"Samantha, can I ask a question?" 

I was staring at Clyden for too long until someone called me. My gaze immediately went from him to the guy. My vision was a little blurred, so I shook my head and closed my eyes before opening them again. I saw Shan in front of me. 

"Oh, here's the playboy!" I laughed so hard I almost fell backward, but Clyden wrapped his hands around my waist to support my weight, pulling me closer to him. Our bodies bumped into each other. He looked at Shan and raised a brow. 

"I just want to ask a question, man." Shan sounded defensive, moving his hands up. 

"Ask her tomorrow. She's drunk," Clyden replied, trying to put me in my place because I was moving too much. 

"I think she can answer my question better when drunk." Shan smirked before looking at me. "Do you really not know where Yanna is staying?" 

My brows furrowed at the mention of my best friend's name. I looked away and bit my lower lip, trying to go back to my senses. I knew Yanna was in Nueva Ecija, and I was pretty sure Shan was asking that for his best friend, who flew to Florida, leaving Yanna behind. 

"She's-" I was going to say, 'not here,' but Clyden covered my mouth with his other hand, afraid that I would accidentally say a secret while drunk. 

I would never do that to my best friend kahit painumin pa 'ko ng siyam na bottles ng alak. Yanna made me promise not to say anything to anyone, so I wouldn't, kahit kina Luna, so why would I tell Shan? But of course, I really appreciated Clyden's gesture. 

"She's what?" Shan asked again. 

"Do not take advantage of her state." Clyden glared at him before wrapping his arms around my shoulder to pull me away. Shan sighed and nodded before stepping aside to let us pass. 

"I hope you also won't." Shan held Clyden's arm to stop him from walking away. Clyden's brows furrowed before moving his arm away with force, glaring at Shan, who was probably just protective of me because I was being taken care of by someone he wasn't familiar with. 

"Ano b'ang problema mo?" Clyden stepped forward, obviously getting pissed now. 

"Bring her back to her friends. Saan mo siya dadalhin?" Shan tried to reach for my arm, but Clyden lightly pushed me to his back. 

"We're going home," seryosong sabi ni Clyden. My eyes were so wide that I had to look around to ask someone for help. They looked like they were about to punch each other. 

I massaged my head again, hoping that the spinning would stop. Damn, I drank too much. "Shan, it's fine-" 

"Do you know this guy, Sam?" Shan asked me. 

"I am bringing my fiancée home. Do you have any problem with that?" Clyden put his tongue on the insides of his cheek and raised his brows. 

Shan looked so confused when he glanced at me to confirm it. I gave him an apologetic smile before showing him my necklace with the ring on it and making a 'shh' sign. Clyden even bumped on his shoulder when he pulled me away to exit the club. 

"Saan ka nag-park?" Clyden asked when we arrived at the parking lot. I pouted and looked around, trying to remember where my car was. 

"Where's yours?" I asked him. 

"Iniwan ko sa bahay. Sumabay lang ako kay Ridge," Clyden answered while getting my car keys inside my purse. He unlocked the doors and followed the sound. 

He opened the shotgun seat for me before putting his hand on the top of my head so I wouldn't get hurt while trying to get inside the car. 

"Who's Ridge?" I asked while he was putting my seatbelt on. His face was so close to me. I could still smell the whiskey on him. "I thought you don't drink?" 

"Si Ridgen, 'yong lalaki kanina. Best friend ko," he replied. "Huwag kang magalaw." 

"You smell like whiskey. Are you sure you don't drink?" I asked again when he didn't answer. He stared at me after putting my seatbelt on. I had to look away because it felt so awkward. 

"I said I do. Occasionally," he whispered, still staring at my face. I felt conscious, so I pushed his face away using my hand. 

He closed the shotgun door and walked to the other side of the car until he was already beside me, starting the engine. I closed my eyes when I felt the car move. I was getting dizzy again from the motion. 

"I didn't meet your friends," he said while driving. 

"It's okay. I met yours, but I don't know their names," I said, my eyes still closed. "And my friends don't know that I'm engaged, so I think it's better that we left without saying goodbye. Hindi ko alam kung paano kita ipapakilala." 

"Really," he said without any emotion. I opened my eyes, and I saw him licking his lower lip. His eyes were looking at the road furiously, but his body looked so calm. 

