Gosh. I felt so tired. I groaned and downed another shot of vodka, the liquid fire burning its way down my throat. Sandali akong sumandal, pilit na pinanlalabanan ang antok na unti-unti nang namamayani sa akin. Para naman akong matanda nito! Party ito. And I'm a freaking party girl, kaya hindi puwedeng wala akong energy for this. The bass from the speakers vibrated through my body, and despite my exhaustion, I couldn't stop my shoulders from swaying to the beat. My hips moved to the rhythm, even though I was still seated. Bakit ba? Eh, ito naman ang pinunta ko dito. I wasn't about to give up dahil lang pagod ako.

"Thysie, your skirt." Trent's voice cut through the music as his hand darted out to tug the hem of my skirt down. It had ridden up again while I danced.

Natatawa ko siyang nilingon. Very lolo! "Come on, Trent! It's a bar, not Sunday school."

"Can you at least keep this thing down? Seriously, Amethyst, it's not that hard." Pagod at iritado niyang saway sa akin. Bata pa lang kami ay ganyan na si Trent, nasanay na lang ako na napapagalitan dahil mas strikto at overprotective pa siya kay Dad. "Lahat ng napapalingon ay napapatitig!"

"Oh my, God! Trent, hindi ka pa ba sanay? They can stare all they want!" I threw my hands up, grinning. "I mean, look at me! Wouldn't you stare too?"

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Kulit mo talaga!"

"You're still my knight in boring armor." I stuck my tongue out at him, earning a smirk that he tried to hide. Trent might act like a killjoy, but deep down, I knew he lived for these nights—me, vodka, and chaos.

He suddenly straightened, eyes narrowing as he pointed across the bar. "Reinforcements. Finally."

I followed his gaze, my tipsy excitement crashing when I saw Reina. At first, relief washed over me; my bestie had arrived! But then I noticed who was with her. My smile faltered. Bigla akong kinabahan. Hindi ko pa matitigan ng ayos ng mukha ng kasama nito dahil masyadong matangkad, madilim ang paligid bukod sa mga cylinder at lighting. Pero nasisigurado kong isa sa mga kapatid niya. Shit! Not the eldest. Please, not him.

"Is that...?" I squinted.

"Reina's brother,"

"Which one?" I groaned, already bracing for the worst.

"Si Paeng,"

My shoulders relaxed, and I let out a relieved laugh. Hindi ko masyadong pinahalata kay Trent na tila ako nabunutan ng tinik dahil baka magtaka siya sa asta ko. "Oh, Paeng's cool. We like Paeng."

Reina reached our table first, plopping down beside me and immediately grabbing my hand. "It's been a while, Thysie! What are you even doing? You look like you're one vodka shot away from dancing on the table. Akala ko ba ay kadarating niyo lang?"

I laughed, pulling her into a quick hug. "Yup. About thirty minutes ago. What can I say? The music's good, and Trent's been trying to babysit me. Huwag mo nang gayahin!"

Reina sighed, shaking her head as she adjusted the strap of her bag. "Aouie's still in Switzerland, by the way. She called me yesterday, complaining about the cold. Sayang, hindi kayo sabay na umuwi. It would be more fun sana."

"Ugh, Aouie!" I pouted dramatically, leaning into Reina's shoulder. "I missed her! And all her trivias no one actually needed."

"Well, ikaw kasi! Biglaan ang uwi mo," Reina said, giving me a look. "Ni hindi man lang kami na-forewarn. Sana ay naayos rin ni Aouie ang schedule niya. Baka pa umuwi rin iyon."

"Eh, kasi naman—" I started to defend myself, but Paeng interrupted with a grin as he slid into the seat across from me.

"Come one, Redrina. Let's not make Thysie's homecoming a roast session." He winked, signaling the waiter. "Another round for the table, please."

I raised my glass toward Paeng in a mock toast. "Now that's the energy I need tonight! You've always been my favorite Santa de Leones, Rafael."

Reina snorted. "Flattery won't get you off the hook."

Paeng just smirked. "Oh, don't stop her. I could use more compliments."

He leaned back, looking every bit the charming older brother I remembered. Of all the Santa de Leones siblings, he was definitely the coolest, and he knew it. Ang kambal nitong si Reeve ay ayos rin naman kaya lang masyadong tahimik. But he was kind and caring, too.

Trent, sitting stiffly beside me as usual, cut in. "Favorite, huh? I seem to recall you once saying he was 'trouble waiting to happen.'"

"That was years ago!" I shot back, grinning. "People change, Trent."

"Not Paeng," Reina muttered under her breath, making me laugh. "Hindi naman kasi tao 'yan!"

"Kunwari ka pa, Redrina. Alam naman ng lahat na ako ang paborito mong kuya," mayabang na sabi ni Paeng. "And I'll have you know I've matured. Look at me—rounds on me, keeping the peace."

Ngumisi si Trent, but he didn't argue. Instead, he turned to Reina. "We literally just got back. I picked her up at the airport, we had dinner, dropped her things off at my condo, and now we're here. Ito ang una niyang gustong gawin kaysa magpahinga."

Reina raised an eyebrow at me. "So, jet-lagged ka nga talaga. And you're drinking?"

