"How was dinner with the family?" Faith, my manager, asked casually. I sighed, closing my eyes as my makeup artist worked her magic.

"Food is okay." I said. Faith chuckled.

"What were you thinking, agreeing to that dinner?" I opened my eyes, meeting her gaze in the mirror, she stood behind me, iPad in hand.

I shook my head, "I don't want to think about it, Faith."

Faith knew enough. Our family's strained relationships were public knowledge anyway. Everyone saw the cracks; only I knew the darker truth behind them.

She sensed something was off but didn't pry.

She then sighed, glancing down at her screen, "Moving on... after lunch today, you've got press interviews and a meeting with La Perea's owners."

"Hmm.." i hummed.

I hummed softly, already dreading the day –
especially the interviews... would they ask about  it tonight?

Kaylan man ay hindi ko matatakasan ang pamilya ko. I carry their name and that made me so fucking guilty all the time.

Their blood runs through my veins. A constant, haunting reminder. I'm a branch of their tainted family tree. Our dark roots forever connected. Their corrupt legacy pulses through my blood a heritage I'd rather deny.

I deeply exhaled.

They might asks about my family or worse, the rumored alliance between us and the Velasquez clan?
Probably – our lives were public enough. Insiders likely already knew about the potential merger.

Two powerful families, one corrupt politician and one greedy businessman – different faces, same goals.

Faith briefed me on tonight's event as we walked in.
My constant shadows, Mom's bodyguards, trailed behind.
I'd tried to ditch them countless times, even sneaking away from their watchful eyes.

But they always returned, new faces each time. Hindi ako ang nag papasahod sakanila kaya hindi sila sumusunod sa kahit anong utos ko. Snce Mom paid them, my dismissal meant nothing.

As I entered the grand hall, screams of my name erupted, deafening yet exhilarating: "Luise! Luise! Luise!" The crowd chanted in unison.

I smiled brightly, waving gracefully. My bright yellow cocktail dress hugged my curves perfectly, shimmering under lights.

I made eye contact with fans near the front and signed a few autographs on programs and phones before moving on.

I glided across the stage, greeting La Perea's owners and my fellow ambassadors with warm smiles and handshakes.

Then I turned to face the sea of fans,excitement radiating from every corner of the room.

The brand's products were showcased everywhere, glowing pop-up displays, and sleek posters surrounded us. VIPs sat in designated plush chairs near the stage. While Faith stood off to the side, my ever-present bodyguards flanked her, eyes scanning the crowd.

Faith flashed me a quick smile. I nodded back, ready for my cue.

"Welcome, Ms. Luise! You look absolutely stunning tonight!" The host greeted me, and the fans cheered again. "Wow, what a loud crowd you have!" the host exclaimed, microphone in hand. I smiled warmly, shaking his hand

"Thank you, Alex. Your introduction helped warm them up, I think." He laughed and turned to the audience:

"Luise needs no introduction, but let's give her another round of applause anyway!" The crowd erupted again. I waved and blew kisses to fans screaming near the stage.

Alex continued: "Tonight, Luise represents La Perea's newest charity campaign. A portion of their sales will fund local education programs."

I nodded, adding: "Close to my heart – thank you, La Perea, for supporting this cause." I looked at the owners beside Alex.

"Can you tell us about this beautiful charity of yours?" Alex asked.

I smiled and nodded. "Children need our supp  his charity goes beyond books and classrooms. It tackles the whole child... not only providing educational support but also caring for their mental health and emotional and mental well-being. We'll offer counseling services, creative outlets like art therapy, and safe spaces for them to grow. La Perea's funds will also train local teachers to recognize signs of emotional struggle – ensuring these kids receive love, care, and education." The crowd applauded warmly.

Alex beamed at the crowd's reaction

"Wonderful vision, Luisa. Now, let's open this up –
time for audience questions!" He pointed to a sea of raised hands.

I nodded, smiling encouragingly. Alex called on a girl near the front. Microphone handed to her, she asked nervously:
Luisa, how did this charity idea come about?

"When I joined Binibining Pilipinas last year, I had the privilege to go around areas where children lack education
or don't have a strong system to support them. I was able to see the struggles of children who are willing to go beyond – crossing rivers, walking miles barefoot, just to enter their classrooms. One child in particular stuck with me...her name was Maya, only 9 years old.  She walked 3 hours daily to school,  determined to learn despite poverty surrounding her. Her story broke my heart yet inspired me. That's when this charity's vision was born." I smiled to the crowd whonere intently listening to me.

"This charity is close to my heart because I believe every child deserves a bright future, free from struggles, filled with love and care. As a former titleholder of Ms. World,  I've seen firsthand the impact of education and emotional support on young minds. It's truly transformative. So this charity aims to nurture the whole child – heart, mind, and spirit. Empowering them to reach their full potential and make their dreams a
reality."