I closed my eyes again, and when I opened them, we were already in front of the house. Clyden opened the door and helped me get out of the car by holding my waist and wrapping my arms around his neck. 

"I can walk you-" I covered my mouth when I felt my stomach turn. 

I ran inside the house until I reached the bathroom on the first floor. Lumuhod ako at sumuka sa toilet bowl. God, my stomach felt so bloated, and my body felt so hot from the alcohol. I could still smell and taste the tequila. Hindi ko dapat sinunod-sunod ang shot! 

"Sige, inom pa," Clyden whispered when he went inside the bathroom. Oh, I left it open pala. 

He stood behind me and held a handful of my hair while I was waiting for another turn from my stomach. "Nagsayang ka lang ng pera. Iinom ka tapos isusuka mo rin," he said. 

"What do you want me to do, huh? Swallow my vomit?!" sigaw ko bago ako nasuka ulit. I heard him laugh before pulling on my hair again so my head won't fall on the toilet bowl. 

"Kadiri ka," he said. 

I flushed it before standing up to hug the sink this time. He opened the faucet and washed my face for me before wiping it with a clean towel. He stopped when he realized that I was already staring at him. 

"Why are you being so nice to me now? When I first met you, you were so rude," I murmured, drunk. 

"I was rude because I hated your family," he explained before looking away to put the clean towel back in its place. "I thought... you were the same."

"How about now?" My voice sounded demanding because I was drunk. It also sounded like a kid. Oh my gosh, was that me? 

He held my chin up and looked straight into my eyes. "You are not your family," he whispered. 

I was about to answer when he easily scooped me with his arms and carried me bridal style. I tried to move, but I was afraid that I would fall on the floor, so I just stayed still until he reached my room. He lightly kicked the door and tried to find my bed in the dark. He couldn't turn the lights on because his hands were carrying me. I suddenly felt conscious. Was I heavy? 

"Ouch." I groaned when he tripped and fell on the bed with me. Thanks to the light coming from the window, we saw each other's reaction. My lips parted when I realized how close he was to me. He pursed his lips and looked away, letting go of my waist. 

"Where are the lights?" Hindi ko na naramdaman ang bigat niya sa 'kin so he probably stood up already. I heard some footsteps, and in a blink, the lights were already turned on. I looked so dumb on the bed with the hem of my dress rolled up, revealing my cycling shorts. 

"I don't want to go to bed without taking a shower. I feel dirty," I whined. 

I tried to stand up, but I was too dizzy, so I moved my hands up, lowkey asking him for help. He sighed heavily before walking towards me to pull my hands. I gave him a cute smile before standing up to leave the room. He called my name, but I already locked the bathroom when I went inside. 

I took my clothes off and went inside the shower. I closed my eyes and almost fell asleep while the water was running through my body. Nagising lang ako nang marinig ang katok ni Clyden sa labas. 

"Buhay ka pa ba?" he asked. His voice was muffled because of the door. 

"Y-yes!" I shouted. 

"I have your clothes. Call me when you're already finished." 

What? Did he go through my closet? My brows furrowed as I tried to recall what was inside my closet. Umiling na lang ako at tinapos na ang pagligo ko. Mabilis lang because I already felt sleepy. I put my robe on and opened the door, only to see Clyden seated on the floor, holding my clothes in his hand. 

"You're done?" He stood up, rolling up the sleeves of his dress shirt. 

"Can you help me with my skincare? I'm dizzy." I opened the door wider so he could come in. He nodded and went inside, putting my clothes on the empty countertop. 

He got my purple toothbrush out of the glass and washed it before putting some toothpaste on it. I leaned on the countertop and got my brush out of his hand to put it inside my mouth. I closed my eyes while brushing my teeth slowly. My hands were weak, and my head was spinning. 

When I opened my eyes, he was already holding a glass of water. Kinuha ko 'yon at nagmumog sa sink bago ko punasan ang bibig ko gamit 'yong tissue. I was about to get my makeup remover when he suddenly carried me and put me on the countertop.

He sighed before putting drops of my makeup remover on the cotton pad. He held my chin up and softly wiped my face with it. I closed my eyes so he could take my eyeshadow and eyeliner off too. Good thing I didn't put on mascara, or else I would look like a panda after taking a shower. 