"Correction," I said, raising a finger. "I'm celebrating my triumphant return home. And Trent's been babysitting me all day. Let the man rest."

"I'm fine," Trent said, though his tone sounded more resigned than convincing.

Reina gave him a pitying look. "You've had a long day. I don't even want to know how she managed to drag you here after all that."

Kung crush pa rin ni Trent si Reina katulad ng dati ay dapat siyang kiligin ngayon. I laughed at my thoughts, downing another shot I got from Paeng. Tapos ay tsaka ko sila nilingon.

"I didn't drag him!" I poked Trent in the side. "He's the one who suggested we go out!"

"Suggested is a strong word," Trent muttered. "You wouldn't shut up about partying. What was I supposed to do?"

"See?" I beamed at Reina. "This was his idea!"

Reina shook her head, laughing. "You're both impossible. Honestly, you two should just—"

"Don't," Trent and I said in unison, pointing at her, which only made her laugh harder.

Paeng raised his freshly delivered drink. "Well, here's to Thysie's return and whatever chaos comes next."

I clinked my glass against his. "To chaos!"

Reina groaned. "To bad decisions, more like."

And just like that, the night truly began.

Hindi na ako nag-aksaya pa ng panahon, hinila ko na si Reina patungo sa dance floor dahil kailan pa ba kami sasayaw, 'di ba?

"Thysie, wait!" she laughed, trying to protest, but I was already dragging her toward the flashing lights and pulsing beats. Behind us, I could hear Trent groaning, and Paeng chuckled as they followed. Wala naman kasi silang magagawa kundi sumama na lang.

"Looks like we don't have a choice," Paeng said, catching up with me as we reached the crowd.

"Nope!" I shouted over the music. "Everyone dances tonight!"

Reina found her rhythm quickly, her usual reluctance fading as the music took over. Trent, predictably, kept a close eye on her, crush niya pa nga talaga! It wasn't long before I felt someone at my side—Paeng, grinning like the devil as he matched my energy effortlessly.

"You've still got the moves, Thysie," he teased, spinning me around.

"Of course I do!" I shot back, twirling dramatically before stepping closer to him. "But don't think I've forgotten what a big mouth you have."

"Me?" He put a hand on his chest, feigning innocence. "I'm the soul of discretion."

I gave him a pointed look, laughing despite myself. "Yeah, right. The day you keep a secret is the day pigs fly."

Alam ni Rafael ang tungkol sa amin ng kapatid niya. Hell, alam ata ng isang 'to ang tungkol sa lahat ng taong nakapaligid sa kaniya. Kung paano ay hindi ko na alam at wala na akong pakialam pa. Nang hilahin niya akong papalapit ay kinuha ko ang oportunidad na iyon upang bantaan siya bago pa man niya mabuksan ang madaldal niyang bibig sa ibang tao.

"Don't you dare tell your brother I'm back!"

Paeng leaned closer, his grin widening. "Oh. So, hindi pa pala alam ni Ridge na umuwi ka..."

I narrowed my eyes at Paeng, feeling a surge of irritation as his grin widened even more. Parang gusto kong bawiin na paborito ko siya sa magkakapatid dahil halos nakalimutan ko na kung gaano kalakas mambuwisit ang lalaking ito.

"Paeng," I warned, my tone dangerously low, "don't even say his name."

"What? Ridge?" He repeated it deliberately, drawing out the syllables as if daring me to react.

Without hesitation, I pretended to lunge forward, my knee aimed dangerously close to his groin. Paeng's eyes widened as he stepped back, laughing, one hand instinctively dropping to shield himself.

"Whoa, whoa! Easy there, Thysie!" He raised his free hand in surrender, amusement still dancing on his face. "Masakit 'yan, ah!"

"Masasaktan ka talaga kung hindi ka aayos!" I snapped, glaring at him.

"Relax, okay? It's just a name," he said, but his grin was infuriatingly smug. "You're making it a bigger deal than it needs to be. Gusto mo pa, noh?"

"Yuck! No!" Hinampas ko ang braso niya, ramdam na ramdam ang pamumula ng aking pisngi. Muli kong ibinalik ang usapan sa sinasabi ko sa kaniya kanina. "Paeng, I swear, if you tell him I'm back—"

"Ano?" Maaskad niyang putol sa sasabihin ko. "Anong gagawin mo kung sabihin ko nga, Amethyst? Are you really going to challenge my loyalty to my own brother? Ang tapang mo naman."

I shot him a look, narrowing my eyes in disbelief. "Oh, please. Don't act like you're some pillar of loyalty. We both know your loyalty only lies with one thing. Pera, Paeng!"

"You wound me, Thysie. You make it sound like I'd sell you out for a quick payday. Mayaman ako, maraming-marami akong pera."

I raised an eyebrow. Hindi pa rin talaga siya nagbabago, mayabang pa rin.

Paeng laughed, the sound loud and easy, as if we weren't having a tense conversation about my biggest secret. "Alright, fine. Maybe I would sell you, for the right price. But Ridge isn't paying me, and you're way more fun to mess with. Kaya sige, sa'yo ako."

I groaned, throwing my hands in the air.

