"You mean that?" 

I looked so hopeful while staring into his eyes, realizing how serious and sincere he was. His gaze never left mine while I felt his hands encircling my waist. His other hand went up to the back of my head, making me lean against his chest. He held me in silence for a moment, like we were connecting through our hearts. 

"I can hear your heartbeat," I told him while my ears were slightly placed against his chest. It was like he was purposely making me listen to his heart. 

I could also almost hear mine if I focused my attention on it. I wondered if he was hearing it or if he could feel it. This was the moment I had been waiting for. Him, confessing his feelings for me. 

For a moment, I remembered myself being so clueless about love. I defined it before with so many words like sacrifice, contentment, and pain, but now that I was already feeling it, I couldn't even describe it with a word. It was just there. It was longing to be felt. It existed without me knowing. 

It was so powerful that I was even scared to say it. I was afraid that after saying those words, I would experience the same pain my friends went through, and I didn't want that. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko tatanggapin ang masaktan din dito sa papasukin kong 'to but I would still choose to love. I will always choose to love despite the pain it will bring because that was me, the nature of Samantha Vera. 

"I love you," I whispered. 

I felt him stiffen a bit until he relaxed again and held me even tighter and closer to him like he was afraid I would run away... like he couldn't even let me go. There was something about just being with him that made me feel so at ease. 

"Let's go home." He kissed the top of my head before letting me go. 

I gave him a genuine smile when our eyes met again, and he gave back a small one, but his eyes were so full of admiration. Kinuha ko ang bag ko at lumabas ng kwarto. I glanced at Naomi's closed door for a moment before leaving. I couldn't explain how good I was feeling tonight because of everything that happened. Everything felt so good. I felt so afraid that tomorrow would feel different. 

While Clyden was driving home, I checked my phone and saw messages from my mom asking where I had gone. Ang sabi pa niya, dumating daw ang parents ni Clyden and I should go and greet them but we were already gone when it happened. 

"Your dad almost announced you as the heir of Ramirez Medical, but you were not around. It was a surprise," I told him when I read the last message from my mom. 

"I know. That's why I bailed," he simply answered like it wasn't a big deal when in fact, it would cost him so much. 

"Don't you want to inherit your family business? They chose you for a reason." 

I didn't want to butt in, but it was a big deal, and he was treating it as if he just rejected a candy offer. Kung tatanggihan niya, dapat tanggihan niya nang maayos because if he wouldn't say 'no' in his father's face and will just continue running away from it like what happened earlier, his dad will just force it onto him.

After meeting his siblings, I realized how different he was, and I understood why his dad would choose him instead of the two, but I also understood why Clyden would reject the offer. It was not because he wanted to, but maybe he was also afraid that his brothers would feel more anger towards him. If I would put myself in his shoes, I would do the same. 

"I told you, I don't want it. I know nothing about business," Clyden answered. "Speaking of business, any news about what your family's really up to? Ngayon ko lang naalala ulit." 

"Uh, no. Hindi na 'ko madalas sa bahay so I wouldn't know. I... I'll ask my mom next time about it." 

I suddenly felt extra anxious about it. Biglang hindi na ako mapakali dahil kung ano-ano na ang pumapasok sa utak ko. I was judging my parents in my head already, so I needed to stop. Clyden probably noticed how uncomfortable I was, so he offered his hand for me to hold while he was driving. 

I held his hand in silence, and the warmth of his palm automatically brought me comfort. I exhaled a large amount of air before staring outside the window. He didn't let go of my hand the whole night, even though he would occasionally move the gear. 

Pagkauwi namin, tulog na 'yong dogs so dumeretso na kami sa taas. I went inside the bathroom to take a shower and he went inside the master bedroom para makapag-shower din siya sa C.R. sa loob ng kwarto na 'yon. 

"Oh my," I whispered when I realized that we could be staying in the same room tonight. 

We had already confessed that we were in love with each other, right? So it automatically meant that we should be in a relationship? Or should we talk about it first? Wouldn't it be awkward to ask if kami na?! Hindi ba dapat siya ang magtatanong?! But he already got brave and confessed his feelings first. I should also do the same. I should take the initiative. 