"You know, it's good to have someone beside me," I said. "My best friend, Yanna, is in Nueva Ecija, and the only person who knows about my problems other than Yanna is Sevi. The guy I was dancing with? Do you remember?" 

"Like it didn't happen just a few hours ago," he replied sarcastically. 

"I miss Yanna," I whispered, tearing up a bit. He suddenly stopped wiping my face when he heard how my voice broke. I covered my face when I felt my tears falling. 

He remained silent while I was trying so hard to stifle my sobs. I felt his hands pulling my wrists away so he could see my face. I bit my lower lip and looked away, getting embarrassed. I was so emotional because I was drunk. On normal days, I wouldn't even cry like this. At least not in front of him. 

"You can open up to me," he whispered. "I am willing to listen." 

"Of course. We're going through the same thing, but the only difference is that you are getting recognized for your efforts, but mine is never enough for my dad. It's so hard trying to live up to their expectations, you know? I always have to be like this. I always have to be like that. I am Samantha Vera. I should act like this. I should act like that. I just want to be free," I said while crying. 

"I'm sorry." He sighed, not knowing what to say. 

"You don't have to say anything. You just have to listen." I gave him a small smile. "Actually, you're the only person who can understand me the most. You haven't done anything about it, so of course, I understand why you can't give me advice right now. You know, maybe someday, we can finally learn how to turn our backs against them and just... run free." 

"Just walk. At your own pace, Samantha. You don't have to rush it." He also gave me a small smile. 

"Thanks." I leaned to give him a light kiss on the cheek. 

My eyes widened when I realized what I had done. I looked away and jumped off the countertop to act like nothing happened. I washed my face again after applying cleanser. Hindi ko na tinapos ang buong skincare routine ko dahil sa hiya. Oh my gosh, what the hell did I do? I blamed that on alcohol. 

"Get dressed," he simply said before awkwardly leaving the bathroom.

When I locked the door again, I leaned against it and held my chest, panting. I was holding my breath for too long! The atmosphere suddenly became heavy after that stupid kiss. I wanted to bang my head against the wall. 

"Oh, my gosh." My embarrassment increased when I saw my white pair of underwear on the countertop, along with my black nighties. I swallowed hard when I closed my eyes. He even went through my pairs of underwear, huh? So what made him choose white? What made him do this?! 

After getting dressed, I opened the door and made sure that he wasn't around before running inside my room and locking it. I went to bed and closed my eyes as I dozed into sleep. Good thing the next day was Saturday, so I had enough sleep. 

I woke up twice. On the first one, I was so dizzy I had to vomit again inside the bathroom before going back to sleep. For the second one, my head was lightly being hammered, but I could still manage. I went to the bathroom again to wash my face before going downstairs. It was already noon, and Clyden was outside, feeding the dogs. 

That was a good thing because I didn't know how to face him after kissing him like that last night. I silently ate my lunch, thinking that pretending that I didn't remember any of it would work. No, I wasn't that drunk to not remember anything. Maybe I should have drunk more! 

My eyes widened when Clyden went inside the house and looked at me. Mabilis kong inubos ang pagkain ko at dinala ang plato sa kusina para umiwas. I heard his footsteps on the stairs, so he probably went to his room already. I sighed in relief and went to the living room to watch something just to get over my light headache. 

I was watching a Korean drama when Clyden suddenly put a small paper bag on the coffee table in front of me without saying anything. My eyes were wide when I looked at him in question, but instead of saying something, he just put his hands inside his pockets and walked away to go to the garden. 

I paused the show to check the small paper bag. May gamot doon for my headache and a bottle of orange juice. I was confused, but I still took it and opened the bottle so I could have something to drink while watching. 

When Clyden went inside the house again, umayos kaagad ako ng upo at nagkunwaring busy sa pinapanood. I was silently praying that he wouldn't talk to me because it will just make the atmosphere awkward. Hindi na matanggal sa isip ko ang ginawa ko kagabi. Well, look at the positive side, Samantha! At least hindi mo siya sa lips hinalikan! That would make things even weirder! 

"Summer, go to your mom," Clyden said before going upstairs. 

I smiled widely when Summer went up on the couch and sat next to me. I gave her body rubs while watching. After two episodes, I turned the television off and went upstairs to work out inside my room. 

