never agree to that.¡±


    ¡°Do you really have a say on that? Your love team with Isabel will surely bring millions of contracts to thework.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I have a say on that! Thework will be mine, they should side with me if they still want their position.¡±


    Andrew turned to his cousin. ¡°Will you be able to handle the bashers and other consequences when your rtionship with Vince is exposed to the public?¡± He asked her a bit calmer now.


    ¡°I¡¯ll protect her if that happens.¡± Vince was the one who answered.


    Andrew red at him. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you. Iya?¡±


    Iya cleared her throat then she look bravely at Andrew. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Iya nodded. ¡°I can handle it, Andrew. You don¡¯t need to worry about me.¡±


    Andrew sighed aloud. ¡°Fine, if you say so.¡±


    My eyes widen. I can¡¯t believe that Andrew will ept them this fast. I¡¯m so proud of him. I hug and gave him a quick kiss on Andrew. ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you baby!¡± I whispered.


    He chuckled and he ce his hands on my waist. ¡°You have some exining to do Allison.¡±


    I bit my lips and lower my head. He held my hand and we went back to the lounge. While Lance and Mike started to ask questions about the new love birds.


    ¡°Exin.¡± He said as soon as we reach the lounge.


    I pouted my lips. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to keep it to you.¡± I started my speech.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you were so dense. Those two are so obvious in their rtionship. I can¡¯t believe you just found it now.¡± I added.


    Well, it¡¯s true. Vince and Iya are so obvious with their actions.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s my fault now?¡±


    I shook my head. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. Fine, I¡¯m sorry baby for keeping it to you. It¡¯s a story for me to tell. And Iya told me that Vince will be the one who will tell you about their rtionship.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?! That¡¯s not what happened earlier.¡± Andrew said a bit annoyed.


    ¡°I know right. But maybe he can¡¯t find the perfect timing since the both of you are so busy.¡± I said.


    ¡°Whatever! I just hope he will really be able to protect my cousin once their rtionship was exposed to the public or I will make theirwork pay.¡±


    I gave him a soft punch. ¡°Don¡¯t say that! You guys are best of friends!¡±


    ¡°I know. But I can forget the friendship that we have with my cousin. I love my family so much and I don¡¯t want anyone of them to be hurt. I will do everything to spare them from pain.¡± He said sincerely.


    My heart softens after hearing those words from him. I am loving my boyfriend more and more.


    A month passed after the sudden confrontation. Iya and Vince became more open about their rtionship. Lance and Mike can¡¯t believe that they did not notice the two but they gave their all-out support to them.


    I block my schedule today because Andrew wants to spend this day with me. Liam and I will be leaving for the US tomorrow.  As we have agreed, I¡¯ll help him to secure his promotion in thepany, and our trip to the US will y a big part in it.


    We already started our n, and Anne seemed to notice it already. I could feel the intense re she gave me whenever she was with me and Andrew.


    Andrew became a bit cold towards Anne. I keep on telling him to act like before but he can¡¯t force himself to treat Anne like before. He can¡¯t find himself yet to forgive her which I understand. I just wish that someday he finds it in his heart to forgive her.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    We went to our favorite restaurant. Aside from the food and the ambiance, we love the privacy that the restaurant provided the most.


    ¡°I would love to join you guys in the US but I can¡¯t. My meetings won¡¯t allow me.¡±


    I smiled at him. ¡°Even if you are free, I will not allow you toe with us. It¡¯s part of our n, remember?!¡± I said reminding him.


    He sighed aloud. ¡°I know. I just want this thing to be over. I can¡¯t believe that we need to do this for them. I mean, we¡¯re already out of their issue.¡±


    ¡°I know, but still, Anne was once our friend. We should be the bigger person here.¡± I just said.


    Andrew just shook his head. I shift the topic so that it will not ruin our date. I will not see him for a week or two since I also have manymitments in the US aside from the n that I have with Liam.


    Andrew sent me home. I did not invite him toe inside because I know that he will stay for more hours if I did that. My flight is early in the morning tomorrow and I have not yet packed my things for the said trip.


    I was busy packing my things for my trip when my phone rang. I saw Anne¡¯s name on my phone. My forehead creased. I have already seen this happen.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Can we talk? I¡¯m outside your house right now.¡±


    I knew it!

 Chapter 54 Promise

    ¡°What are you doing here thiste?¡±


    Anne looks at me a bit disoriented. I sighed and ask her toe inside the house because I assume that this will be a long talk. I don¡¯t need to ask her if she¡¯s drunk because it¡¯s quite obvious. She¡¯s really affected by Liam.


    Liam told me that Anne is acting like this because of her insecurities but I beg to disagree. Anne is not yet over him. I am so sure about that. She will not ruin her life if it¡¯s only for revenge. Sometimes people want revenge not because they want to get even, but because they haven¡¯t moved on.


    I ask our maid to prepare tea and a light snack for me and Anne as we went to the lounge area.


    ¡°Are you really going with Liam tomorrow to the US?¡± She asked as soon as the maid left.


    I nodded. ¡°Yes¡­ for business.¡±


    ¡°Liar!¡± She used me which I had already expected.


    I act confused. ¡°What are you saying? Is there another reason for Liam toe with me to the US?¡±


    She red at me. If looks can kill, I¡¯ll be dead by now. ¡°People are talking about your sudden closeness with Liam. Even his family-¡±


    My forehead creased and I cut her off. ¡°You met his family?¡± I asked a bit concerned.


    She avoided my gaze and lower her head. ¡°I met them by chance. I was about to went out of the restaurant where my meeting with some client was held when I bump into Liam¡¯s mom and auntie.¡±


    ¡°And then?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°They told me that you and Liam are getting close. They also told me about your business trip with him. His family obviously likes you. Liam¡¯s mom did not hide that fact. As per them because of you, Liam will surely get the promotion that he deserves and that a girl like you is perfect for her son.¡± Anne stuttered in thetter part.


    I feel sorry for Anne. She did nothing to deserve that kind of treatment and insult from them. And I want to apologize in advance because I know that she will get hurt in theing days as Liam and I start with our n. But I¡¯ll assure her that all the hurt will be worth it.


    ¡°I agree that after our trip to the US, Liam will surely get the promotion that he is aiming for now. But I disagree with thetter part. I¡¯m only perfect for Andrew.¡± I said.


    ¡°Liar!¡± She said while she was wiping her tears. ¡°You want all the attention on you! You want all the guys for yourself! You¡¯re so selfish!¡±


    ¡°Why are you so affected by me and Liam?¡± I asked, ignoring her remarks.


    ¡°Because you are two-timing them! Andrew doesn¡¯t deserve it and he doesn¡¯t deserve you!¡± She said screaming.


    If she said this before, I might have pped her face now. But I know better now. ¡°Are you sure you are concerned about Andrew and not Liam?¡±


    Anne¡¯s eyes widen, she was caught off guard by my question. ¡°Why will I care about that guy?! He¡¯s nothing to me now!¡±


    ¡°Are you sure about that? So I can have him for myself?¡± I asked to provoke her.


    She looks at me intently. ¡°You want Liam for yourself?¡± She asked quietly.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    I shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m just asking you.¡±


    ¡°How dare you do this to Andrew?! You are two-timing them!¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Can you stop using Andrew here? I¡¯m not dumb okay?! You obviously have a thing with Liam and you are just using Andrew as your excuse to confirm my rtionship with Liam. You are not this affected when Lieo was still in the picture.¡±


    Anne looked dumbfounded. ¡°I¡¯m not using Andrew okay?! I¡¯m just concerned about him because he doesn¡¯t deserve to be cheated on!¡±


    I¡¯m starting to get irritated. I want her to realize what she truly feels. She was too blinded by the pain and hatred but I don¡¯t me her for feeling that way. She has every right to feel that.


    I sighed aloud. ¡°So it¡¯s okay with you if I broke up with Andrew and be with Liam is that it?!¡± I challenged her.


    She looks uneasy. I smirked. I got you!


    ¡°I¡¯m just kidding. I will never break up with Andrew. Liam and I are just business partners. We don¡¯t even consider ourselves friends. Stop overthinking. I¡¯m not cheating on Andrew, and I had no ns to do that to him.¡± I said to assure her.


    ¡°Why is it easy for you to love anyone you like? And why is it hard for me to have that?!¡± She suddenly asked.


    I was caught off guard by her question. I face her and look at her intently. ¡°It was not ALWAYS easy. I alsoined about that before. Remember Jester, my first love? We both love each other but we¡¯re not aware of it. Many things have happened. When we finally confessed our feelings to each other, we were bothmitted to someone. Both of us have many regrets.¡±


    ¡°How were you able to ept or move on from that?¡± She asked.


    I smiled at her but it didn¡¯t reach my eyes. ¡°I just epted the fact that we are not meant for each other. Everything that happened led us to where we are really meant for.¡±


    ¡°Not meant for each other¡­¡± Anne whispered.


    I knew why she said that. I held her hand and said. ¡°But that might not the case for you and Liam. Maybe you guys need to wait for the right time.¡±


    We were both silent for minutes. I can see that Anne is trying to absorb everything that we have discussed. I hope that I was able to help her clear her mind and help her to realize what she truly feels.


    ¡°It¡¯s alreadyte Anne. I have an early flight tomorrow.¡± I said.


    ¡°You look tired. Didn¡¯t have enough sleep?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You bet! Thanks to your girl.¡±


    Liam and I were already on the ne. I was almostte because of the conversation I had with Annest night. Good thing the flight was dyed.


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡± He asked with full concern.


    I told him everything that happenedst night. I did not leave anything, especially about his family¡¯s interaction with Anne.


    ¡°Why are your family so mean?! They shouldn¡¯t have said that to her! They¡¯ve already done so much to make Anne¡¯s life miserable!¡± I rant at him.


    ¡°I know and  Anne doesn¡¯t deserve all the insults that she got from them. I have no ns of defending them. I feel so ashamed of all the things they said and did to her.¡± He said in a low voice.


    I can see clearly the love that Liam has for Anne. I¡¯m d that despite everything that happened, he never gave up on her.


    ¡°Can you promise that this time you will protect her?¡±


    He looks at me intently. ¡°I promised. That¡¯s why I need this promotion to be able to do that. I will make sure that Anne will rise again and she will have her dreamse through without any obstacle. I will face those obstacles before it reaches her.¡±


    I smile as I am content with his answer.

 Chapter 55 – Cheater

    ¡°The guy wearing a leather jacket works for my mom,¡± Liam whispered.


    We arrived yesterday, but both of us are tired from the trip that¡¯s why we decided to rest in the hotel.


    I called Andrew to give him an update before I went to bed.


    Liam informed me of this move by his parents. We already expected that we have a paparazzi for our whole US trip. And we couldn¡¯t be more thankful for them because they are making our n easier.


    Liam invited me to have breakfast together, which is part of our n. And after this, I will introduce Liam to Kate Herrera, one of the most famous fashion designers here in the US. He wants to coborate with her. That¡¯s the main agenda of this trip. Securing a deal with Kate will guarantee his promotion.


    ¡°Smile Alli, the guy is taking a photo of us.¡± Liam joked while assisting me on my seat.


    I chuckled. ¡°I feel like a celebrity now.¡±


    ¡°You are, though,¡± Liam said while seated on his chair across mine.