"Seriously, why haven't you told him? You know he's going to find out eventually. He always does. Si Ridge pa?"

Binanggit niya na naman! Kaunti na lang talaga ay masasaktan ko na siya ng pisikal. Hindi ako bayolenteng tao pero parang pag dating kay Paeng ay hindi ako magdadalawang isip manakit! Sinabi na kasing ayaw kong marinig ang pangalan ng lalaking iyon, eh. Oo nga't siya talaga ang dahilan kung bakit ako umuwi, pero kadarating ko lang! Ayaw ko pang sirain ang mood ko. Wala pa sa plano kong makipagkita sa kaniya.

Paeng grinned mischievously as he pulled me a little closer, his steps matching the beat of the music even as his words threatened to ruin my night.

"Tomorrow..." he started, drawing the word out like it was some juicy gossip he couldn't wait to spill.

"What?" I asked sharply, already regretting letting him get this close. I could see the smirk forming on his lips before he said it.

"Ridge is launching the Amethyst Ridge estate to the public. Big party. Tons of people. Pupunta ka ba?"

I froze mid-step, the name hitting me like a slap to the face. Amethyst Ridge. He really went there, didn't he? The audacity of that man to name an entire estate after us—after me—like it was some grand declaration of undying devotion. Like he was some kind of hopeless romantic and not the calculating, manipulative Ridge I knew too well.

I turned to Paeng, narrowing my eyes. "He named it what?"

"Amethyst Ridge," Paeng repeated, his grin stretching wider. "Catchy, isn't it? Has a nice ring to it."

"He has some nerve," iritado kong bulong. Natanggap ko ang imbitasyon at ilang email mula sa sekretarya nito, pero hindi ko iyon pinagkaabalahang basahin kaya hindi ko alam na ganoon ang ipinangalan nito doon. Ngayon pa lang.

Paeng shrugged, clearly enjoying my reaction. "Well, you have to admit, it's a good marketing strategy. Lalo na kung malalaman na ng lahat... Combining both your names—Amethyst, Ridge—it's genius, really. Romantic, even. People would suck it dry."

Matalino at tuso. Iyon si Ridge. Mula noon, hanggang ngayon. Yeah, he used both our names because it would easily gain more attention. Tama si Paeng, it was a good marketing strategy. Ganoon lang naman ang lahat kay Ridge, he'd use anything he could put his hands on to lead him a step closer to the top. Kung minsan nga ay napapaisip ako, gaano pa ba kataas ang balak niyang akyatin? He'd achieve so much, even greater than everyone had ever expected of him. Hindi na ako magtataka kung marating niya ang langit sa taas ng mga ambisyon niya.

"It's not romantic. It's ridiculous. And no, Paeng, I'm not going." Mariin kong sabi, pilit na pinapahupa ang galit na umaahon na naman sa aking dibdib. I didn't want to seem so angry, dapat ay wala lang akong pakialam. Ganoon lang.

Paeng tilted his head, feigning surprise. "You're not going? But Thysie, he named the whole estate after you! The least you could do is show up for the ribbon-cutting."

"Mukha bang may pakialam ako, Paeng?" Irap ko. "I declined the RSVP, and I'm not changing my mind."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so he invited you?"

"His secretary did. Through email," I admitted, rolling my eyes. "And I declined. I have zero plans of showing up to that circus."

That was exactly why I didn't tell my parents I was coming home. If they knew, my father would have insisted—no, demanded—that I attend the launch tomorrow. He'd tell me it was a matter of family pride, or worse, that it would be good for me. As if standing there, pretending everything was fine, watching Ridge charm the crowd while parading the estate he so brazenly named after the two of us, was something I'd willingly sign up for.

No, thank you.

Sa buong gabi ay wala akong ibang ginawa kundi iwasan ang mga pang-iinis ni Paeng. I thoroughly regretted calling him my favorite Santa de Leones dahil hindi! Hinding-hindi siya. He was relentless. He never gave up, always circling back with some sarcastic quip or a teasing remark that made me want to strangle him. Pero sa halip na patulan siya ay nagpanggap na lang akong walang epekto sa akin ang mga panunukso niya. I focused instead on catching up with Reina and Trent. Four years. Four long years since I'd left and never looked back—not even for a fleeting visit.

They'd visited me in the States a couple of times, but it wasn't the same. I missed them. I missed the easy way we could talk about anything and everything. Noon kasi ay sila ang palagi kong kasama, maging si Aouie at ang iba pa naming mga kaibigan na iimbitahan ko rin sana ngayong gabi kung hindi nga lang lihim pa na nakabalik na ako. Sa susunod na siguro ako makikipagkita sa iba. Kapag nagawa ko na ang tunay na pakay ko sa pagbabalik kong ito.

But as much as I tried to enjoy the night, exhaustion had been building like a quiet storm, and by the time we made it back to Trent's condo, I could barely keep my eyes open. The long flight, the hours of pretending everything was fine, and the mental gymnastics it took to avoid Paeng's prodding had left me drained.

After a quick shower, I all but collapsed onto the bed. Para akong pinanawan ng lakas at gusto ko na lang ay matulog ng ilang araw. Ganoon katindi ang pagod ko. For a moment, I let myself sink into the quiet, shutting out the world, the noise, and the weight of everything I didn't want to think about.