I spent so many minutes in the shower thinking about how I should ask him about it. I practiced inside and talked to myself in the mirror like a foolish woman. I was even whispering because he might hear me outside the bathroom. 

"So are we, like, together na?" I practiced in front of the mirror. 

I shook my head after realizing how conyo it sounded. Damn, I wasn't good at it. I wouldn't usually ask guys about this matter! Hindi naman ako umaabot sa ganito. Clyden was taking me into places I hadn't gone into, and I didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing! Nakakainis naman! 

"So, what's our deal?" I tried again. "Are we in a relationship already? I mean, I know we're engaged but are we, like, engaged 'engaged'? As in engaged like with true feelings? Like, we can now say that we're in a relationship, setting aside the fixed engagement thing? Damn, I'm talking too much. This is not good." 

I shook my head again and just wrote a script inside my head while getting dressed. Pagkalabas ko, I even checked if he was around before I went inside my room and started drying my hair. Pabulong-bulong pa ulit ako ng script ko habang nagpapatuyo ng buhok, praying that he won't suddenly appear or else I will forget my script. 

I applied my face cream and was about to end there, but I suddenly realized that there was a chance that we would sleep in the same room tonight, so I sat in front of my vanity table again and started applying lip tint and gloss. I slapped my cheek a few times so it would come off as naturally pink, but I kind of failed. 

I changed my clothes into a satin night dress and sprayed perfume in the air before running towards it, hoping that the smell would stick to me. I didn't want to spray it on my skin because he might tease me about it kapag narealize niya na strong ang amoy. Oh my gosh, I was starting to overthink it! What was my script again? 

The door suddenly opened, causing me to hide the perfume behind my back. Clyden looked at me with his brows furrowed, wondering why I looked so surprised to see him. I slowly walked back until I reached my side table. I smoothly placed the perfume there and acted like nothing happened. 

"Yes?" I asked him, smiling nervously. Inside my head, I was trying to remember my script! Damn, I already forgot about it! 

"Have you-" 

"Okay, wait, before you start, I know where this is going already," I cut him off. His brows furrowed again while staring at me, waiting for me to finish. "I know that you're going to ask if we're together already, and actually, I'm wondering the same thing! Maybe this is the right time to talk about it! If your answer is no, then it's okay! Maybe we need more time! But if your answer is yes, then that's good! We can now sleep in the master bedroom and use it, not treat it as an empty storage-" 

"Have you seen my phone?" he cut me off. "I was about to ask that when I entered the room." 

My body suddenly felt cold after I realized how embarrassing that was! I saw how he bit his lip and looked away to stop his lips from forming a teasing smile, but he couldn't contain it! I pursed my lips and also looked away out of embarrassment. 

"Yeah, you put it inside my purse earlier," I said, feeling a little disappointed. I walked towards my desk to get his phone inside my purse before handing it to him. Kinuha niya 'yon habang nakangisi sa 'kin, tinitingnan ang reaction ko. 

"Thanks," he said, obviously teasing me. 

"Yeah, you can leave now." Tinalikuran ko siya at naglakad na papunta sa kama. 

Tinanggal ko na ang comforter at tinupi para makahiga at makatulog na 'ko but he was still standing there like he was waiting for me to say something. What? He was still expecting me to talk after ko mapahiya, huh?! Bakit hindi siya ang magsalita? Or better, umalis na siya sa kwarto ko. He was making things weird. 

"Fix your bed. We're sleeping together," he said in a low voice before leaving my room. 

My eyes widened, and my body froze, still holding the comforter with my two hands. Agad kong binalik ang comforter at tiningnan ang sarili ko sa salamin just to check if I looked okay. I even curled my lashes and slapped my cheeks again. I brushed my hair again and tried to smell it before leaving my room. 

I was panicking, so I did some breathing exercises before opening the door of the master bedroom. He wasn't inside, so I had time to fix myself and adjust to my new sleeping environment tonight. I turned the aircon on and sat on the edge of the bed, feeling how soft the mattress was. 