    ¡°But not to appoint that I will have a paparazzi,¡± I said.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯ve experienced having one in the Philippines?¡± He asked.


    I nodded when I remember my paparazzi experience with Vince. ¡°Oh yeah with Vince ages ago. We be the headline the next day after our dinner.¡±


    ¡°I thought that you will end up with Vince because of that news. You guys are pretty close.¡± Liammented.


    I was not surprised to hear those things from him. I assumed that he investigated our group for a long time now.


    ¡°No. Vince and I never had a thing. I always see my best friend, Charles in him so I never think of any malice whenever I¡¯m with Vince.¡± I exined to him.


    ¡°How about Lieo? You and have had the saw taste to guys.¡± He asked curiously.


    ¡°I beg to disagree. The only guy that we both like is Andrew. I only like Lieo as a friend. It just so happens that both boys liked me.¡± I said to him.


    ¡°Oh! I can feel your confidence.¡± He said teasingly.


    I chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m just telling the truth.¡±


    After our breakfast ¡°date¡± we went back to our hotel to get ready for our meeting with Kate.


    I can see Lieo in Liam. I now understand why Anne fell for Lieo before. Anne may not realize it yet, but I¡¯m sure she will after we execute this n.


    I was done with my preparation for our afternoon meeting when I heard someone knock on my hotel room.


    I¡¯m sure it¡¯s Liam.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Liam said as soon as I open the door.


    I noticed him looking at his left side. I nodded at him knowing what he meant.


    He offered his hand and I move forward to make sure that my face will be seen before epting his hand.


    We went out of the hotel acting like a lover of our paparazzi. I can¡¯t help but think of Andrew. It will surely be hard for him but I know he will manage it.


    I saw my team as soon as we arrived at Kate¡¯s office. It¡¯s part of my deal with Liam that the announcement of his coboration with Kate will be done by my magazine and youtube channel.


    ¡°Alli! I miss you, darling!¡± Kate said as soon as she saw me.


    I hug her. ¡°I miss you too, Kate!¡± I said.


    ¡°I¡¯m with Mr. Valencia, the general manager and soon-to-be CEO of tinum Inc.¡± I introduce Liam to her.


    ¡°Hi, Ms. Herrera! I¡¯m a fan of your works!¡± Liam said in a formal voice.


    ¡°You are making me blush Mr. Valencia. And you can call me Kate since you are a friend of Alli.¡± Kate said.


    ¡°You can also call me Liam, Kate.¡±


    The meeting finally starts and I can see the connection that Kate and Liam have now. It¡¯s not romantic of course. What I mean is when ites to bringing both of their ideas to the coboration n or project. I almost did nothing in this meeting.


    ¡°Thank Alli for introducing Liam and hispany to me. I never had this kind of talk in ages.¡± Kate said after they close the deal.


    ¡°I can see that. I almost did nothing. I can see the massive sess of this project.¡± I said with full conviction.


    ¡°And it all thanks to you Alli,¡± Liam said.


    ¡°Oh no, of course not! As I said, I did nothing during this meeting. It was purely you and Kate talking and exchanging ideas.¡± I said a bit shy to take the credit.


    ¡°Liam is right, Alli. It is all thanks to you. This coboration will never happen without you. You were our bridge to make this coboration possible.¡± Kate said agreeing with Liam.


    ¡°Fine, thank you for all your kind words and gratitude but I¡¯m honored to be God¡¯s instrument to produce this amazing project. I can¡¯t wait to announce and see the final product of this coboration.¡± I just said.


    After the sessful meeting with Kate. She invited us to join her partyter. We ept her invitation of course because it will help Liam to be connected with more people in the fashion industry here in the US.


    I woke up a bitte. When I check my phone I saw Andrew¡¯s 10 missed calls. Oh, shoot! I was so tiredst night that I forgot to call him.


    I face time him as soon as I¡¯m done with my morning routine. I call the hotel to give me a light breakfast.


    ¡°Hey, baby I¡¯m sorry I forgot to call youst night. I was so tired from the meeting and party yesterday.¡± I said to him as soon as he epted my call.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I understand. I had no choice but to call you nonstop because Anne was with mest night and this morning asking for you.¡± He said.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    My eyes widen but then I justugh because Anne was more worried than my boyfriend.


    ¡°And what did she say?¡± I asked curiously.


    Andrew just shrugged. ¡°She keeps on asking me if you already called me. And whenever I say no, she keeps on telling me to call you and ask what were you up to. She also keeps on reminding me not to trust Liam to you.¡±


    ¡°Is she concerned that Liam will steal me from you? She should be happy then because she can have you all for herself.¡± I asked.


    ¡°I will never let that happen, baby,¡± Andrew said in a cold voice but sweet at the same time.


    ¡°I know my love. But I¡¯m speaking on Anne¡¯s supposed reaction.¡± I exined.


    Andrew sighed. ¡°She doesn¡¯t look like she was happy with that idea. She¡¯s more concerned with you and Liam than the idea of a chance with me.¡±


    ¡°She still hasn¡¯t moved on from Liam,¡± I just said.


    Andrew nodded in agreement. ¡°She¡¯s still in denial but her actions are a giveaway of what she truly feels.¡±


    ¡°I hope for them to reconcile and have their love overdue happily ever after,¡± I said hopefully.


    I was having a quality call with my boyfriend when I heard Anne¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Andrew you should see this!¡± I heard her. Then a minuteter I saw her beside Andrew.


    Anne¡¯s eyes widen when she saw me. ¡°You, cheater!¡±

 Chapter 56 – Proposal

    ¡°What the hell is your problem Anne? You will suddenly barge into my office and then call my girlfriend a cheater!¡±


    Anne flinched by my boyfriend¡¯s sudden outburst. But I think I know why Anne is acting like this.


    ¡°Did something happen?¡± I asked Anne, ignoring my boyfriend¡¯s sudden outburst.


    ¡°Stop ying dumb Alli! I had enough of that already!¡± She said when she recovered from her shock.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ying dumb, okay?! I am asking you so that we can understand why you are using me of being a cheater.¡± I calmly exined.


    She smirked. ¡°Are you sure you want me to tell it in front of Andrew?¡±


    I nodded innocently. ¡°Of course, especially now that you are using me of cheating.¡±


    Anne picked up her phone and she lessens the brightness of it to show me some pictures taken by someone. And I¡¯m sure that it was the paparazzi hired by Liam¡¯s mom.


    After she showed me the photos, she then gave her phone to Andrew to show him the photos.


    ¡°Did they leak the photos on the media already? Is there any news about me and Liam?¡± I asked a bit concerned.


    ¡°Are you for real?! You are more concerned about media than exining to us about this picture?!¡± Anne said in disbelief.


    My forehead creased. ¡°As far as I¡¯m concerned, I don¡¯t owe you any exnation about those pictures.¡±


    Anne was taken aback. ¡°W-what about Andrew?¡± She asked instead.


    I bit my lower lips to keep myself from smiling. Anne¡¯s reaction is so obvious. She still has feelings for Liam.


    ¡°Andrew was aware of all those meetings. He knew all my schedule here in the US.¡± I just said.


    ¡°What about your date with Liam?¡± She insisted.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a date okay?! It¡¯s a lunch meeting. All our topics are about our agendas here in the US.¡± I exined.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± She asked to confirm.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Anne, please just answer my question. Did his family leak those pictures to the media already?¡±


    Anne shook her head. ¡°Not yet. But I¡¯m sure they will. They are just waiting for the perfect timing.¡± She said quietly.


    I nodded. ¡°As long as they will not leak those photos before theunched of my magazine, then it¡¯s good,¡± I said a bit relieved.


    ¡°Are you done now with all your questions, Anne? Can I talk now to my girlfriend?¡± Andrew asked a bit annoyed.


    I red at him on the screen. He¡¯s being a snob with Anne. I¡¯m sure Anne is a bit confused about Andrew¡¯s sudden change of treatment to her. It¡¯s so freaking obvious. Andrew is a very transparent person. You will know if he likes you or not because he will not fail to show it to you. That¡¯s why he is not really fit to join showbiz. He can¡¯t deal with stic people.


    If it¡¯s not for me, Andrew will already quit his showbiz career. I was the one who keeps telling him to postpone it. I still want to enjoy Andrew as a singer and I want to witness him at his concert.


    ¡°Baby stop treating Anne that way,¡± I said as soon as Anne left his office.


    ¡°What?! I¡¯m not doing anything.¡± He said while avoiding my gaze.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You are not really fit in this business. You don¡¯t know how to hide your emotion.¡± I joked.


    ¡°You know that I don¡¯t have any ns to join this industry. I just had no choice because I don¡¯t want you to forget me and I want to be close to your world.¡± He said sincerely.


    My heart softens after hearing those words from him.  This guy is effortlessly sweet.


    ¡°Just wait for a little longer my love. We need to prepare your fans for your retirement from showbiz.¡±


    After my video call with the love of my life, I went to the bathroom to take a shower and prepare for my special date with special someone.


    I was done with my makeup when my phone rang.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Are you done? Do you want me to fetch you?¡±


    ¡°No need to fetch me here. I¡¯ll just see you at our meeting ce.¡±


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll wait for you, my Star.¡±


    Onest look at the mirror and I¡¯m ready to go. Liam is not with me today. He told me that he needs to meet some of his friends before he goes back to the Philippines. If I¡¯m not mistaken those are his potential investor with his other business.


    I went first to the Ster office to check and give instructions to my people. We will be very busy in theing days, especially after my business with Liam.


    ¡°You are here, finally! I miss you, my star!¡±


    ¡°I miss you too, Noah!¡± I said while receiving a warm hug from him.


    Noah wanted to meet me as soon as he heard that I will be back here. But I told him to wait for a few more days because there are things that I need to finish.


    ¡°What¡¯s up? Care to exin to me why are you staying in a hotel when you have your apartment here?¡± Noah said as we started eating our meal.


    We decided to meet in his restaurant in the VIP room. I need to avoid media as much as possible since we want people to think that Liam and I have a special rtionship.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story. Remember my friend, Anne?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you are friends with her? I thought you guys are enemies?!¡± He said sarcastically.


    I rolled my eyes. I forgot to tell him about Liam and Anne. That is why he was confused when he heard that I¡¯m staying in a hotel. I told her about my meeting with Liam, Anne¡¯s past with him, and his deal with me.


    Noah was so patient in listening to my story about those two.


    ¡°So you want to y cupid now?¡± He said.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not ying cupid, okay?! I just want to help Anne to re-direct her career. If you just saw her past designs, you will understand why I am doing this. She has great potential here in the fashion industry. She is a great loss in this industry if she will just buries the talent that she has.¡± I exined to him.


    ¡°I get your point. But is she worth it? I mean after all the deception she has done to you and your friends?!¡± He asked.


    I look straight into his eyes, he looks so concerned about this. I know that Noah is very protective of me and I understand why he is a bit uneasy with all these things.


    ¡°Every person is worth it. People make mistakes or wrong decisions, but that doesn¡¯t mean that they don¡¯t deserve help or a second chance in life.¡±


    ¡°That is the reason why I keep on loving you, my star. Your heart is so pure and always sees the good in people.¡±


    I smiled at him and mouthed him ¡°I love you, too.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can find another girl like you. You are so precious and one of a kind. Will you marry me, Alli?¡±

 Chapter 57 – Mistress

    ¡°Are you proposing to me?¡± I asked.