But one thing lingered in my chest, refusing to let go. Ridge Franco Santa de Leones.

Even just the thought of his name made my skin crawl. My beloved secret husband. My greatest mistake. Hindi ko na gustong sisihin pa ang sarili ko sa lahat ng nangyari dahil ilang ulit ko na iyong ginawa at wala namang nangyari. I was young then... and very much stupid.

Hate burned like embers in my chest, smoldering and hot, threatening to flare up every time I thought about him. It wasn't just the name of the estate or the audacity of his grand gestures—it was everything he represented. Ridge had a way of making people believe in him, trust him, fall for him. And I had been no different. Masyado akong naniwala at nagtiwala na baka nga kaya niya, na baka nga totoo, na baka puwede siyang magkagusto sa isang bata na katulad ko.

For years, I'd let myself get caught up in his orbit, swept away by the intensity of his presence. And then, just when I thought I knew him, just when I thought I understood what we were to each other, he proved me wrong. Ridge had been the beginning of my unraveling, and no matter how far I ran, he remained a part of me—unshakable, infuriating, unforgettable.

No matter how much I hated Ridge Franco Santa de Leones, part of me still wasn't sure I could ever truly escape him.

"Crush mo, oh." Sabi ni Trent kinabukasan nang madatnan ko siya sa sala na nanunuod ng TV habang nagkakape.

I didn't bother looking at what he was pointing out. I didn't need to. The overly polished voice of the reporter was enough to clue me in. Lalo akong nairita, gusto ko na lang i-request kay Trent na patayin ang TV dahil ayaw ko nang makarinig pa ng tungkol kay Ridge. But then, it would only make him ask questions. Kaya huwag na lang.

"...the highly anticipated launch of Amethyst Ridge, the latest venture by Ridge Franco Santa de Leones. The sprawling estate, located in the heart of Tagaytay, is a testament to his innovative vision. As the first from the Santa de Leones clan to venture into real estate, Ridge has solidified his position not just in construction but in redefining luxury living. Tonight's exclusive event is set to attract the biggest names in business, politics, and entertainment..."

I rolled my eyes and turned toward the kitchen, ignoring the celebratory tone of the broadcast. My head throbbed from the hangover, and I needed a cure before I could deal with Trent's nonsense. The sound of Ridge's name—his achievements, his charm, his perfect façade—was already pushing me to the edge.

"You're ignoring it?" Trent called after me, medyo tinatawanan pa ako. "Seriously? Come on, Thysie, you've been in love with that guy since you were, what, fourteen? Ako lang 'to. Hindi mo kailangan magkunwaring wala kang pakialam."

I gritted my teeth as I opened the fridge, pulling out a bottle of cold water and grabbing a pack of instant noodles from the pantry. It wasn't glamorous, but it was what I needed—salt, carbs, and hydration to salvage what was left of my morning. I filled a pot with water and set it on the stove. May electric kettle naman, pero mas gusto ko ang ganito. Mas maraming ginagawa, mas maraming dahilan para hindi intindihin ang mga sinasabi ni Trent.

"Ano? Wala ka talagang pakialam?" Malakas na humalakhak si Trent, hindi pa rin tapos. Sinisilip pa talaga ako sa kusina.

"I was fourteen," I finally said, keeping my tone flat as I avoided Trent's gaze. "That was ages ago. It's not a big deal."

Trent laughed, clearly unconvinced. "Not a big deal? Come on, you used to doodle his initials in your notebooks. Don't act like you're over it now."

I turned to glare at him, leaning against the counter as the water boiled. "First of all, stop bringing up ancient history. Second, can we not talk about him? My head hurts. Pakialam ko ba sa taong 'yan!"

"Uh-huh," he said, smirking as he took another sip of coffee. "You're so not over it."

I ignored him, turning back to my noodles. Trent didn't know a thing—not about Ridge, not about what had happened between us, and definitely not about the fact that Ridge was no longer just the older guy I'd had a crush on as a teenager. He didn't know Ridge was my secret husband. And he didn't need to know.

Not when I was annulling Ridge anyway.

I poured the noodles into the boiling water, stirring absentmindedly as my thoughts wandered. The launch, the estate, Ridge's perfectly crafted image—it all felt so distant and yet so suffocatingly close. Hindi ko na tuloy alam kung tama pa ba na umuwi ako. Kaya lang, ilang beses ko nang sinubukan na kausapin siya, tinatawagan ko. Pero simula nang malaman niya ang gusto kong mangyari ay hindi na talaga niya ako pinansin pa.

My thoughts wandered back to where they always seemed to go these days—to him. To Ridge. To everything I'd been trying to fix, trying to undo.

Amethyst Ridge had been declared a monumental success, and for the past few days, it was all anyone could talk about. It was on the news, on social media, and even in passing conversations. I couldn't escape it no matter how much I tried.

And yet, despite all that, Ridge remained unreachable.

Hindi ko pa rin siya makausap. Matagumpay niya akong naiiwasan tulad ng siyang lagi niyang ginagawa. Sa ganoon siya magaling.