I suddenly stood up when Clyden went inside the room, wearing his grey sweatpants and a black shirt. May dala siyang libro at nakasuot ng salamin, mukhang mag-aaral ata. He looked at me quickly from head to toe before his lips formed a smile. 

"You're going to study?" I asked while he was walking towards me. I stepped backward when he stopped in front of me. The back of my knee hit the bed, causing me to sit down. 

"Yeah, I have an exam on Monday," he answered. "But..." He took his glasses off and put them on the side table.

"But what?" 

My lips parted when he lightly pushed on my shoulder until my back hit the foam. He put his knee on the bed, and his arm encircled my waist, smoothly adjusting my position. He pushed me back on the mattress again until my feet were already on the bed. He slowly placed the books on the side table before going on top of me, placing his body in between my legs. I blinked twice in shock while staring at him. 

"Nag-lip tint pa nga," he said before letting out a small laugh. 

Sumimangot ako at tinulak siya paalis sa taas ko. He sat on the bed and continued laughing to tease me. Napikon kaagad ako at pumunta na lang sa kabilang side ng kama para matulog. I covered myself with the comforter and faced the other side so he wouldn't see me. 

"Hoy," he called, pushing on my shoulder a little bit. "Pikon naman nito. Maganda naman 'yong shade, ah." 

God, he was even making it worse! I wished he would stop talking because every word coming out of his mouth just made me feel more embarrassed! I really shouldn't do extra things for this guy! Aasarin niya lang ako! 

"Sinasabi ko lang naman na nag-lip tint ka pa, eh matatanggal din naman." 

"Ewan ko sa 'yo." I rolled my eyes, though he wouldn't see it. 

"Ewan ko sa 'yo," he mocked and probably made a face kahit hindi ko nakikita. "Sam, come on. Hindi na 'ko nakikipagbiruan, ah." 

He tugged lightly on the comforter, but I tugged it harder, rolling it over my body a bit. I heard him sigh heavily, probably giving up already. I didn't feel his weight anymore on my side, and I heard the door open, so dahan-dahan akong sumilip. 

"What the fuck!" 

I screamed when he suddenly tugged on the comforter so hard that I rolled on the bed, bringing myself to his side. He smirked and put the comforter on the edge before going on top of me again, holding both of my wrists above my head with one hand. His hold was purposely loose, and I could easily get out of it, but I chose not to. I liked it that way. 

"What now, huh?" I glared at him and scowled. "You are so stupid! I thought you left the room! What a fool!" 

"I am the fool?" He scoffed. "Samantha, respect your boyfriend." 

"My what?!" Kumunot ang noo ko at sinamaan siya ng tingin. "Ahuh? So we're together now?" 

"We have always been," he whispered before leaning to kiss me. 

My eyes automatically closed when I felt his lips on mine. His other hand went down to my waist while his other hand was still holding my wrists in place. His lips massaged mine before biting my lip and pushing his tongue inside me. I sucked on it before he let me go, wiping his lower lip with his thumb. 

"I thought you were going to study?" I asked, raising my brows. 

"Yeah," he whispered, but his actions contradicted his words. He leaned again and rested his face on my neck, smelling it before he started showering it with hot kisses. I got out of his hold and grabbed his hair while his tongue expertly licked on my soft spots. I craned my neck to give him more access, letting out a moan. 

I bit my lower lip and closed my eyes, feeling his pleasuring kisses on my neck, up to my jaw. His other hand suddenly held my thigh, rubbing it and slowly pushing the hem of my dress upwards to reveal my panties. I started panting heavily, feeling hot. 

His kisses went back to my lips, exploring my mouth like an expert. He moved his hand away from my thigh and just held my waist again. I wanted to push my legs together, but he was in between, causing me to spread it wider. 

I let out a moan against his mouth when his hand reached my chest. He slowly massaged my mounds against my satin dress and then suddenly stopped, causing me to glare at him. He sat down beside me and looked away like he had done something illegal. 

"What?" I curiously asked. 

"Nothing," he said, reaching for his books now so he could start reading. 

What the hell was that? He suddenly acted like we weren't doing something! Like we were not trying to reach something! I sat on the bed and fixed my dress, staring at him and wondering why he was acting up after touching my...