Alex exclaimed: "Wow, there's always a reason why people love you so much!" I smiled warmly, basking in the crowd's applause.

"Speaking of pageants, are you planning to join again, perhaps in Miss Universe Philippines?" The crowd cheered loudly, clearly eager for my return.

"Oh no... I'm already content with the title I had – Ms. World.
I was able to serve and influence our young ladies, our youth. So I'm okay with this." I shortly said.

Alex pressed gently: "But you'd be a strong contender for Ms. Universe" I shook my head. "The crowd would love to see you on that stage again!"

I laughed softly. "Maybe in spirit – I'll cheer on our Philippine delegate!"

Alex smiled, "Well, your fans will surely miss seeing you compete." I only smiled brightly at him.

"Last question: There's been speculation lately...are you really marrying Mateo Velasquez?" I looked at him a little bit shocked.

My heart racing slightly. I knew someone would ask me this , bu I'm  definitely not in front of this huge crowd! And Mateo..

Napagtanto ko na hindi ko man lang na alala ang pangalan ng lalaki kagabi. Hindi 'din naman mahalaga 'yon. I won't marry him.

The audience fell silent, nag hihintay ng isasagot ko.

Cameras clicked rapidly.

Huminga ako nang malalim bago sumagot: "No, it's not true."

Audience murmurs filled the room , some gasped, cheered wildly as if relieved for me.

Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? Because sources close to your family said..."

I smiled at him, sending a subtle "drop it" signal.
But Alex's eyes gleamed with determination for a scoop.

He ignored my hint completely.

"Oh gosh, Rumors will be rumors! And besides, if I'm engaged, I will flaunt my ring!"

I showed him my hand. Bare fingers, no sparkle, no ring.

The audience cheered wildly, thinking it was proof.

Alex laughed loudly, "Case closed, folks! Luise' hands are empty! no Mateo Velasquez wedding bells yet!"

Camera flashes blinded me.

The event finally ended. Exhausted from constant smiling and performances, I slipped into the backseat of my black sedan, grateful for the soft leather and quiet darkness.

Staring out the window, I watched the crowd disperse slowly fans, still screaming my name, security guards ushering them away.

My phone buzzed loudly against my leg, jolting me from my people-watching trance.

Unknown Number:
I will give you a fucking ring

My brows arched. Hindi ko na kaylangan pang manghula kung sino 'to. Only one person have this guts...Mateo.

Hindi narin ako mag tataka kung paano niya nakuha ang number ko. I'm not a fool so i won't act like one.

Ngumiti ako. My thumbs flew across the screen:

Fuck off
Sent.

Then my phone buzzed AGAIN.

Do you really want me to come over there?

My eyes widened slightly. Alam niya kung nasaan ako?!
I glanced out the window, half-expecting him to be standing there...

At nandoon nga ang gago.

He leaned casually against his black SUV – arms crossed over his chest, eyes fixed intensely on my vehicle.

My eyes bore to his body

His black fitted shirt was like a second skin, emphasizing his broad shoulders, hugging his large biceps that bulged slightly as he moved, sleeves clinging desperately to toned arms, drawing attention to those mouth-watering biceps.

Fabric stretched to perfection across that chiseled chest.
It was tucked neatly into his navy blue cargo pants, a perfect contrast to his fit upper body. Belt buckled at his waist, drawing my eyes to... other areas...

Pants breaking slightly above his black combat boots –
giving him a ruggedly handsome edge.

My eyes remained glued on him. My subconscious mind swallowing hard.

My driver's voice interrupted my stare: "Ma'am, kilala niyo po ba?"

"Hindi po." I lied casually.

Manong chuckled. "Ah, kanina pa po 'yan diyan. Akala ko nga po artista – gwapo kasi" I raised an eyebrow –

Honestly, he's eye candy. The kind that makes your heart skip beats and your brain forget his background.

Girls nearby tried to muster courage. Bats of eyelashes, flips of hair, yet none dared approach him. 

He stood unfazed, scanning the area... until our eyes met. Nagulat ako duon. Tinted ang sasakyan ko kaya sigurado akong hindi niya ako nakikita.

My mind wandered – how many girls had fallen for that face?

Ganyang mukha ay siguradong maraming luluhod na babae.

Too bad, hindi ko type.

"Tara na po," Sabi ko kay manong – he started the engine instantly.

I pulled out my phone and typed:

You're enjoying the attention, General?
Sent.

"Wala pa po si Ma'am Faith." si manong.

My eyes locked onto his kahit alam ko namang hindi niya ako nakikita. He raised an eyebrow, then glanced down at his own phone. His expression changed – from intense to amused.

He typed back:

Actually, only one girl's attention matters.