I'd tried everything. I'd been sending emails to his private address for months now, at mas lalo ngayon na nakabalik na ako dito sa Pilipinas. Each one was a carefully worded attempt to bring some closure to this nightmare. Each time, I'd typed out my thoughts, explaining why this annulment was the best way forward, why it was the only way for us both to truly move on. And each time, I'd been met with silence. Ni isa sa mga mensahe ko ay wala itong tinugunan!

Not once did he respond.

I'd tried calling him countless times before this—at first, directly, and then through every other means I could think of. But ever since Ridge realized what I wanted, he had stopped taking my calls, stopped acknowledging my attempts to reach out. Kung dati ay kinakausap niya pa ako, kinukumusta. Mas madalas pang siya ang tumatawag sa akin, kaysa ako. Ngayon ay hindi na. Para bang wala na talaga siyang pakialam. Tarantado, eh!

Maybe coming home was a mistake. Maybe I should have stayed in New York, where the distance made it easier to pretend none of this was real. But I knew deep down that I couldn't keep running forever. It had taken me four years to summon the courage to face this, to fix the mess I'd created. And now that I was here, Ridge was the one avoiding me. The irony wasn't lost on me.

Forcing Ridge to marry me had been the biggest mistake of my life. I'd been young, foolish, desperate to hold onto something I didn't fully understand. I thought marrying him would fix things, would anchor me to him in a way that nothing else could. Instead, it had only driven us further apart, creating a rift so deep it felt impossible to bridge now.

Maling mali.

Pinagmasdan ko ang screen ng aking laptop, ilang beses na binasa ng paulit-ulit ang mensahe na itinipa ko roon. Another of my attempts to reach out to him.

Subject: Let's Talk

Message:

Ridge,

I know you've been busy. Congratulations on the success of Amethyst Ridge. It's incredible, and I mean that sincerely.

But we need to talk. Please, let's handle this properly. You know as well as I do that we can't keep avoiding this forever. I just want what's best for both of us.

Amethyst Yniguez

It wasn't perfect, but it was honest. I hit send before I could overthink it, watching as the email disappeared into cyberspace, likely to join the dozens I'd already sent.

For the next few days, I stayed holed up in Trent's condo, avoiding everyone and everything. The news of Ridge's success didn't stop—it was on every channel, every feed, every headline. And yet, from Ridge himself, there was nothing. No response, no acknowledgment.

Still, I kept trying. Each night, I opened my laptop, typed out another email, and sent it off with a small sliver of hope that maybe this time, he'd respond. But every morning, I woke up to the same empty inbox.

Maybe Ridge thought silence was his way of winning. But this wasn't a game—not to me. It was my life, my chance to take control of the mess I'd made. And no matter how long it took, I wasn't going to stop trying to fix it.

"Kaya naman pala ayaw mo na kay Santa de Leones, eh." Tumatawang sabi ni Trent isang gabi habang nanunuod kami ng movie.

Halos mapairap na naman ako nang doon na naman niya dalhin ang usapan. Trent, as usual, couldn't help himself. Nakaupo lang ako sa kabilang gilid ng sofa, nakapatong ang mga paa sa ottoman habang pinagtiyatiyagaan ang napakapredictable na low-budget horror film na plinay niya sa TV. Pampalipas oras lang. Si Trent naman ay mas naabala sa cellphone niya.

"May girlfriend naman na pala ang crush mo, eh." He turned his phone toward me, showing an article on the screen. A headline that sent a jolt straight to my chest:

Ridge Franco Santa de Leones Spotted with Engineer Tana Crisostomo.

I stared at the image beneath the headline—a perfectly captured moment of Ridge in his signature suit, exuding charm like it was second nature. Beside him was Cayetana Crisostomo, her smile polished, her body language effortlessly poised as she laughed at whatever nonsense the crowd was throwing their way.

"He was at your sister's engagement party last night," Trent said casually, scrolling down. "Apparently, people were asking if they're tying the knot soon. He avoided all the questions, but she? She laughed it off like a queen. Very classy. So, baka nga ikasal na ang crush mo. Huwag kang iiyak, ah?"

Hindi ko pinansin ang panunukso niya at mas pinagmasdan lamang ang larawan. Sa party nga iyon ni Ate Vialka at Kuya Polo. I was invited pero syempre hindi ako pumunta, they weren't expecting I'd show up anyway dahil hindi naman nila alam na nasa Pilipinas na ako.

I clenched my jaw, refusing to let the words settle.

"Great," I muttered, snatching a handful of popcorn to give my hands something to do other than snatch the phone and throw it across the room. "Good for them."

Kapal ng mukha.

Ang kapal ng mukha mo, Ridge!

Syempre, kilala ko ang babaeng kasama niya sa party. Si Cayetana. His ex before me, the one who had always looked at me like I was an inconvenience she couldn't quite shake off. The one who, even now, seemed to circle back into his orbit like a damn satellite. Sila pa rin pala. Mga hayup. Walang respeto! Nakakadiri!

I shifted in my seat, my focus on the screen in front of me, though I wasn't really seeing it anymore. My thoughts were too loud, drowning out the cheesy dialogue of the film. If Ridge was parading a girlfriend—the Cayetana Crisostomo of all people—then what the hell was his excuse for not cooperating on the annulment?