I took a shower to get the sweat off my body before deciding to leave the house for a moment to buy a gift for Naomi's birthday. I went to the nearest mall and searched for cameras Naomi could use for her photography thing. She didn't want to take my camera so I should just buy her a new one. 

"Yeah, I'll get that," I told the guy employee. Nilabas ko ang card ko at nilapag sa counter. I will just pay my father back using my savings. 

After buying a gift, I went to a bookstore to find a new notebook. My brows furrowed when I saw a familiar face. I had the urge to hide behind the shelf when I realized that it was Naomi, my sister. She was with a guy. I recognized him. He was Jaron from Ateneo. A SOM student and a year younger than me. My damn ex-suitor. 

My eyes widened when he put his hand on my sister's waist. I had to walk away from them before they could even see me. I knew Naomi was already turning eighteen this year, but seeing them together was so uncomfortable for me. The last time I checked, Jaron was in a relationship with Raylee's sister.  

I was so bothered while driving. Hindi na tuloy ako nakabili ng notebook. Naomi was grounded, right? Good thing Mom actually let her out? I had nothing against that, but seeing him with that guy just didn't sit right with me.

I felt even more bothered when I saw Clyden in the living room, eating sushi. I almost forgot what happened last night, but seeing him reminded me of it! I looked away and went upstairs without saying anything to him. Summer followed me from behind, so I opened my bedroom door to let her in. 

I put the box of the camera inside my cabinet before sitting on the edge of my bed. That was the only time I saw the piece of paper on Summer's neck collar. Naka-ipit doon kaya kinuha ko at binuksan. I laughed when I realized who wrote it. 

'Galit ka ba?' 

He thought I was mad again because I was ignoring him? I chuckled and wrote a little 'No' on the bottom of the paper before folding it and putting it on Summer's collar. I opened the door, and she ran away. I was sure Clyden would see it. 

I studied inside my room until I was called for dinner by a helper. Clyden stayed in the living room, studying, while I was at the dining table, eating dinner. He was probably full from eating sushi, or maybe he was trying to avoid me too. Hindi pa kami nag-uusap ngayong araw directly. 

I stopped eating when I got a text from my mom. I opened it and sighed heavily when I read the text. 

From: Mom

Clear your schedule tomorrow. We're going to ride a cruise for my friend's birthday. Semi-formal. 4 PM. Bring your fiancé. 

I took a screenshot and sent it to Clyden so he could read it himself. I saw him reading the text before looking at me to give a nod. After eating, I went upstairs to take a shower and do my night care routine. Just like that, we didn't talk the whole day. 

The next morning, I woke up early to take a run around the village. Clyden was asleep the whole day. I had to wake him up around one P.M. so he could finally prepare for the party. Maybe he was up all night studying again. 

"Yeah, I'm up," he whispered with his eyes still closed. 

"No. You need to stand up. Baka makatulog ka ulit." I held both of his wrists so I could pull him out of the bed. I laughed when he almost fell because I pulled too hard. He threw the pillow at me when I ran away. 

I already took a shower, so I just took my time putting makeup on. I tied my hair in a braided half-ponytail and put some hairpins on it to add some style. My mom delivered a new dress this morning, and good thing it did fit me. It was a burgundy satin bodycon dress ending inches above my knees. A thin strap was holding it, and the neckline was deep on my chest, revealing my cleavage a bit.

I partnered it with a black purse and a pair of black heels. I took the ring out of the necklace so I could wear it. I also wore a pair of black diamond earrings and a silver necklace. Halos sabay lang kaming bumaba ni Clyden. He stopped on the stairs to fold his sleeves up. He was wearing the burgundy dress shirt from my mother and a pair of black slacks, matching my color. He tucked it under his pants and even put on a designer leather belt. He had his ring on and a silver watch. 

"Are we taking my car or yours?" he asked while fixing his hair using his hand. I could smell his perfume from where I was standing. 

"Let's just take yours," I said. 

We didn't talk to each other while we were on our way. Good thing we had music on, or else it would be so awkward. Since when did the awkwardness between us start? It was getting annoying. Hindi naman ganito noon. 

It was a long drive to the port, but we still arrived on time. A woman was in front to check the names, so Clyden and I stopped walking. The woman got distracted for a bit when she glanced at Clyden's intimidating aura. 