    Noah looks at me intently. ¡°If I say yes, will you marry me?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t. This proposal is too in. I want it grand and special. I deserve that kind of proposal you know.¡± I joked to lighten up the mood.


    But Noah didn¡¯tugh nor smile. His face is still serious.


    I sighed. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Noah shook his head. ¡°Nothing. I just realize that I¡¯m not getting any younger and I¡¯m a bit bored being alone for years. I think it¡¯s best if I will settle down and I couldn¡¯t think of any girl but you.¡±


    I raised my brow. ¡°So you see me as a woman now huh?!¡±


    He smirked. ¡°You¡¯re a woman. Or do you see yourself as a man?¡± He said a bit sarcastically.


    I red at him. I didn¡¯t speak. I know that something is going on. And I¡¯m waiting for him to tell me what happened. So I can understand why he was proposing to me a while ago.


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting, Noah Elordi,¡± I said after a long silence.


    ¡°What?! I was the one who was waiting for you to say yes. I proposed to you, remember?!¡± He said in an innocent voice.


    I gave him the DON¡¯T PLAY DUMB re. He cleared his throat and straighten his sit.


    Noah heaved a sigh. ¡°Fine. Alexa is getting married.¡±


    My eyes widen from a great shock! ¡°For real?!¡± I reacted.


    He grabs his wine ss and drank it. Poor Noah. No wonder he suddenly thought of proposing to me.


    ¡°I told you to move on and forget about her.¡±


    I know it¡¯s easier said than done. It¡¯s hard to move on when love is real.


    ¡°I know. I was ready to give her up because I know that I lost already. But¡­¡±


    My forehead creased. ¡°But what?!¡± I said a bit impatient.


    ¡°But I slept with her.¡±


    ¡°You did what?!¡± I said a bit stunned.


    ¡°I slept with her okay?! Not just once. So tell me how can I move on from that?!¡± He said a bit annoyed.


    I can¡¯t believe what I am hearing right now. I know Alexa and she is not the type of girl who will sleep with someone she doesn¡¯t love.


    If she agrees to sleep with Noah, then that only means that she also feels something for Noah. Then why is she marrying Thomas?


    ¡°When did that happen?¡± I asked because I want to confirm something.


    ¡°Do I need to give you all the dates when we did that?¡± He asked in a sarcastic tone.


    I look at him coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t give that kind of answer. Just tell me when did that happen?! Did that happen before she and Thomas became official or what?!¡±


    Noah bit his lower lips. He was a bit hesitant and scared to answer me. He knew that I am not liking what I am hearing right now.


    ¡°Answer me, Noah!¡± I demanded him.


    He saw how serious I am right now so he had no choice but to answer me truthfully. ¡°It happened recently when she was already with Thomas.¡±


    I hit the table. I felt so angry with Noah and Alexa. They know that I hate cheating!  And I can¡¯t believe that they are capable of doing that!


    ¡°How can you do this to Thomas?! Why did you guys do that?! Tell me!!!¡± I said angrily.


    Noah went to me to calm me but I shoved him away. I hate him right now! I can¡¯t believe he did that to his cousin!


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my star, I¡¯m sorry.¡± He pleaded.


    I look at him coldly. ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize to me. Apologize to your cousins. He was the one who was cheated on. But can you that?¡±


    Noah averted his gaze. Looking guilty. Of course, he can¡¯t do that.


    ¡°What really happened?! And why are only telling me this now?!¡± I said.


    Noah forced himself to hug me. ¡°I will tell you, but first you need to calm down, my star.¡±


    I nodded at him. ¡°Fine. Don¡¯t leave anything and tell me ALL the things that I missed.¡± I said while emphasizing the word all.


    When he felt that I am a bit calm he went back to his seat and started with his story.


    ¡°You know how obedient I am when ites to you, right?¡± He started his speech.


    I nodded and didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°I was determined to move on and forget about her, so I told my mom that I am now allowing her to set me a blind date.¡±


    ¡°And you know how good my mom is when ites to people. She introduces me to E. Their family is also in the food industry. She¡¯s a good candidate for me.¡±


    Noah didn¡¯t tell me about this. He didn¡¯t even introduce her to me.


    ¡°When I met her, I already knew that she was a decent woman. We got to know each other, and I can see potential in her. I even said to myself that I think she can be the one. I might love her as much as I love Alexa but I can love her right.¡± He added.


    I still can¡¯t find a reason why they lead to cheating. Based on Noah¡¯s story just now, he was already on the right track. I did not say anything and just let him do all the talking.


    ¡°Then we had a family gathering. All our family is there including Thomas and Alexa. I brought E with me and introduce her to the family. My family liked her instantly. I saw Alexa¡¯s reaction. She was shocked. And I noticed that she was kind of cold towards E but I chose to ignore it.¡± He said.


    Bingo! I finally know where this story is heading to.


    ¡°A day after the gathering, Alexa went to my ce drunk. I asked her, ¡®Why are you here?¡¯ She did not answer me. She just pushed me to get inside and started to kiss me.¡±


    I tightened my grip on the wine ss.


    ¡°I tried to stop her and told her that she should stop she will surely regret this tomorrow. I even told her that I¡¯m Noah and not Thomas. And she said that she knows who I am. She is not that drunk to mistake me for someone. And that she will not regret kissing me.¡±


    ¡°I know I should have to fight it. But I failed because I still love her so much. And I thought that maybe she finally realize that I am the one who truly loves.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re not. You are nothing to her but a mistress.¡± I can¡¯t help but give myment.


    I am starting to hate Alexa!


    He nodded. ¡°I know. But I don¡¯t care because this is the chance that I wanted. Finally, she sees me as something other than friends.¡±


    I rolled my eyes hearing it from Noah. ¡°You don¡¯t deserve that, Noah! You are a great catch!¡±


    ¡°I know! That¡¯s why I was hoping that Alexa will realize that I am indeed a great catch!¡± He said a bit frustrated.


    ¡°But she did not because unfortunately, she is marrying your cousin. What happened when she was sober? Did she regret it?¡± I asked.


    Noah red at me. ¡°I told you we did it not just once.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you became her official mistress!¡± I said in a sarcastic tone.


    ¡°I thought that she has finally realized my worth. But your right, she still failed to see my worth and what¡¯s worst she made me her mistress.¡±


    I was mad at him because of his cheating but I also feel sorry for him. Noah as I said, is a great guy. I can¡¯t be someone to treat him like this.


    He looked devastated. I went to him to hug him. I know he needed this kind offort right now.


    Noah hug me tightly. ¡°Are you not angry anymore?¡± He whispered.


    I break our hug and red at him. ¡°I still am, but my love for you is so strong. I can¡¯t bear seeing you like this.¡±


    Noah smiled at me and hold my hand. ¡°So will you marry me now?¡±


    ¡°Nice try Noah!¡±


    I can¡¯t sleep. I can¡¯t get over what Noah told me a while ago. I can¡¯t believe Alexa did that to him.


    I clearly told her to avoid Noah and let him move on from her. I didn¡¯t know she was that selfish! She doesn¡¯t want to give up both Thomas and Noah!


    And now she chose to marry Thomas because she knew that Noah is head over heels in love with her. She can always have Noah on the sideline. But she messed up with the wrong person. I will not let her get away with this!


    I checked my iPad to see if I have free time tomorrow. When I saw that I¡¯m free in the evening, I immediately grab my phone and call Alexa.


    ¡°Let¡¯s meet tomorrow, I will text you the time and ce,¡± I said when she answered my phone and end it.

 Chapter 58 – Threat

    ¡°I know that you are angry and I know it¡¯s valid, but promise me that you will stay calm tomorrow.¡±


    It was Andrew. Since I was having a hard time sleeping, I texted Andrew after I called Alexa. I asked him if he was busy because I want to call him. Good thing his meeting got canceled so I am free to call him.


    I told him everything that has happened to Noah, even the proposal. He was a bit pissed with Noah and he wanted to call him but I manage to stop and calm him down.


    ¡°I can¡¯t promise that. I still can¡¯t over the fact that Alexa made Noah her mistress. My best friend doesn¡¯t deserve that! She took advantage of the love that Noah has for her! I¡¯m not even sure if I can forgive her!¡± I honestly said.


    ¡°I know, baby. Again, I understand. But I don¡¯t want you to say anything to her when you are at the peak of your emotion. You might say something that you will regret in the future.¡± Andrew calmly said.


    I get Andrew¡¯s point. It¡¯s not right to let your emotion control you. You might do or say something you don¡¯t really mean. Especially with words. Words sometimes are sharper than knives because it engraves on our souls. Words can build someone up or break them down. That is why we must always be careful with our words.


    ¡°I know that you get my point. No one is perfect my love. People can make mistakes and even hurt others, just like what Alexa did to Noah. Let them learn from their mistakes. Everything happens for a reason. Maybe through this situation, Noah can finally ept the fact that Alexa is not for her and that he should move on.¡± Andrew added when I did not answer him.


    I nodded at him. ¡°You¡¯re right, baby. God will allow this to happen for a reason. For sure there is a reason for this. I will do my best to control my emotion tomorrow when I talked to her. I will try to be as rational as possible.¡±


    Andrew smiled at the monitor. ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡±


    I¡¯m d that I called Andrewst night. My mood lighten a bit. I¡¯m not as pissed as I am yesterday. I was able to work without distraction.


    I was engrossed with my work when someone knocked and open my door.


    ¡°Lunch?¡±


    It was Noah. He looks scared. I bit my lower lips to stop myself fromughing.


    I first check the time on my watch, it was already lunchtime.


    I smiled at him and nodded. He smiled back and was rxed now.


    ¡°Are you still mad at me?¡± Noah asked when we were almost done eating.


    I put down the knife and fork that I was holding to give my full attention to him. ¡°I¡¯m not mad, I¡¯m just disappointed. Again, and again, and again, you don¡¯t deserve to be a side chic or a side man, whatever you call it.  You are the Noah Elordi! You are near perfection! You have a great physique, you¡¯re a very good-looking guy, one of the kindest guys I met, smart, talented, you name it! And you, being an on-the-side guy, I will never ept that!¡±


    Noah held my hand and squeezed it. He looks so pleased with my statement. ¡°Thank you Alli for looking at me that way.¡±


    ¡°Please know your worth Noah. You don¡¯t deserve her, especially with the way she treated you!¡± I said with full conviction.


    He slowly nodded. ¡°I know that now.¡±


    ¡°Just so you know, I will be meeting Alexater. Don¡¯t you dare try to stop me from meeting her?! I will be leaving for Man in a few days. I need to make sure that she will stop messing with your life before I go.¡± I said in a warning tone.


    He shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re the boss, Alli. Just be gentle with her. You know that she is not that strong when ites to confrontation.¡± Noah requested.


    I nodded in agreement. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Andrew already calmed me. I am more rational now than yesterday.¡±


    ¡°I guess, I will be thanking your boyfriend then.¡± He said.


    I chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t even try to call him. He is pissed with your proposal yesterday.¡±


    Noahughed. ¡°I should call him then! I miss provoking him!¡±


    I just shook my head.


    I saw Alexa sitting nervously when I entered the VIP room that we reserved. We both agreed to go to a different restaurant. A restaurant that is not rted to Thomas and Noah or the Elordi¡¯s family.