If he could play the perfect partner in public, why couldn't he just sign the damn papers and let me go? Was this his way of keeping me on a leash, ensuring I stayed tied to him while he lived his life however he pleased? Sobrang gago niya naman pala kung ganoon.

Fury burned in my chest, but I swallowed it down, refusing to let Trent see how much it bothered me. I grabbed another handful of popcorn, chewing angrily as I forced my gaze back to the TV. But no matter how much I tried to ignore it, the image of Ridge and Cayetana lingered in my mind, taunting me with its perfection.

"Selos ka?" Nangungulit na tukso ni Trent sa akin.

"Trent, I swear to God," I snapped, throwing a piece of popcorn at him, though it only made him laugh.

But I wasn't laughing. Inside, I was livid. If Ridge thought he could have it both ways—parading Cayetana around while keeping me locked in this stupid, secret marriage—he was dead wrong.

Nang gabing iyon ay muli ko siyang sinubukan na tawagan, i-message. Lahat na! Pero wala. Hindi pa rin talaga ako pinansin ng walang-hiyang Ridge na iyon. Walang kahit isang reply sa mga email ko, ni isang missed call man lang na maaring palatandaan na nakita niya ang mga effort kong mag-usap kami. Siguro nga, busy siya—busy sa girlfriend niya, kaya hindi niya magawang bigyan ng kahit kaunting pansin ang asawa niya.

The next morning, I made a decision. No more waiting. Sinasayang lang ng lalaking iyon ang oras ko. Nakakainis.

After a long bath, I took my time getting ready. If I was going to confront Ridge, I'd make damn sure I looked the part. I slipped into a fitted, cream-colored blazer dress that screamed sophistication—elegant but with just enough edge to remind him who he was dealing with. My hair was styled into soft waves, and I finished the look with nude stilettos and subtle but sharp makeup. For the final touch, I grabbed my Hermès Kelly bag and slipped the annulment papers inside, the document neatly tucked in a sleek leather folder.

Hindi puwedeng wala akong mapala ngayong araw.

By the time I stepped out of my room, Trent had already left for work. Good. I didn't need a lecture from him about whatever he thought this was. I booked a luxury car service—not just a regular ride, but a sleek Mercedes-Benz S-Class, complete with a driver who greeted me with a polite nod as he opened the door for me. Wala akong choice kundi pagtiyagaan ang ganito dahil hindi ko magagamit ang mga sasakyan ko nang hindi nalalaman ng mga magulan ko na nakabalik na ako ng Pilipinas.

I settled into the plush leather seats, giving the driver my destination. "RHR Constructions, please."

"Noted, ma'am," he said, pulling smoothly into traffic.

The ride was quiet, but my mind wasn't. My heart thudded heavily against my chest, though I refused to let it show. Ridge might have ignored my calls and emails, but today, he wouldn't be able to avoid me. If he wouldn't take me seriously from a distance, I'd make him take me seriously in person.

By the time we pulled up to the towering RHR building, my confidence was firmly in place. Hindi ako magpapatalo kahit si Ridge pa ang kalaban ko. I stepped out of the car with my head held high, mataas ang sikat ng araw at may nakahanda pa talagang payong ang driver para sa akin. Inalalayan ako hanggang sa makapasok ako sa loob ng building. Doon lamang ito nagpaalam at bumalik sa sasakyan.

The receptionist at the front desk barely had time to finish her greeting before I strode over, heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.

"Good morning, ma'am. Do you have an appointment?" Magalang nitong bati sa akin habang hinahagod ako ng kuryosong tingin.

I smiled politely but didn't bother softening my words. "I don't. But Ridge Franco Santa de Leones knows me. Tell him his wife is here to see him."

The receptionist blinked, visibly startled, before recovering with a polite nod. "I'll let his assistant know. Would you like to wait—?"

"No need," I interrupted. "Just tell him I'm here."

The receptionist looked rattled, her wide eyes flicking nervously between me and the phone on her desk. She wasn't the only one. A few people scattered around the lobby—employees, perhaps even visitors—had clearly heard my declaration. Their startled expressions and hushed whispers told me everything I needed to know.

Good. Let them talk.

I kept my posture straight, my grip firm on my bag. I didn't offer an explanation, didn't acknowledge the growing buzz around me. My gaze stayed fixed ahead, a practiced disinterest etched into my features. Years of being a public figure—socialite, charity face, occasional tabloid fodder—had taught me how to handle moments like this.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a man standing near the lobby's entrance, holding a camera slung casually over his shoulder. He wasn't trying to hide his interest, not anymore. His eyes widened slightly as he mouthed my name.

"Amethyst Yniguez?"

I heard him murmur to someone nearby, the name hanging in the air like a spark. Of course, someone had to recognize me. Socialite or not, people like him thrived on these moments. The sudden appearance of a known face, a story brewing in real-time—it was practically a goldmine for someone from the press.

I still didn't react. Not to him. Not to the whispers. Not to the furtive glances being thrown my way. My silence was calculated, my lack of acknowledgment deliberate. Let them speculate. Let them wonder. I had nothing to prove to anyone here.