Oh my gosh. My lips suddenly formed an amused smile after realizing something. 

"Is it your first time?" I curiously asked, smiling. 

His head turned towards my side with a surprised look, like I hit the spot. I smirked and scooted over to his side so I could see his reaction up close. His lips parted like he wanted to say something, but he couldn't. 

"What? Don't tell me you don't know what to do with boobs?" I whispered, looking down at my chest. 

"I'm studying, Sam." He tried to make me shut up, but it was just so fun having a reason to tease him. He looked shy, and it was cute. "Bastos mo. Tsk."

"Hindi nga?" Pangungulit ko ulit. So I was right? He wasn't even denying it. It was my first time meeting an innocent guy. Or was he really? "Totoo ba? I don't want to conclude. I mean, you really don't know how?" 

"I know what to do with it. I'm not dumb," he answered, rolling his eyes a bit. "It's just my first time touching one for real."

"Oh my gosh, really?" I didn't know if I would be amazed or not. I was still 50/50 on him. Maybe he was just trying to come off as innocent so he could surprise me or something. Maniniwala ba ako rito? 

"Just go to sleep." He reached for the remote to turn the lights off, leaving the lamp on beside him so he could still read. 

I didn't know how I would sleep that night. Everything felt so surreal. Akala ko lang naman mahihirapan akong makatulog pero nang humiga na 'ko, mabilis lang akong inantok, maybe because knowing that he was with me inside the room made me feel safe and comfortable like nothing else could go wrong. 

I woke up close to noon after arriving home so late last night. I was about to stand up when I felt an arm around my waist. I tried to look back and saw Clyden sleeping peacefully with his face near my neck. He looked like a baby. I couldn't stop smiling. 

I tried to go back to sleep, but the feeling was just too good and strong. I couldn't sleep again. Good thing it was Saturday, so we were allowed to stay like that for a while. I took a picture of his arm on my waist while half of our bodies were both covered with a grey comforter. 

I put my phone back on the desk when he suddenly moved, holding me tighter and pulling me closer to him. I slowly took his arm off me before standing up to go to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and washed my face so I would look fresh. Kinuha ko na rin ang phone ko at bumaba ng kusina para magluto. 

He was always the one cooking breakfast for me, so today, ako naman. I guess he studied so late kaya tulog pa rin siya hanggang ngayon. I wasn't sure if he was going to wake up for breakfast, so I just cooked simple pancakes. I could give them to the dogs if he still won't be up until lunch. 

After cooking, I went outside and walked the dogs. Tatlong leash ang hawak ko, and I honestly thought it would be hard, but good thing Maple and Summer were both calm. Si Hail lang ang makulit na gusto laging tumatakbo maybe because of his breed. He liked pulling heavy things like a human, for example. 

When I went back to the house, gising na si Clyden. He was already eating the pancakes I had made. He looked at me and raised his brows when he saw how sweaty I was. May kagat pa siyang pancake. 

"I walked the dogs," I told him while getting water. 

"All three of them?!" gulat na tanong niya sa 'kin. 

"Yes, why? Is it wrong?" I suddenly felt worried. Hindi ba pwede 'yon? I didn't know! I never owned a dog! Damn, I should have asked him first pala. 

"No, it's fine. You just require so much strength in order to walk those three. Ano ka, Wonder Woman?" Nakataas pa rin ang kilay niya. 

"Okay naman, ah," I defended myself. I looked at the time and suddenly remembered that I was supposed to visit the mansion today for lunch. "Hey, I'm going out for lunch." 

"Iiwan mo 'ko?" He playfully pouted and acted so sad about it. 

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko. I made a disgusted face before rolling my eyes, making him laugh a bit. He was obviously just teasing me about it. Hindi bagay sa kanya ang ganoon! He just looked like a dog but less cute. 

"Saan ka pupunta?" he asked before drinking water from his glass. He put it back on the table and wiped his mouth using the tissue. "Sama."

"What? No! I'm going to the mansion. Ano, sasama ka pa?" I smirked. 

"Hard pass." He suddenly changed his mind. 