    I suggested that we should eat first because I¡¯m sure that after our talk none of us would want to eat.


    ¡°Noah told me everything,¡± I said when we are done with our food.


    Alexa¡¯s hand was a bit shaking. She looks scared now. She should be.


    ¡°I want to why you did that to Noah?! You already took her love for you for granted and now this?!¡± I said a bit pissed.


    I felt angry again but I am trying my best to control the words that wereing out of my mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Alli.¡± The only thing she said.


    I raised my brow. ¡°Why are you apologizing to me? I¡¯m not the one you wronged.¡± I said a bit cold.


    ¡°I know, Alli. But I can¡¯t face him now. I know that I hurt him too much.¡± She said almost in a whisper.


    ¡°You are doing good, Alexa,¡± I said.


    She looks at me with confusion.


    ¡°Don¡¯t face him now, don¡¯t face him ever. And don¡¯t you dare give him an invitation to your wedding, don¡¯t you ever approach him, don¡¯t ever let him see your face again! Just disappear from his life.¡± I said in the coldest voice.


    ¡°Alli¡­¡±


    My emotion is eating me now. I stop speaking. My tears began to fall. I wanted to p her, I wanted to curse her, but I know that I will regret it when all this ended.


    ¡°I treated you as a friend, Alexa. You know I care and love you. But I care and love Noah more than anyone else.¡± I said while my tears keeps on falling.


    This is hard. Both of them are my friends, but Noah is so special to me. I will always be protective of him.


    ¡°Noah proposed to mest night.¡± I shared it with her.


    Alexa¡¯s eyes widen. She didn¡¯t expect that.


    ¡°Noah is that desperate to forget you. He knew that if I will marry him, he will never let anyone hurt me, not even you. So no matter how you try to win him back, you will never to me. I am that special to him.¡± I told her.


    She nodded. I guess everyone close to us here in the US knew the special bond that I have with Noah.


    ¡°But you have a boyfriend, right?! The guy that you introduce to me and Thomas.¡± She said.


    I nodded. ¡°Yes, and we are still together. But if you will keep leading Noah on, I will sacrifice my current rtionship just to stop you from hurting him.¡±


    ¡°If you really see me as a friend, you will let go of Noah and let him move on from you,¡± I said.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that I was already feeling something for Noah. I also didn¡¯t want this to happen.¡± Alexa tried to defend herself.


    ¡°What kind of feelings do you have for him? Enough to hurt him more.¡±


    ¡°I thought that I will never see Noah as more than friends, but I got jealous when I saw him with that girl, E.¡± She confessed.


    ¡°Noah¡¯s parents seem to like her for him, and for some reason, I can¡¯t ept that. Just thinking of the possibility that Noah will love someone other than me, hurts me.¡±


    ¡°What about Thomas?¡± I butted in.


    ¡°I love Thomas. I knew I loved him. But I was getting confused now because of what I am feeling towards Noah.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you ept Thomas¡¯ proposal?¡± I asked.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°I know he¡¯ll be hurt if I rejected his proposal.¡± She answered.


    My forehead creased. ¡°So you will rather hurt my friend than Thomas, is that it?!¡± My voice raised a bit because of irritation.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡±


    ¡°Then what?!¡± I almost shouted.


    She shakes her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I honestly don¡¯t know. I¡¯m so confused right now, Alli.¡±


    I look at her coldly. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you¡¯ll marry Thomas or what. Just don¡¯t ever approach Noah again, or I will tell Thomas and all their family members about what you did with Noah and Thomas.¡±

 Chapter 59 – It’s time

    ¡°The Interview with Mr. Valencia has been uploaded.¡±


    I nodded at my assistant. ¡°I got it! Thanks, Isabel.¡±


    It¡¯s been a week since Liam and I went back to Man. We both agreed to meet every other day for a quick meeting. The agenda of our meeting is not about business but the development of our n with Anne. Also, we are still being followed by Liam¡¯s family. We have to make it looks like we have a special rtionship, in that way Anne will be triggered by the rtionship that I have with Liam.


    I open myptop to check the video and to check some of thements fromizens. As expected, some trolls arementing about our chemistry.


    ¡®These two look good together. I heard that they are already dating.¡¯


    ¡®My friends in the US saw these two going out. I guess they are already in a rtionship.¡±


    ¡®I saw them having dinner in BGC. They look so sweet. I think they are already dating.¡¯


    ¡®I think this guy is the one for Ms. Allison. Can¡¯t wait for them to announce their rtionship.¡¯


    ¡®After this interview, I¡¯m sure they will next announce their rtionship! I¡¯m so happy for Ms. Alli!¡¯


    Those are some of thements from trolls. I look at the lower left of the video to check the views. OMG! Five hundred thousand views and it was uploaded just an hour ago. Let¡¯s see if this interview can break Allison¡¯s band record.


    It was almost lunch when I saw Noah¡¯s name on my iPad. He¡¯s calling me thru FaceTime.


    ¡°Hey, my star!¡± He greeted me.


    I told him that we call each other every day to check on him. I can¡¯t stay in the US for too long because I have priormitments here in the Philippines. That is why I asked him for an update every day. I need to make sure that he is on the right path. A path opposite to Alexa¡¯s direction.


    Don¡¯t get me wrong, I still love Alexa. But as per the bible, ¡®Open rebuke is better than hidden love.¡¯ Real love corrects. I will never tolerate wrong actions just to please my friends or to prove to them that I love them.


    ¡°How was your day?¡± I asked.


    ¡°I watched thetest video upload of Ster. I check thements and most of them are talking about your possible rtionship with that guy. How¡¯s your boyfriend¡¯s reaction to thosements?¡± He asked.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Those are trolls. How the hell will they know about my rtionship? And we are not even celebrities for people to be interested in my love life.¡±


    ¡°You are an influencer now with more than twenty million followers. You are a celebrity now.¡± He insisted.


    ¡°I am not okay?! An influencer is different from a celebrity. Celebrities gain fame through television and other traditional media channels. While influencers like me gain my audience through my youtube, some influencers gain their audience from other social media tforms like Instagram.¡±  I exined.


    ¡°Anyway, that is not the issue. As I said those are trolls from Liam¡¯s family.¡± I added.


    Noah¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°Why do they need to do that?¡±


    ¡°Well aside from the fact that they see me as a great candidate for Liam, I think they are a bit threatened by Anne¡¯s presence now. I mean they partially failed in ruining Anne¡¯s career. They may have stopped Anne from pursuing her dreams but she was still able to find a job. And she became connected with Andrew.¡±


    Noah nodded his head. ¡°I get it. But do you really need to join their issues? I mean after all the things that girl did to you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just beneficial for them but also for me and Andrew.¡± I just said.


    ¡°How is that beneficial? I see no gain in helping them.¡±


    I smirked. ¡°You¡¯ll find that out soon. Enough about me and them. How was your day?¡±


    He smiled at me but it didn¡¯t reach his eyes. I guess something happened.


    ¡°I met E today.¡± He said.


    My eyes widen. ¡°What?! Really?! What happened? Did you guys talk? Come on, tell me!¡± I asked a bit excited.


    Noah chuckled. ¡°Easy, Alli. Yes, we talked.¡±


    OMG! They talked! I don¡¯t know but after Noah shared with me about E, I feel light and peaceful. I wanted to meet her when I was in the US but Noah is a bit reluctant to approach E because of what he did to her. He typically ghosted her! It¡¯s not surprising for him to feel that way.


    Noah sighed and shook his head. ¡°I was in an event and E was there because herpany is the caterer of the said event. She was the one who first approached me. We said our hi¡¯s then I feel like it¡¯s wrong to just greet her without exining what happened to us.¡±


    It¡¯s destiny! I want to say that out loud but I don¡¯t want to ruin Noah¡¯s time of sharing his moment with E.


    ¡°So I asked her if she¡¯s free after the event because I want to her for coffee. And she said yes. I told her everything that happened. I apologize if I lead her on and end up ghosting her.¡± He said.


    ¡°How did she react? What did she say about that?¡± I asked curiously.


    But Imended E for staying cool. She was brave enough to approach Noah first despite the ghosting. And she did not p or made a scene when she saw Noah because there are girls who are like that.


    ¡®She¡¯s so calm. And it made me feel more ashamed. She said she understand and she don¡¯t me me for anything.¡± Noah said a bit frustrated.


    I get why Noah¡¯s a bit frustrated. Noah would prefer if E p him or something, it will somehow lessen that guilt that he is feeling about her. I this girl for my best friend. I hope that she is the girl for him. Noah deserves to end up with a girl like her.


    ¡°The video reached twenty million views in one day.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too low!¡±


    My eyes widen. ¡°That is not low! It¡¯s one of the highest views that we got on our channel!¡±


    ¡°But not as high as our views,¡± Andrew said while smirking.


    I rolled my eyes. We are spending our precious time in our lounge area. Andrew is being cocky right now about the views that my interview with Liam achieved. Well, he¡¯s right. If I¡¯m not mistaken they reached fifty million views in just one day and we never expected that huge views.


    ¡°Fine! No one can beat your group, not even Noah. Happy?¡± I said to please him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    He justughed. ¡°I miss this, my love.¡± He suddenly said while holding my hand.


    I smiled sweetly at him. ¡°Me too. We became so busy over the months. We rarely have this kind of quality time.¡±


    ¡°I know. I can¡¯t wait to tell the world how much I love you. I hate it whenever we need to be careful with our actions. I waited for years to be with you again, but I still need to wait before I tell the world who you are to me. And I hate when people pair you with other guys. No one is perfect for you but me, my love.¡± He said.


    Andrew¡¯s words touch my heart. I felt butterflies in my stomach. I look at him in the eyes and look at his lips. I was not able to stop myself from kissing him. I couldn¡¯t contain the happiness that my heart is feeling right now.


    He kissed me back. Our kiss deepened. I can feel his hand roaming in my body when my phone rang.


    ¡°Fudge!¡± Andrew can¡¯t help but feel frustrated.


    I looked at my phone and it was Liam.


    ¡°Perfect timing!¡± Andrew hissed when he saw Liam¡¯s name.


    ¡°We are now in the headline.¡±

 Chapter 60 – Bomb

    Andrew and I check our phones at once. And just like what Liam said, our ¡°rtionship¡± is now going on the public from the so-called paparazzi.


    I check my Twitter and saw that my name and Liam¡¯s names are on the trend list not only in the Philippine trend list but also worldwide. I instantly check the newly uploaded video of Ster and just as I predicted the views went up to fifty million views. This is insane! So many marites(gossipers) all around the world!


    ¡°They really went all out!¡± I can¡¯t help but react.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°We already expected this, my love. And also, this.¡± Andrew said while showing me his phone where Anne¡¯s name was on the screen.


    Just as we predicted, Anne will surely react. Andrew epts her call and put it on speaker mode.


    ¡°Have you seen the news today?!¡± Anne said without saying hello.


    ¡°Hello to you, Anne.¡± Andrew greeted her instead.


    We heard her fake cough. ¡°Hello.¡± She greeted back. ¡°So, have you seen the news?¡± Anne asked again.


    ¡°Yes, Liam called Alli and told us about it.¡± Andrew cooly said.


    ¡°Who called who?¡±


    ¡°Liam,¡± Andrew reply shortly.