It was then that I noticed the guards. Two... no, three... no—four of them. They moved swiftly and with purpose, their radios crackling softly as they exchanged muted words. I didn't need to guess who had sent them. Ridge. Of course, it was Ridge.

The lead guard approached me first. "Ma'am, Mr. Santa de Leones has instructed us to escort you to his office."

I tilted my chin slightly, meeting his gaze with a calm steadiness. "Very well,"

The guards surrounded me in a loose formation, a subtle but clear attempt to shield me from the curious eyes of the lobby. I didn't resist, didn't argue. I walked with them. Galit pa rin ako. Galit na galit ako kay Ridge dahil ang kapal ng mukha niyang magdala ng girlfriend at sa event pa talaga ng kapatid ko. Ipawalang-bisa niya muna ang kasal namin bago siya bumalandra na para bang may karapatan siya!

We were about to enter a private elevator when I caught a glimpse of the man with the camera again. He was standing a little closer now, his phone angled discreetly in my direction. Let him take the photo, I thought coldly. Let them all wonder why I'm here.

Hanggang sa opisina ni Ridge ay nakaalalay sa akin ang apat na guwardyang padala niya. My heart raced despite myself, every beat hammering the truth I didn't want to admit—I wasn't ready for this. Isipin ko pa lang na makikita ko siyang muli ay para na naman akong pinanghihinaan ng loob. Hindi puwede.

They ushered me into a sleek, minimalistic office. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in light, showcasing a panoramic view of the city skyline. The furniture was modern, with sharp edges and muted tones, exuding a level of sophistication that was unmistakably Ridge.

Mabilis ring nawala ang mga ito nang tuluyan na akong makapasok sa loob, isinara na rin ang pinto, leaving me standing there alone. And then I saw him.

Ridge Franco Santa de Leones.

He was leaning casually against the edge of his desk, arms crossed over his broad chest. His dark eyes locked onto mine, cold and unrelenting, framed by thick brows that only deepened the intensity of his gaze. His tailored charcoal suit fit him perfectly, every detail polished and precise. His presence filled the room, suffocating and magnetic all at once. He looked older, more brooding than I remembered, and still devastatingly sharp. He had the same way of staring at me, like he could see past every word, every defense, straight into the parts of myself I didn't want him to touch.

My throat dried up, and all the courage I'd mustered before walking in miraculously evaporated. It had been four years, but seeing him again felt like no time had passed at all. I swallowed hard when his eyes swept over me, a slow, deliberate movement that felt more like an assessment than anything else. I gripped the handle of my bag tightly, the leather creaking under the pressure of my fingers.

"It took you long enough." Siya ang bumasag sa katahimikan na sandaling namayani sa pagitan naming dalawa dahil hindi ko pa rin mahanap ang sarili kong tinig.

My breath hitched, but I forced myself to move. Remember why you're here, Amethyst. I straightened my spine, channeling every ounce of composure I could find as I opened my bag and pulled out the folder. The annulment papers. My escape plan.

Hihiwalayan ko na ang lalaking ito kaya hindi ko na dapat pa pinagmamasdan. Iyan na naman, eh! Hindi ako puwedeng mawala sa kung bakit ako nandito. Galit ako. Galit na galit.

Tinawid ko ang distansya naming dalawa, until I was standing directly in front of him. He didn't move, didn't uncross his arms, didn't even glance at the papers I held out to him. He just stared, his expression unreadable.

"Here," malamig kong sabi. At least, hindi ako ipinagkanulo ng sarili kong tinig. "I need you to sign these."

Ridge raised a single brow, a faint flicker of amusement crossing his features.

"It's time, Ridge. There's no point in dragging this out any longer." Diretso sabi ko, kahit na kinakabahan ay hindi pa rin pumiyok o bumigay ang aking tinig. I swallowed hard. Matapang na sinasalubong ang kaniyang tingin.

He didn't respond, hindi pa rin niyuyuko ng tingin ang ibinibigay ko. His silence only made the tension in the room thicker, and I felt it pressing down on me like a weight. I cleared my throat, trying again.

"I've fallen in love with someone else," I lied, the words tumbling out too quickly. I forced a sweet smile, though my palms were sweating. "And... I'm pregnant."

For the first time, Ridge moved. His eyes narrowed slightly, his arms unfolding as he straightened up. His full height loomed over me, making me feel small despite the heels I wore. He took a slow step forward, closing the already short distance between us.

"Pregnant," ulit niya. Lumakas ang loob ko nang mukhang nagalit ko ata siya. Good. I was drawing emotions from him. Papayag na 'yan sa gusto kong mangyari, kaunti pa. "With someone else's child."

"Yes," I said quickly, nodding like it was the most natural thing in the world. "So, you see, Ridge, it would be better for everyone—for both of us—if we finalized this annulment. We can finally move on."

His gaze dropped to the papers still clutched in my hand, then back to my face. "And you think lying to me will make me sign these?"

My heart stopped.

"I'm not lying," I said, trying to sound indignant. But my voice betrayed me, wavering just enough to make his smirk deepen.