I went upstairs to take a shower and brush my teeth before getting dressed. I just wore a simple pair of high-waisted mom jeans and a yellow cropped top. Nagsuot na rin ako ng white headband at white shoes bago bumaba. 

Clyden was watching Netflix when I went downstairs. He paused the movie when he saw me leaving. Sinundan pa niya 'ko ng tingin like he was waiting for me to say something. I decided to tease him and just said nothing until I was already at the door. 

"Hey, you're not going to say goodbye?" he asked like a kid. 

"Okay." I looked at him, trying to keep a neutral face. "Goodbye." 

"Text me, love," he said before playing the movie again. 

I bit my lower lip and closed the door, smiling like an idiot. Hanggang sa makapasok na 'ko sa kotse ko, nakangiti pa rin ako. Gosh, ganito ba tuwing umaga kapag may pasok? What a day starter. 

Puro love songs pa ang nasa playlist ko, making me feel even better. It was like my first time having a boyfriend! Para akong highschool! Samantha, get a grip. I inhaled and exhaled to calm myself while driving until I reached the mansion. 

"Sam! What brings you here?" Nakasalubong ko si Mommy sa main door. She was just about to leave, wearing a black elegant dress and a pair of big shades. She still looked so young at her age. 

"Just paying a visit. Are you leaving?" I curiously asked, putting my car keys inside my bag. 

"Yeah, I have a meeting with a client. I'll see you later if you're staying. I'm in a hurry right now." She quickly kissed my cheek before going inside the car. In just a few seconds, she was already gone. That was better. Not having her for lunch would make Naomi more comfortable with me. 

When I went inside the mansion, Naomi was going down the stairs, trying to see if my mom already left, but she saw me instead, so her expression went from being nervous to being surprised. I gave her a smile, and she returned a small one. 

"Have you eaten lunch?" I asked her while taking my heels off so I could wear the house slippers. 

"I was about to," she answered in a monotone. Umalis na siya kaagad at pumunta sa dining kaya sinundan ko siya, hoping that I wouldn't irritate her that much. She still looked and sounded distant, but it was okay. At least she was talking to me without yelling and looking mad. 

The food was already served on the table when I sat down in front of Naomi. She looked at me with so much confusion, but she chose not to ask. Kumuha na rin ako ng food pagkatapos niya. It was just the two of us, so there was an awkward silence. 

"Are you feeling better now?" I asked while eating. 

"Yes," maikling sagot niya. She couldn't even look at me while she was eating. I thought that was the end of the conversation. I was already thinking of another topic, but she talked again. "Thank you... for... the gift." 

"You saw it?" My eyes lit up, and my lips formed a wide smile. "How is it? Do you like it?" 

"I haven't tested it out. Do you... Uh... have time?" She looked away and started chewing slowly. She looked so nervous to ask. 

I felt bad that she had to feel that way when asking me about something as if she wasn't used to asking anyone about anything. Maybe she really wasn't. Ever since she started living with my parents, she became quiet, and she never asked my father about her needs. She just waited for him to provide what he could. She settled for that. 

Also, asking me if I had time for her almost broke my heart. I may be busy, but I will always have time for my family... for her. Did I give off the vibe that I was hard to reach? I worried that maybe her perception of me was twisted. 

"I always have time," I assured her, giving her a small smile. 

"Okay, can I... take a photo of you? To test the camera." She was stuttering. Maybe she really felt so nervous and afraid to ask, but I appreciated her effort. We were finally having progress. 

"Of course. Can you do my makeup?" I even suggested. I wasn't wearing any makeup. "I might look ugly in the camera." 

"You still look good with your bare face, though..." she whispered. 

I heard that, but I just pretended that I didn't. I tried to contain the happiness inside me and just continued eating until we were both done. She stood up and even washed the dishes by herself, making the helpers panic. When they arrived, she was already done. 

She glanced at me before going upstairs, making me follow her. It was probably my first time seeing her room clearly after a year. It was never this bright. Dark ang room niya dati, but I think she redecorated it last year, so it looked different. White and pastel yellow ang dominant colors. 