    ¡°How can you allow him to call your girlfriend after all this issue?!¡± Anne said in disbelief.


    ¡°Why not? We all know the truth. And Alli already exin the meaning of those photos, so why are you overreacting?¡± Andrew said a bit cold.


    I softly p his arms and red at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not overreacting. I¡¯m just worried for you. You don¡¯t deserve to be cheated on.¡± Anne just said.


    I pinch Andrew to warn him to be careful of his response.


    Andrew heaved a sigh before answering Anne. ¡°I appreciate your concern, Anne. But I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m not affected by that issue because I know my girlfriend and I trust her. She will never cheat on me. So just ignore the issue. It wille to pass.¡± Andrew said then mouthed ¡®is that enough?¡¯ to me.


    I smile and nodded at him and mouthed ¡®I love you.¡¯ He smiles back and ends the call.


    Andrew turn to me and said, ¡°I love you more!¡± Then he kissed me, a passionate one.


    A week has passed but the issue of my girlfriend with Liam is still hot. As Alli and Liam agreed, they will not confirm nor deny the issue. They will just make them believe that not answering is also a confirmation. Anne on the other hand keeps on asking me if Alli and Liam will release a statement to clear the issue, I always answer her that they already know what to do.


    Anne is now in my office to discuss with me the concert that Vince¡¯s management is preparing. She gave me the initial lineup of the concert and who is the special guest at the said concert. Iya will be hosting the concert, and Allison band will also be there to do at least three songs.


    ¡°Belle?¡± I asked.


    Anne nodded. ¡°The management wants to include her in your special guest performer because as per them your fans with her(the shippers) are growing and they want to take advantage of that.¡±


    Belle is a rising actress, she can also sing and we coborated on a song once for her tv show and that was it. It was mostly her fans who are shipping me with her.


    ¡°Are you okay with that?¡± I asked because Belle fans are bashing Anne. After all, some people assumed that Anne is in a secret rtionship with me because we never confirm nor deny the issue.


    At that time we intentionally made them believe the issue because I want Alli to go back here and ask me about the issue. I was that desperate at that time.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay with it. They can¡¯t do anything to me because I already report them to the police. Once they did something to me, they will end up in prison.¡± Anne simply said.


    Belle¡¯s fans were so fired up to bash Anne to the point that some of the fans who see her in public called her names, and some even tried to hurt her. That is why Anne reported them to the police. After that Belle fans back off.


    ¡°I will call Vince to remove Belle from the guest performer,¡± I said.


    Anne was a bit confused. ¡°What? Why? I told you her fans can¡¯t do anything to me now.¡± She insisted.


    ¡°It¡¯s not for you Anne. It¡¯s for Alli. She will surely be there at my concert and I don¡¯t want to risk her from those kinds of fans. You can attest to how obsessed and toxic they can be.¡± I exined to her.


    ¡°But they will never suspect Alli, especially with her issue with Liam. And speaking of them, are you sure that they have a n for this? The topic is still hot, and people are now confirming the issue for them, especially since they are seen again having dinner in a restaurant. Are you sure that nothing is going on with them?¡± Anne fiercely asked.


    I gave her my coldest look. ¡°Stop using Alli of cheating! She never cheated on me so fix your choice of words. And I don¡¯t get it why are you so concerned with it? Are you Liam¡¯s girlfriend or what?!¡± I said so pissed off.


    Anne¡¯s eyes widen in shock. ¡°Of course not! I don¡¯t care about that guy! My only concern is you, Andrew.¡±


    I scoffed at her excuse. ¡°Can you stop with yourme excuses?! When are you going to stop deceiving yourself, Anne?!¡±


    ¡°I am not!¡± Anne insisted.


    I just shook my head and just tell her to shut up. ¡°They are releasing their new cover for next month and you can guess who is on the cover. This issue will help them to get more sales. So it¡¯s all about business Anne, so chill.¡±


    After my conversation with Anne, she never asks about the issue anymore. I am now in Vince¡¯s office to discuss my concert. I didn¡¯t bring Anne with me because I have a n that she must not know.


    ¡°You want to remove Belle from your guest list?¡± Vince confirm.


    I nodded. ¡°You know how toxic her fans are. Alli will be watching my concert and I also n to do something for her.¡±


    Vince chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you are nning to propose to Alli?¡± He joked.


    But he was right that is why I nodded. ¡°Yes. I want to propose to her at my concert.¡±


    Vince was stunned by my n. ¡°You will announce your rtionship with Alli in public? Is Alli aware of your n?¡± He can¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Well, of course, she is not aware of my proposal. It will not be a surprise if she knew.¡± I said.


    ¡°That is not what I meant. You know Alli doesn¡¯t want your rtionship to go in public.¡± Vince said as a matter of fact.


    I nodded. ¡°Yes, but we will make our rtionship in public before my concert so you don¡¯t need to worry about that.¡±


    Vince was confused but he just nodded and agreed to remove Belle from my concert.


    I¡¯m now on Alli¡¯s magazineunch. As expected many presses came not only because of theunch but to take advantage of the event to interview the rumored couple.


    ¡°The media is doubledpared tost quarter¡¯sunch,¡± Iya whispered to me.


    Iya will be hosting the event. Every quarter, Ster is doing a magazineunch giving people a glimpse of the monthly cover of the said quarter.


    ¡°You know why.¡± I just said.


    ¡°Will they release a statement today?¡± Iya curiously asked.


    ¡°Just wait and see. I will not spill anything cous.¡± I said then smirked.


    The event started. People are now enjoying the event, though the media keeps on roaming around to talk to Alli or Liam.


    Iya introduces Liam. And while Liam was on the stage, the media and other guests are now looking at their phones.


    ¡°Ms. Allison is it true that your real boyfriend is Mr. Andrew Lopez and you are cheating on him with Mr. Liam Valencia?¡±

 Chapter 61 – Exposed

    ¡°Here¡¯s the journalist that Anne metst night.¡±


    I look at the picture that Liam showed me. I took it and smirked. I know this guy. He works at Vince¡¯spany. He is a known and credible showbiz journalist, he also has his showbiz talk show. I met him at some of the events.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it from here,¡± I said with full confidence.


    ¡°I am now convinced that you know how Anne works. All your predictions were urate, even this.¡± I added.


    Aside from Anne, he also predicted his family¡¯s move. The reason why we have paparazzi when we are in the US. He feeds them of his n of getting back with Anne. He also made his assistant act like he is on the side of the family, but the truth is, all his assistant¡¯s information came from Liam. His assistant was the one who suggested the paparazzi to his family and sent the photos to Anne and the media.


    Now that Liam¡¯s family role is done. We are now focusing on how Anne will act. And true enough, Anne is nning to expose my rtionship with Andrew and will use me of cheating.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°I¡¯ve known Anne for years.¡± He only said.


    ¡°And you stalked her for years,¡± I added.


    We bothughed. This scene is perfect for concluding that we are indeed in a rtionship.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Ricky Abunda!¡±


    I asked Vince for his number. I called him and set a meeting with him, and he was very willing to amodate me.


    ¡°Thank you for requesting a meeting with me. I know that many reporters and journalists are wanting to set a meeting with you.¡± He said.


    I just smiled at him. A minuteter, his assistant went in to ce our coffee. I took a sip then I turn to him and gave him my sweetest smile.


    ¡°I know that Anne met you and gave you some information about my rtionship.¡± I started my speech.


    He looks flustered. I guess he didn¡¯t expect that the real reason why I am meeting him is that he met with Anne. I don¡¯t me him though. I heard that they met in a restaurant with a private room. I also don¡¯t have any idea how Liam was able to get the whole conversation between Anne and this guy.


    I chuckled. ¡°No need to be nervous. I don¡¯t have any n to stop you from exposing my rtionship. The reason I¡¯m here is to confirm the information that you got and also a good offer.¡±


    His eyes twinkled. Who wouldn¡¯t right?!


    ¡°I would love to hear your side. And I will surely ept any offer that you will give.¡± He said without hesitation.


    Of course, he will. He will be the one who will benefit here the most.


    ¡°First, it is true that Andrew and I are in a rtionship. Liam and I don¡¯t have any rtionship, it was pure business. I am not cheating on my boyfriend. But if Anne wants to make me look like that, then do it.¡± I said then smirked.


    His eyes widen and a bit stunned. Who in the world would agree to be exposed as a cheater right?!


    ¡°But may I ask why?¡± He said with pure curiosity.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to know. You are a good journalist and host. I know that you will release an article that will raise more curiosity in people.¡± I said.


    ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t want to be sued for libel especially now that I know the truth. Getting this big scoop is more than good enough for me.¡± He said.


    ¡°But I¡¯m offering more. Don¡¯t you want to hear it?¡±


    He shakes his head. ¡°No, no. Please feel free to speak.¡±


    I grin. ¡°I want you to release that during our magazineunch. Then a day after the event, Andrew and I will do an exclusive interview with you.¡±


    I texted Ricky to release the article when Iya introduces Liam as Ster¡¯s cover. The press started to make noise. All of them were looking at their phones.


    Then one reporter bravely asked when he saw me. ¡°Is it true that your real boyfriend is Mr. Andrew Lopez and you are cheating on him with Mr. Liam Valencia?¡±


    I saw Anne smirking at me. I just smile sweetly at her. Anne¡¯s forehead creased, confused why can I still smile after exposing my rtionship in the public? I ignore her and I justwalked on stage to give my speech.


    ¡°Hello everyone! I know that all of you are surprised by the article that just release. Yes, the article saying that I am in a rtionship with Andrew is true. But I denied the other allegation. That¡¯s all I can say for now. Thank you all foring.¡±


    After that, I go to Andrew and left the ce with him. I ask Isabel to end the event and give all the PR kits to all our guests.


    ¡°What was that Alli?¡± My cousin, Lance asked me as soon as they saw us entering the house.


    ¡°Can we settle down first? Don¡¯t worry I will answer all your questions, so chill okay.¡± I said, teasing Lance a bit.


    He just shook his head. We all went straight to our favorite ce in the house. Lance, Mike, Vince, Lieo, and Iya were all there. They look so worried about me and Andrew.


    ¡°I know you guys are worried about me and Andrew. We appreciate that. But you don¡¯t need to. It was all nned.¡± I said to them.


    No one is answering. They look confused and wait for me to borate my speech.


    ¡°From my issue with Liam, until now, all of it is nned.¡±


    ¡°Did you also ask that journalist to expose your rtionship and question your loyalty and faithfulness to Andrew? Really Alli?! Do you think I will believe that?¡± Lance butted in.


    ¡°It was Anne who gave the information to that journalist to expose me,¡± I confessed.


    ¡°What?! How dare she do that to you and Andrew?! After all the help she got from my cousin?!¡± It was Iya.


    ¡°Is that why you asked for Ricky¡¯s number? You should have told me about it. I can stop Ricky from exposing it.¡± Vince said.


    ¡°As Alli said, it was all nned. We let Ricky do what Anne wanted.¡± Andrew said.


    ¡°But why?!¡± Lance asked a bit frustrated.


    I had no choice but to share with them everything about my deal with Liam and Anne¡¯s real past.


    ¡°And you know how eager I am to retire from showbiz. This singing thing is not for me.¡± Andrew said.