"Samantha Vera," I said. "And Clyden Ramirez." 

"Vera and Ramirez..." The woman nervously looked at the list, glancing at Clyden a bit. I looked at him and furrowed my brows. Was there something wrong with his face? He also looked at me and raised a brow. "Here. Thank you, Miss Vera and Mister Ramirez. Someone will assist you inside." 

"Mister and Misis Ramirez would sound better," Clyden teased me.

"Ew." Siniko ko siya habang naglalakad kami papasok. He laughed before wrapping his hand around my waist. I had no choice but to let him because we were welcomed by my parents. His parents were not around this time.

"Maui, darling," my mom greeted, kissing me on my cheek. "Hi, Clyden. Thank you for keeping my daughter company." 

"No problem," Clyden simply answered. 

"Come. Let me introduce the two of you to my friends." My mom gestured for us to follow her, so we did. I tried to glare at Clyden because of his hand, but he just tightened his grip on my waist, pulling me closer to him. 

"We're so close," I whispered under my gritted teeth. 

"You didn't think of that when you kissed me the other night," he whispered back. 

I quickly plastered a smile on my face when my mom looked at us again. Clyden chuckled at the sudden change in my facial expression. 

"This is my daughter, Samantha Vera, and her fiancé, Clyden Ramirez," my mom proudly introduced. 

"Ramirez Medical?" the woman asked, smiling. 

"Yes, Ma'am." Clyden shook her hand and flashed a fake smile. I was the only one who could see through him. 

"And this is the daughter of Senator Vera!" The woman smiled at me as she held my hand. I subtly stepped on Clyden's leather shoe when I heard him scoff beside me. 

"Tanggalin mo paa mo. Masakit," Clyden whispered in my ear, still smiling so people would think that he was whispering something sweet. 

I looked at him and gave a wide smile before leaning to whisper back. "Let's not embarrass ourselves here." 

He laughed in exaggeration like I said something so funny before pulling me closer so he could whisper again in my ear. The woman, my mom, and some of her friends were watching us, smiling. 

"The only one who could embarrass himself right here is your father," he whispered. 

"Oh, silly you!" I faked a laugh and hit his chest playfully like we were flirting with each other. He also laughed and gave me a subtle glare. 

"Okay, lovebirds. You can now get some food right there." My mom pointed at the other side of the restaurant.

Clyden and I excused ourselves to go get some food like what my mom said. Somehow, we managed to make my mom and her friends feel awkward by just whispering to each other. We could actually get paid for being so good at acting. 

"Hello, Cy." His brother suddenly appeared at his side while we were getting food. I was actually surprised to see Charles here. I thought his family wasn't invited. "Oh, I'm here to represent the family." 

"Who asked?" Clyden didn't even give him a glance. 

"Are you jealous because Dad chose me instead of you?" Charles made it sound like a joke, but I knew it was a serious question to piss Clyden off. 

"You're here because I declined Dad's invitation, but sure." Clyden shrugged.

"Then what are you doing here?" Charles asked with a hint of anger in his voice. 

"Because my fiancée asked me to come. Is that enough reason for you?" Clyden looked at him without any emotion on his face. 

"You are unbelievable, Cy." Charles scoffed. "You sure know how to ruin someone's mood." 

"You're the one who approached me, bragging about how Dad chose you instead of me like a whiny teenager." Clyden shook his head. "Grow up, Charles. The only thing you develop is how to be better at disappointing Dad." 

"You fucking asshole!" 

"Hey, stop!" I went in between them when Charles was about to punch Clyden. I almost hit the table when Charles pushed me away so he could grab Clyden's collar, causing me to let go of the plate and fall on the floor. 

Clyden glanced at me for a moment before looking at his brother with so much anger. My eyes widened when Clyden placed the plate down on the table and suddenly grabbed the collar of his brother. 

"Oh my god!" I covered my mouth when Clyden punched Charles so hard he fell on the floor with a bleeding nose. Clyden wasn't even satisfied with that. He kneeled on one knee and grabbed the collar of his brother again, almost choking him. 

"You sure do know how to get on my fucking nerves," Clyden hissed, tightening his grip. 

"I'm-" Charles couldn't talk more. He was getting out of breath. 

"The next time you touch her, I hope you know it's going to be fucking over for you," Clyden said before letting his brother go. 

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:)