I saw an unfinished painting on the floor and mabilis niyang nilagay 'yon sa tabi ng cabinet para hindi nakakalat. I felt that she was conscious of the look of her room, afraid that I would judge. I gave her a smile to assure her that it was fine. 

"Here." She suddenly handed me a makeup bag. When I opened it, I saw some of my missing products. "I didn't use them. I just... I checked what shade y-you liked getting... I'm sorry." 

"Hey, it's fine! You can keep them!" I gave the bag back to her, but she shook her head. Tumango na lang ako at nilapag 'yon sa gilid. 

She shyly gestured on her vanity table so umupo ako roon. Her hands were shaking while preparing the makeup products that she would use. She looked uncomfortable, but she was still trying. I didn't know how to assure her that she could relax. 

"Hey, no pressure," I told her.

"I'm...  I'm not a pro, okay? I'm still learning how to do makeup through 'get ready with me' videos on YouTube," she said as a disclaimer. 

I laughed and remembered what she said to Clyden when she was asked to go down for dinner. She was really busy watching YouTube that time, huh? She had an eye and passion for art, so I knew that she would do well with makeup. She was painting, too. 

"You met my fiancé," I said while putting on moisturizer. 

"Yeah, I think so." She shrugged while checking her foundation shade. Hindi niya alam kung babagay sa 'kin because her skin was a shade darker than mine. "I think he's okay for you." 

"You think?" I asked, smiling. We were talking about boys while doing makeup. For a moment, I finally felt that we were really sisters. 

"Yes, though he looked scary when he asked me to go down for dinner." She rolled her eyes before putting alcohol in her hands. Sinuot ko na rin ang headband. "He said, 'Go down for dinner,' with no expression on his face. That kuya is scary." 

Kuya. I suddenly laughed, but I appreciated that she called him brother, like she already accepted him as a part of my life, and she also accepted me as her sister already. I also felt that she was slowly getting comfortable with the way she was talking. Her tone sounded casual. 

I never knew she was a little talkative. Ngayon ko lang din na-realize na hindi ko pala talaga siya kilala. She closed her doors for so many years, not allowing me to get to know her more, but at least she was opening the door for me now. Pwede na naming kilalanin ang isa't isa. 

"Ate, pikit," she said while holding a pink sponge. 

I closed my eyes and waited for her to finish doing my makeup. She applied foundation and concealer. She decided to go with a simple look, afraid that she would take too much time. I told her that it was fine, but she insisted that I was busy. 

"Is this okay?" she asked, and our eyes met through the mirror. "I think I messed up the eyeliner. Oh, no." 

"Hey, I think it's fine! Really!" I looked closely at the mirror. She really did it so well, kahit beginner! "Come on! Let's test the camera now. Have you tried opening it?" 

She said yes and even told me about her watching YouTube earlier that morning on how to set up the camera. She even felt bad because it was expensive when she searched for it on Google. I just smiled and told her that it was fine. 

She opened the curtains to let natural light in, and then she made me sit on a chair. She was going around, trying to find a good spot and angle. Nakailang alis siya ng gamit sa likod ko para magmukhang maayos. I told her that it was fine. We were just about to test the camera anyway, but she was taking it seriously. 

"Is it okay now?" I asked her. 

She nodded, so I started posing. I smiled at first, like it was for an I.D. picture. After taking one shot, she checked it and bit her lower lip to stop herself from letting out a laugh. 

"You look stiff. Loosen up a bit. Think that you're modeling for a magazine," she told me. 

I adjusted my posture and parted my lips a bit before looking at the camera with a fierce look. She took a shot and gave me a thumbs-up. She took more pictures while I just kept on making poses. I liked reading magazines before, so I just tried to do the poses I would often see with models. 

"You know, you would pass as a model," she suddenly said while looking at the pictures. 

Her comment made my heart jump. I didn't know what to say, so I just gave her a smile as a sign of appreciation. She bit her lower lip and gave me back a shy smile before looking away. 

"Really?" I asked just to make sure. 

"Of course," she answered without looking at me. "I will learn more about photography so you can hire me for your modeling portfolio! That sounds so nice, right?" 

I bit my lower lip to stop a tear from falling. "It does," I whispered.

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:)