    ¡°We also thought this is the perfect time to expose our rtionship. We can¡¯t hide our rtionship forever.¡± I seconded Andrew.


    ¡°Congrattions guy! You are now free to show the world your love for each other. I am happy for both of you!¡± Iya said a bit teary-eyed.


    Then the boys went to us and gave their congrattions to us.


    ¡°But I feel so sorry for Anne. She doesn¡¯t deserve those things. But still, all her actions can be justified by that. What¡¯s wrong is wrong. Revenge doesn¡¯t do any good.¡± Iya suddenly shared her sentiments.


    ¡°I agree. Anne¡¯s emotion is valid but still not an excuse for her to do those things. But who are we to judge right? I just hope that after this, Anne will be on the right path.¡± I said.


    ¡°So what¡¯s your next n?¡±

 Chapter 62 – Fired

    ¡°I will fire Anne.¡±


    Iya¡¯s eyes widen. ¡°What the heck Andrew?! Don¡¯t you have anypassion in your heart? Plus, Anne was closest to you!¡±


    I chuckled. I will also be reacted like that if I didn¡¯t know the reason behind firing Anne.


    ¡°Alli, how can youugh in a situation like this?¡± Iya said in disbelief.


    Andrew and I burst outughing. Iya is just so cute. I look at everyone and they are all confused by our reactions.


    ¡°Chill guys, there is the reason why Andrew is firing her,¡± I said.


    ¡°Is it because she¡¯s the one who exposes your rtionship?¡± Mike asked still confused.


    ¡°No. I would want to promote her because I always wanted my rtionship with Alli to be exposed in public.¡± Andrew said and I just rolled my eyes.


    ¡°Then what¡¯s the real reason?¡± Iya asked a bit impatient.


    I took my bag and took out a calling card.


    Lance took the card to check on it. ¡°What is this for?¡±


    ¡°ire Chiuri is a known fashion designer in Paris. She works in one of the luxury brands in Paris. I met her when I was in the US for a fashion event. I send her Anne¡¯s previous design, I also shared with her Anne¡¯s unfortunate situation. She likes the design and she¡¯s willing to take Anne as her apprentice because she will not let a girl with that talent put to waste.¡± I exined.


    Iya squealed with joy. ¡°OMG! Do you have her previous design? I want to see!¡±


    I nodded happily. ¡°I¡¯ll send it to youter.¡±


    ¡°But wait, what is the participation of Liam? I thought she will help Anne to go back on track. But it was you who made that happen.¡± Iya asked.


    ¡°He also met ire and he offered to sponsor Anne¡¯s amodation and other things that Anne needed for her career in Paris, whether she wants to study in Paris, or to the equipment solely for her, or anything.¡± I rify.


    Iya just nodded and did not ask for more. She is just so happy for Anne, and so do I.


    ***


    ¡°You are asking for me?¡±


    It was Anne. I called my secretaryst night to ask Anne toe to my office tomorrow morning because I need to discuss something with her.


    I nodded and told her to sit.


    ¡°Are you okay? What happened yesterday is unexpected.¡± Anne said sounding worried.


    I did not answer her, I just look at her intently. Anne swallowed hard. She looks nervous now.


    ¡°I know you are the behind it, Anne,¡± I said coldly.


    She was stunned. ¡°I¡­ I will never do that. I know that it¡¯s natural for you to suspect me because I am always not on good terms with your girlfriend, but it¡¯s not me Andrew.¡± She denied.


    I look at her with disappointment.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    She looks down. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She said in a whisper. Then she look at me a bit teary-eyed.


    I sighed. ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal for me if my rtionship with Alli will be exposed. I am so tired of hiding my rtionship in public, but I¡¯m just disappointed because I trusted you, Anne. I treated you like a sister. I always defended you to Alli.¡±


    The tears that Anne is fighting back fell. ¡°I know, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m the worst person in the world.¡± Anne started to sob.


    ¡°You are not, Anne. You are just hurt. That is why your reasoning is lost. I heard your real story from Liam.¡± I said to her.


    Anne stops sobbing and just look at me a bit puzzled.


    ¡°Liam still has feelings for you but he was not hoping for you toe back to him. He just wants you to be back on track. To be on the right career path. You dream to be a fashion designer, right?¡±


    Anne was too stunned to speak.


    I took her past design and gave it to her. ¡°Liam still keeping this, hoping that someday you will decide to pursue the career that you always dream of having.¡±


    Anne¡¯s hand was shaking as she browse her previous design. Then she lost it. She cried like there was no tomorrow. My heart hurt looking at Anne right now. She looks so lost. She hugged her designs and continue crying.


    I went to her and hug her. ¡°Everything will be alright now, Anne.¡± I consoled her.


    ¡°No, it can¡¯t be back. No one will ept me. If you heard everything from Liam then you will know also that his family is behind all this. I can¡¯t pursue it now.¡± She said then cry again.


    ¡°Their power is just here in the Philippines. They do not influence other countries, especially in the US and Europe. While us, your friends have it.¡± I said to her.


    She turns to me still sobbing. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    I took out the calling card I got from Alli and gave it to Anne.


    ¡°ire Chiuri? Why are you giving me her card?¡± She asked a bit puzzled.


    ¡°Alli and I will have an interview with Mr. Abunda next week. Aside from exining my rtionship with Alli, I will also announce my retirement from the showbiz industry. So in short, I do not need a manager anymore, that is why I called you today to inform you that I am firing you.¡± I said to her.


    Then I took the calling card from her. ¡°And ire will be your new boss.¡±


    Anne¡¯s eyes widen, and her tears are also dying up. ¡°Are you pranking me, right now?¡±


    I shake my head. ¡°I am serious Anne. You are fired and she will be your new boss now. Alli met her at a fashion event in the US. Alli talked to her about you, she send your previous design to ire and ire love your design and decided to take you as her apprentice.¡±


    ¡°Are you for real?!¡±


    I nodded to her.


    Anne went back from crying but this time with a smile on her face. ¡°How can you guys help me after all the things I did to you? Especially to Alli?¡± She can¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Because you are just human. Humans are bound to make wrong decisions especially when they are hurt. Your feelings are valid but still not a reason for you to do evil things. But are we to judge you right? We didn¡¯t experience what you had, we can only sympathize but we will never understand what you felt during those times. But as your friend, we wanted to help you. We wanted you to be on the right path.¡±


    Anne went up to me and hug me. ¡°Thank you, Andrew. Can you help me talk to Alli? I just want to apologize and thank her for this.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Finally, a public date! I can now go to the mall while holding Alli¡¯s hand. We also don¡¯t need to eat in a restaurant with private rooms.


    ¡°You look so happy, Mr . Lopez.¡± Alli teases me.


    ¡°You bet! This so so nice. I can finally hold your hand like this and do this.¡± I said then I kissed her hand.  ¡°I can even kiss your lips in public¡± I whispered to her.


    Alli soft punch me then chuckled. ¡°You and your imagination. But I agree. It feels nice to go on a date like this. We don¡¯t need to hide our rtionship with them. Though, I¡¯m a bit ufortable because people keep on staring at us. Nheless, I¡¯m happy.¡±


    We both cleared our schedule for this date. We just want to celebrate our official announcement to the public. We use to do this before when we are both not in the entertainment industry.


    We were about to leave the mall when someone shouted. ¡°You guys don¡¯t look together! Belle is the one for you, Andrew!¡±


    I saw the group of girls who keep on shouting. I asked the guard to stop them. Then Alli and I left the mall.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked Alli.


    ¡°I¡¯m good. I know not everyone will like our rtionship, especially when you are being shipped with other celebrities.¡± Alli cooly said.


    I¡¯m thankful that she can handle it more than I do. ¡°But you look more beautiful than them.¡±


    We reached Alli¡¯s house when I saw Anne¡¯s car parked in front of their gate. I stop the car. ¡°You have a visitor,¡± I said to her.


    Alli looked in Anne¡¯s direction. ¡°She wanted to talk to you.¡±

 Chapter 63 – Retirement

    ¡°I heard from Andrew that you are behind all this.¡±


    Anne was the one who broke the silence. We are in the lounge for almost thirty minutes but no one is talking. Andrew left after Anne and I settle in the lounge area.


    Andrew hasn¡¯t shared with me what happened during his talk with Anne. I was hoping the whole day that he will share it with me, but it didn¡¯te. I guess this is the reason why he did not share anything with me yet.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked so she can borate.


    ¡°You found out the truth about my past, and you n all this to help me.¡± Anne¡¯s voice began to break.


    She looks at me, biting her lips to stop herself from sobbing. ¡°Thank you, Alli,¡± She said then she began to sob.


    I went near her to hug andfort her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for all the things I did to you. I even tried to ruin your rtionship with Andrew. I am the worst person in the world.¡± She said while sobbing.


    I hug her tighter and caress her back. ¡°I understand. You are hurt that is why you got lost. I am also at fault.¡± I confessed to her.


    She breaks from my hug and looks at me with full confusion. I touch her face and wipe her tears.


    ¡°I failed to know you deeper.¡± I just said.


    She shakes her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s not your fault. I intentionally hide it from everyone.¡±


    ¡°I know. But if I just try harder to know you more, then maybe you will open your heart to me. But I was too insecure and jealous of you.¡± I finally confessed what I¡¯d been hiding even to myself.


    ¡°What do you mean? You¡¯ve got nothing to get jealous of!¡± She said a bit shocked.


    ¡°I know, but no matter how hard I try to stop myself from getting jealous of you and Andrew, I just can¡¯t. Deep inside I feel like you guys are closer and look good together. And you are special to him. Maybe I¡¯m just being selfish. I just want Andrew¡¯s attention all to myself. That¡¯s why when I saw you two kiss, my little confidence in Andrew¡¯s love for me crumble and I finally had a reason to release this hidden jealousy that I have for the both of you.¡± I exined to her.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. Andrew¡¯s special treatment of me was because I deceived him. He taught that I was their savior when they are in grade school.¡± She confessed.


    I nodded. ¡°I heard that story from him. But still, it¡¯s wrong for me not to trust the love that Andrew has given me. It¡¯s wrong that I just let my jealousy dominate me. And because of that, I fail to protect our friendship. I didn¡¯t know you are going through so much. I should haveforted you, but I also added pain to you. I¡¯m sorry, Anne.¡± Tears began to fall.


    Anne hug me and said that it was okay.


    ¡°This is your time now, Anne. Restart your new life. Pursue your dream. We are right behind you. I will block the people who will try to sabotage you. I will never let them seed. I will use all my connections for you to seed. You are a great designer. I saw all your past designs and they are all masterpieces. I am rooting for you! I will surely feature your works in my magazine.¡± I promised her.


    ¡°Thank you, Alli! Thank you so much.¡± She said while we were both sobbing.


    I had a good sleep. My heart feels so light. I¡¯m d that I had a chance to talk to Anne. I feel like, our friends are getting better. I sincerely hope that we can be good friends like before but this time we know better.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Don¡¯t check the Twitter.¡± Iya went to my office to warn me.


    ¡°You made me more curious when you say that,¡± I said while chuckling.


    I check Twitter and went straight to the trending list. And now I understand why she was trying to stop me from checking Twitter.


    ¡°I told you not to check it!¡± She said when she saw me checking it on my phone.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about these things. We experienced the worst yesterday.¡± I said then I told her what happen when we are about to leave the mall.


    ¡°That Belle is an enabler! She didn¡¯t do anything to stop her fans from blushing. She even posted on her Instagram that she was feeling betrayed and heartbroken. Though she did not mention you nor Andrew, all her fans assume that it was because of you and Andrew.¡± Iya said angrily.


    ¡°That¡¯s showbiz. They need it for clout.¡± I said like it was nothing.


    ¡°I will tell Vince not to renew her contract with them! I heard that her contract will expire this month!¡± Iya said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be childish!¡± I said to stop her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not childish! I just don¡¯t want Vince to handle star like that.¡± She reasoned out.


    ¡°Oh, so you are acting now as the CEO¡¯s wife,¡± I said to tease her.


    Iya blushed. She fake a cough and started to change the topic. I justughed.


    Today is the much-awaited interview with Mr. Ricky Abunda.


    ¡°Here with me is the hottest and most controversial couple of the year. They both dominate their respective tforms. Let¡¯s all wee, Mr. Andrew Lopez and Ms. Allison Alonzo.¡± The host¡¯s opening spiels.


    ¡°Thank you very much for choosing me to have this exclusive interview with both of you.¡± The host said.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have a choice. You were the one who exposed our rtionship, which I am so grateful for.¡± Andrew said in a teasing voice.


    We all chuckled. People might think that we are scared now that our rtionship was revealed but it¡¯s the opposite.


    ¡°How long have you been together?¡± The host asked.


    ¡°We are together for three years now,¡± Andrew said.


    Mr. Abunda¡¯s eyes widen. ¡°You are together for that long? But Ms. Alli lived in the US for 2 years. And I think she was linked to Noah.¡± He can¡¯t help but fry.


    ¡°Noah and I were best friends. What we have is purely tonic. And yes, I lived in the US for 2 years because of the opportunity that the US has given me. And Andrew was patient enough to wait for me.¡± I said not to tell them all the details because Andrew and I agreed not to give them the details about our past. It¡¯s not for them to know.


    ¡°Mr. Andrew is a known businessman. But what made you decide to join showbiz?¡±


    ¡°It was because of Alli. She¡¯s been in the US for too long and I need to give her a reason to go back because she was enjoying the US too much.¡± Andrew just said.


    ¡°Did he seed, Ms. Alli?¡± The host then asked.


    ¡°Not really. It was my parents who asked me to go home.¡± I said while chuckling.


    Andrew just pout his lips. People from the studioughed.


    The interview goes on, and we answered his question discreetly as possible.


    ¡°I heard that Mr. Andrew has something to announce. The floor is yours.¡±


    Andrew smiled at him and turned at the camera. ¡°As you all know, I am the CEO of Lopez group ofpanies and even have apany of my own. I only join showbiz for my girlfriend because I want her here with me. And I think this career already served its purpose. Now, that my rtionship with Allie is already made public, I think it¡¯s time for me to announce my retirement in showbiz.¡±


    I already enjoy enough of Andrew¡¯s singer era and we are both ready for him to retire from his showbiz career.

 Chapter 64 – Fans

    Our names are once again on the top list of Twitter and even in the news. Andrew is more eager now to retire because of this. He wants his peaceful life to be back. Showbiz is too chaotic for him.


    Most Belle fans stop bashing, especially those who have big followers because Anne release a statement from Andrew¡¯s side that they will not tolerate any bashing for me. And they will surely take legal action against those who insult or threaten me. But of course, there are still a few who will bash and we can¡¯t control it anymore.


    I told Anne just let those bashers be.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Alli but Andrew wants to sue those fans who didn¡¯t listen. He said that if we let them be, some fans will follow. It¡¯s better to give some of the bashers a lesson so that others won¡¯t follow.¡± Anne said.


    Anne and I are now in her office. I visited Andrew but he was still in a meeting so I visit Anne as I wait for him.


    ¡°Well, you guys have a point. People nowadays are bing irresponsible. They are just saying things without thinking.¡± I said getting their point.


    Anne nodded. ¡°Agree. It¡¯s easy now to create a troll ount and bash people. I don¡¯t know what they are getting from bashing.¡±


    ¡°I know right? And the funny thing is, they bash people saying they don¡¯t like them but they are the ones who are more updated than the actual fans.¡± I said it not only on my part but even to other celebrities and influencers.


    ¡°Yes, maybe they are just in denial but the truth is, they like the artist that they are bashing. You will not give your precious time to someone you don¡¯t like.¡± Anne said in agreement.


    ¡°Or that is their way to make the artist notice them,¡± I said then we bothughed.


    ¡°What did I miss?¡±


    Anne and I look at the door entrance and saw Andrew. I smiled at him.


    ¡°I showed Alli the list of bashers you will sue.¡± Anne simply said.


    Andrew went in and sat beside me. ¡°I thought you are visiting me? But why are you in Anne¡¯s office?¡±Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    I rolled my eyes. ¡°You are not in your office,¡± I said as a matter of fact.


    Andrew just grin and kiss me on the cheek. ¡°I¡¯m just kidding.¡± He then said.


    ¡°Stop it, lovers! Have some respect for a single like me.¡± Anne said in a teasing tone.


    ¡°Go get yourself a boyfriend. You are not getting any younger Anne.¡± Andrew said.


    ¡°That is my least priority as of the moment. My main priority now is yourst concert and my future career in Paris.¡± Anne said while her eyes are twinkling.


    I smiled to myself. I can see how genuinely happy she is right now.


    ¡°But are you sure you want to retire? What about your fans? They are all in front of Vince¡¯swork to ask for help to change your decision.¡± Anne said then she showed us some of the pictures of the fans waiting in theworks with signage asking for help to convince Andrew not to retire.


    Then Anne showed us another trending topic on Twitter which is ¡°Andrew please don¡¯t retire.¡± I click on the said tag and check the tweets. Most of them are Andrew¡¯s solid fans. Some fans give testimony on how Andrew¡¯s music helps them with their anxiety and depression. Some of them are saying that they don¡¯t normally support or fangirling local artists but Andrew is different. His talent deserves to be heard not only in the Philippines but all around the world.


    I was moved by their genuine love for Andrew. I can rte to them because I was once a fan girl. I looked at Andrew who is also reading some of the tweets. I can see that he was also moved.


    ¡°I hope these people will find another artist who is meant for this industry. I appreciate their love and support but showbiz is not really for me.¡± Andrew said as he finished checking the tweets.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡± Iya asked.


    Iya went to fetch me in my office. Since Anne is leaving for Paris next month, she decided to have a girls¡¯ night out. As per her, she misses our bonding moments before.


    ¡°Anne will go straight to our favorite spa. She just needs to finish something in the office.¡± Iya said while driving to our destination.


    Andrew¡¯s office is close to the spa, so Anne will just arrive on time.


    ¡°Anne!!!¡± Iya hug Anne as soon as she saw her.


    I just shook my head.


    Our well deserves a break from all these chaotic events. We book a room with three beds so we can still have some chitchat while receiving a massage.


    ¡°This feels so good. I was not able to have a massage for months. I was so busy.¡± I said while enjoying the massage.


    ¡°Me too. I was too stressed from thinking about you and you know who.¡± Anne said.


    I chuckled. Anne was referring to Liam.


    ¡°OMG! I heard about him, is he pursuing you, Anne?¡± Iya can¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°No! He did nothing but annoy me.¡± Anne said sounded so defensive.


    Anne is still in denial about her feelings for Liam, same with Liam. He will not do this extra mile effort if he was just feeling sorry for Anne. I don¡¯t believe him when he told me that he will just help Anne and he was not hoping to be together with her.


    ¡°I pity Andrew¡¯s supporters,¡± Iya said while we are having our dinner.


    I half smile and nodded. ¡°I was really moved reading their tweets for Andrew.¡±


    ¡°Andrew¡¯s solid fans are really caring and not toxic. They are not like other fans who dictate the artist that they are supporting. They are also patient with Andrew. They understand that Andrew¡¯s priority is not his singing career but his businesses. They are also not demanding Andrew¡¯s attention. They just genuinely support him for his music.¡± Anne sweetly said.


    Weekends passed and I still think about Andrew¡¯s fans. I feel sorry for them.


    I was near my office when I saw a group of people with signage standing in front of my office building. I asked the driver to stop the car near those people. I have a hint of who these people are. And I was right. They are Andrew¡¯s fans.


    I went out of the car and go to them. One of the fans saw me and announce it to them. They all turn to me showing me their signage.


    ¡°Help us, Ms. Alli¡±


    ¡°Please convince Andrew.¡±


    ¡°We want to hear more of his music.¡±


    Those are some of the messages in the signage.


    ¡°How long have you been here?¡± I asked with concern in my voice.


    ¡°We all gather here since four am in the morning.¡± One of the fans said.


    I check at the time and it was already eight in the morning. ¡°You guys are waiting here for four hours? Have you eaten breakfast?¡±


    Some nodded and some shakes their head.


    ¡°Do you want to go with me and talk?¡± I asked them.


    They nodded their head. I asked the guard to get all their signage and keep it for the meantime. We went to the office¡¯s cafeteria.


    ¡°Just ordering anything you want. It¡¯s all on me.¡± I said to them.


    Their eyes widen and they all went to the counter to order. The cafeteria manager asked for my order. Since I¡¯ve already eaten my breakfast, I only order my favorite hibiscus tea.


    ¡°Why are you all here?¡± I asked when they are done eating.


    ¡°We are here hoping we can convince you to help us convince Andrew not topletely quit his singing career. We are not against your rtionship and we are all aware that Andrew¡¯s priority is you and his businesses. We can wait no matter how long it is for his music. Even if it takes two, five, or even ten years. But please tell him not to quitpletely.¡± Eine said, the head admin for Andrew¡¯s fans club.


    I get them. And as I said, they are bugging me for days now. I looked at them and they are all looking at me with hopeful eyes. How can I reject them?


    ¡°I see what I can do.¡±

 Chapter 65 – Meet and Greet

    Anne keeps sending me tweets and messages from fans.


    I know what she is doing. She is lowkey convincing me of changing my decision to retire. One thing I like about Anne as my manager is that she¡¯s also very amodating to my fans. She made sure to update them on all my events and ns. She always tells me that fans nowadays are like the artist¡¯s PR.


    They are the ones who are more eager to promote my concert and other events. They made sure that I will always in the top trending list. They even bought air-time ads to promote my album and concerts.


    I am feeling sorry for them because I was not able to bring back the love and support that they are giving me.


    ¡°Anne I know what you are doing. But it¡¯s toote now. I already announced it and you will be leaving for Paris next month, I will  have no manager even if I go back.¡± I reasoned with her.


    ¡°Alli can be your manager. I know that she will be very willing to be Anne.¡± Anne said sounded like it was not a big deal.


    ¡°Alli is too loaded with works. I can¡¯t hire her as my manager.¡±


    Anne smirked. ¡°Believe me, Alli can always find time for you and your career. Alli was always your number one fan even before you started your singing career.¡±


    I just shook my head. I will never win an argument with Anne. I surrender.


    ¡°How was your day, my love?¡±


    Alli and I are now having our lunch in a restaurant near her office. Alli called me and asked me if I can join her for lunch. And who am I to reject my beautiful girlfriend¡¯s invitation?


    ¡°I¡¯m puzzled.¡± She said then sighed aloud.


    I took her hand and caress it. ¡°Why what happens?¡±


    ¡°I met your fans this morning. They have been standing in front of our building for four hours and some of them are not eaten yet.¡±


    Alli told me what happened during her meeting with my fans. I think I know now where the fans get the idea of approaching Alli. I was no other than Anne.


    ¡°And what did you tell them?¡± I asked calmly.


    She looks at me with her pitiful expression. ¡°I told them that I see what I can do. And I will do my best to convince you since I¡¯m also a fan of yours even before you join showbiz.¡±


    I knew it! Alli will be persuaded by them.


    ¡°So I was thinking¡­¡± Then Alli took her iPad and showed me a presentation she made.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Since you already settle the breach of contract with Vince¡¯swork. Why not sign with Ster?¡± She said in a business tone.


    My brow rose from her proposal. ¡°Ster has been nning for an expansion. We thought of getting artists and managing their careers. But we are not limited to celebrities. Since our expertise is more on Social media tforms, we are also nning to get potential influencers.¡±


    I guess this is not a lunch date but a lunch meeting. Alli was so excited as she was exining to me her ns.


    ¡°Did you do all these today?¡± I asked curiously.


    Alli shakes her head. ¡°As I said we are nning to expand Ster, and we already thought of this. We are still polishing it. But I finish it this morning since I¡¯m eager to help your fans.¡± She said.


    I was impressed. My girlfriend is really something.


    After my lunch meeting with Alli, I called Anne into my office.


    I gave her a death re as soon as she enters my office.


    ¡°What did I do?¡± Anne asked pretending to be innocent.


    ¡°You won. You know that I will never say no to Alli.¡± I said defeatedly.


    ¡°You are not retiring? Do I need to talk to Vince¡¯s team now?¡± Anne said excitedly.


    ¡°No need to talk to Vince¡¯s team. I will be working at a different agency. If you have any questions just talk to Alli and she will exin everything to you. Now, go I have so much work to do.¡± I said dismissing her.


    ¡°And schedule a greet and meet with my fans tomorrow. I want to meet all of them to say thank you.¡± I said before she left my office.


    Anne booked a conference room in one of our family¡¯s hotels. This is where the meet and greet will take ce. I even told Anne not to let the fans spend a single penny for this event. I paid for all the expenses from the design, sound system, and food. I also asked Anne to book rooms for the fans. Since the event will start at eight in the evening I want them to have an overnight stay in the hotel to enjoy more of their stay here.


    I saw the excitement in their eyes when they saw me entering the ce. Anne gave me the mic to give my speech to them.


    ¡°First of all, I want to tell you that I read all the messages you sent to me, thanks to my manager Anne. I am so thankful for all the love and support that you guys are giving me. I always think that I don¡¯t deserve all of this but you always prove to me otherwise.¡± I said in my opening speech.


    ¡°I know that my announcement is a big blow to all of you. I want you to all know that your feelings are valid and Ipletely understand. I¡¯m also thankful for the fact that you are very supportive of my decisions, especially with my rtionship with Alli. And this is the only time that you asked something from me.¡±


    ¡°But first, can I ask for your help with my ns for my uing concert?¡± I asked them.


    All of them nodded and wait for me to speak. I told them every detail of my n for the uing concert.


    ¡°We will make sure that we will execute your surprise perfectly. And we can¡¯t wait for it to happen!¡± Jessie said, one of the fans.


    I also told Anne of my n. This will serve as herst work for me as my manager. She assures me that she will make everything perfect, not just for me but for Alli as well. This is one of her sorry and thanks you gifts to me and Alli. I can wait for this n to be executed. I waited for this time for two or three years now. Finally, it will happen!


    ¡°And I know you guys are waiting for my response about your petition,¡± I said before I end my speech.


    ¡°Anne and I decided to include in my opening speech the decision I had made. I can¡¯t take back thework and I have agreed with it. I already settle the breach of contract with them. But since you guys have moved Alli¡¯s heart, she thought of a way to give you guys what you wanted.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about how I am without the camera? Or how I am as a CEO of mypanies? Do you want to know how sweet I am of a boyfriend to Alli?¡± I said to tease them.


    They all scream in excitement.


    ¡°Ster, Alli¡¯spany is thinking of creating a youtube channel for me. So you can guys know more about me in a more personal way.¡± I said to end my speech.


    ¡°OMG! We want that! That¡¯s way more than what we asked!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Alli!¡± They all shouted.

 Epilogue

    ¡°OMG! Are you sure you want me to join your agency?!¡±


    We asked everyone if they can free their schedule today because we have something to discuss with them. When I said we, itposes of Iya, Anne, Lance, Mike, Lieo, Vince, Andrew, and yours truly. And yes, Anne is part again of our group.


    I told them about my n ofunching Ster Artist, an agency for promising artists. And I want Iya to be one of our pioneer artists along with Andrew of course, the cousin duo.


    ¡°Of course, you have so much potential Iya. Aside from your beautiful face that your job as a radio DJ is wasting, your way of connecting to people and giving them your advice is on a different level. You deserve more spotlight, my dear.¡± I sincerely said to her.


    She looks at me teary-eyed and then she hugs me.


    ¡°Wait, are you only getting Iya and Andrew? What about me?¡± Vince asked.


    I just rolled my eyes. ¡°As if I can sign you in my agency. Yourwork will surely help me if that happens.¡± I said as a matter of fact.


    ¡°I can deal with them. Plus, you areunching an agency, not awork.¡± He rebutted.


    ¡°You have your own talent agency,¡± I said.


    He grins. ¡°But I am not signed with them.¡±


    The girls and I were stunned. We are shocked that Vince was not signed in an agency where the owner is his parents.


    ¡°Oh, you got to be kidding me. It¡¯s impossible!¡± I said in disbelief.


    ¡°He is not signed with them, my love. That¡¯s why I am telling you that you can also get him.¡± Andrew butted in.


    ¡°Howe I didn¡¯t know that?¡± Iya said then she red at Vince.


    Vince just raises his two hands. ¡°You never asked.¡± He said sounding innocent.


    Iya rolled her eyes and went to Anne¡¯s seat. Vince went to her and coax her. We all justughed at them.


    ¡°But why are you not signed with them?¡± I curiously asked.


    ¡°As you all know, I am not nning to be an actor or celebrity for long. I just did the job so that I can understand more of the industry, in that way I can make judgment or decision that is beneficial not only to thework but to every employee of thework.¡± He exined while keeping Iya¡¯s hands who keeps on pushing him away.


    ¡°That makes sense. Then why do you want to join my agency?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fun. My girlfriend is there, and people can easily think that it¡¯s because of your agency that¡¯s why Iya and I fell for each other.¡± He said.


    I raised my left brow. ¡°In short, you want my agency to be your scapegoat.¡±Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Sort of.¡± Then heughed.


    I was too stunned to speak. The audacity of this person!


    ¡°I won¡¯t sign you then.¡± I just said.


    Vince¡¯s eyes widen. He kissed Iya before she went to me to coax me. ¡°Alli don¡¯t do that. I can bring you the biggest revenue. It¡¯s a waste not to get me.¡±


    I just rolled my eyes. ¡°Whatever!¡±


    The most awaited concert hase! Andrew¡¯s fans are already in the concert venue as early as 2 pm. Mind you that the concert will start at 6 pm, though the gates will open at 4 pm.


    My team and I were covering the event while my friends are busy inside. Iya will be the main host of the concert, Vince, Lieo, Mike and Lance will perform with Andrewter as Allison band, and of course, Anne is Andrew¡¯s manager so she will be the busiest among us.


    Everything is going smoothly because they will never know if a concert like this will ever happen again. I can see how excited everyone is. I can see that his fans are also preparing something for him. I can¡¯t know what it is exactly because it was covered with something. Maybe they anticipated that someone will cover the event so they don¡¯t want their surprise to be busted.


    There is a pre-program prepared by the organizers as they are waiting for the concert to start, and also to entertain the fans who came early. The Coliseum is almost full. Andrew¡¯s fame is no joke. In just three years he can make this many supporters. What more if he will take this career seriously.


    The concert finally start. The fans started to scream when Andrew¡¯s face was shown on the monitor. You can feel that this really might be thest concert for him because of how the AVP was made. It summarizes his showbiz career.


    The scream became louder when Andrew was is finally shown on stage. I can¡¯t hear Andrew that much even though I¡¯m in the front seat because of the scream from fans. I can¡¯t help but be teary-eyed. This speaks of sess.


    The crowd started to sing along with Andrew. Their voice is even louder than Andrew¡¯s. This warms my heart, and I know that Andrew feels the same too.


    And now it¡¯s Allison band turns. Seeing the now on stage is like a dreame true. The first time I watch them y as a band in Lance¡¯s room shes back on me. I can¡¯t believe that it¡¯s finally happening. I always thought that the world should see them y and now it¡¯s finally happening.


    After ying two songs, the light waspletely out. The fans¡¯ light stick was also off. My forehead creased. what is happening?


    Then the spotlight pointed to Andrew.


    ¡®Oh, he will do his speech.¡¯ I said to myself.


    ¡°Thank you everyone foring to my concert. Thank you for your genuine love and support. I might not be able to show you guys how grateful I am to all of you but I hope through this you¡¯ll feel how special all of you are to me.¡±


    ¡°The next song that the band will be going to sing is a selfposed song made by yours truly. I made this song almost three years ago to someone I know that I will love for the rest of my life.¡±


    Then another spotlight pointed at me. I was stunned because even though he did not name that someone, I am sure that it was for me.


    Andrew made a song for me?! I can¡¯t believe it! This is just the sweetest. Then Andrew strums the guitar then the group followed.


    ¡°The day I met you, I found my missing piece¡­¡±


    I felt goosebumps when Andrew sang the first verse.


    ¡°There is something about you that I can¡¯t exin. You broke the barriers, you touched my soul and you changed my life and goals.¡±


    ¡°Your absence only made me more realize that I am hopelessly in love with you.¡±


    Those lyrics are touching my heart and soul.  I can feel his sincerity and love in every lyric. My tears are falling on their own. I don¡¯t care if my face was also on the monitor. I just focus on the song and felt every lyric.


    ¡°I¡¯m d that our love was found again.¡±


    The song ended and everyone was screaming. This song is a masterpiece. I love it!


    ¡°I love you, Allison Alonzo. I hope that through this song, you will know how much I love you. You are everything to me. I will be lost with you baby.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to take risk of losing you again, so this time I want to seal our love.¡± He took a box from his jacket.


    I was stunned because everyone can guess what is that box.


    Then someone approach me and asked me to join the stage. I just nodded and follow that person. My mind is nk right now. I can¡¯t think of anything.


    When I reach the stage, Andrew took my hand and then he kneel in front of me, he look at the audience and nodded, then the fans raise therge LED letter standee and you can read it clearly. It says ¡°Will you marry me?¡±


    ¡°Allison Alonzo, will you please marry me?¡± Andrew asked.


    I looked at everyone, they all looked happy for us. I look at my cousin and he nodded at me. He mouthed ¡®I approved.¡¯ I just smile at him.


    The fans shouted. ¡°Please say yes already!¡±


    We all chuckled but Andrew was still serious and patiently waiting for me to answer.


    I look at him and nodded, ¡°Of course, I will marry you, Mr. Andrew Lopez!¡±


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


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