"You've always been a terrible liar, Looney," he said, his voice quiet but razor-sharp. "You're not in love with anyone else. And you're not pregnant."

Hindi ko na pinansin pa ang paraan ng pagtawag niya sa akin at agresibo siyang binalikan. "Buntis nga ako! Ano ba?"

I stepped closer to him, determined to stand my ground. Ridge sighed, his expression unchanged as if my outburst barely registered.

He leaned back against his desk, kalmado at kalkulado pa rin ang bawat galaw. From his pocket, he pulled out a small bottle of Purell, the faint scent of alcohol wafting through the room as he rubbed his hands together methodically. My eyes flicked downward despite myself, catching sight of his long fingers, elegant and steady, as they worked the sanitizer over his palms.

Then, from his other pocket, he drew out a crisp white handkerchief, carefully wiping his hands clean. The deliberate, almost clinical way he did it made my skin prickle with irritation. And then I saw it—the gleaming wedding band on his finger. The one he still wore.

It was a sharp contrast to my own. Or rather, the absence of mine. I had tucked it away the moment I left, unwilling to wear a symbol of a union I was desperate to escape. But Ridge? He wore his like it was just another part of his perfect, controlled image.

"If you're telling the truth, your poor baby must be so sad right now."

I stiffened, confusion briefly overtaking my anger. "What?"

He met my gaze with an almost indulgent look, like he was explaining something to a child. "You're pregnant, but you partied the same night you came back. What kind of mother does that, Amethyst? A terrible one, clearly."

Heat surged to my face, anger roaring to life in my chest. "You don't get to—"

But he didn't let me finish. His hand moved to the corner of his desk, his fingers punching something on the hidden control panel. Instantly, the room changed. The blinds slid shut with a soft hum, plunging the space into semi-darkness. Even the glass walls and doors of the office frosted over, turning blurry and opaque, cutting us off from the outside world.

Agad akong kinabahan nang muli siyang humakbang palapit sa aking kinatatayuan. Ridge wasn't just close now—he was towering over me. Lalo akong natahimik. Lalong hindi makapagsalita sa sobrang kaba.

"You're a terrible mother, Looney," he said again, his tone deceptively calm but laced with steel. It had been years since he'd called me that. I used to love it. Now it felt like a slap. "Pregnant," he scoffed, his lips curling into a smirk, "and you thought it was a good idea to go out drinking?"

Of course, he knew that. Damn, Paeng! Siya ang nagsabi malamang. Hinding-hindi naman ikukuwento ni Reina ang pagkikita namin na iyon sa kuya niya kaya alam kong si Paeng talaga ang nagsabi kay Ridge. And dammit! Alam niyang narito ako sa Pilipinas pero lalo niya akong hindi pinapansin.

"This shouldn't even be an issue to you, right?" I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "You just paraded your girlfriend around, didn't you? The same stupid Tana."

Ridge's expression didn't change. The smirk remained, etched as if it were a permanent feature on his face, and there was a glint in his eye that suggested he was enjoying this far more than he should. "You had to be really jealous to finally show your face to me, huh?"

"Ang kapal ng mukha mo, Ridge! Hindi ako nagseslos!" Galit kong balik. Gustong-gusto niya talaga na pinapahiya ako, eh. "Nandito ako dahil iniiwasan mo ko! Ilang beses na ba akong sumubok na kausapin ka tungkol sa gusto kong mangyari? You're avoiding me. You're avoiding our issue."

"What issue, Amethyst?" Tahimik niyang tanong habang pinagmamasdan ako. "Our failed marriage? Or the fact that you can't stand seeing me with someone else?"

Alam niyang narito ako sa Pilipinas pero nagdala pa siya talaga ng babae sa engagement party ng kapatid ko. O baka sinadya niya talaga para galitin ako dahil alam niya susugurin ko siya sa oras na mapuno ako. At iyon na nga ang nangyari ngayon. I just proved him how much he still knew me. Narito ako, nanghihinang nakatayo sa harapan niya.

"Hindi nga ako nagseselos sabi, eh! Nagagalit lang ako. Kasi... Why did you bring her to my sister's engagement party? Why provoke me?" I demanded, my voice rising despite my efforts to keep calm. "Sinadya mo, 'di ba? "

Ridge's smirk faded, replaced by a look of calculated consideration. "Yeah. I wanted to see what it would take to get you out of hiding. And it looks like I found the answer."

My mind raced, searching for something to throw back at him, but before I could, Ridge reached out, snatching the folder and my bag from my hands. He tossed them onto the chair by the corner with careless ease before turning back to me.

"What are you—" I started, but the words died in my throat when his hands grabbed me by the waist, pulling me flush against him.

"Let's see how far you're willing to take this," he murmured, his voice low and taunting.

I gasped, my hands instinctively flying to his chest to push him away, but he didn't budge. Instead, one of his hands stayed firmly on my waist while the other drifted lower—too low.

"Ridge!" I protested, panic and indignation bubbling in my chest as his hand slipped under the hem of my skirt. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

He smirked, his fingers brushing against the fabric of my panties, his touch deliberate and firm.

"If you're pregnant," he drawled, his tone mocking, "I need proof."

"Stop it!" I hissed, but my voice sounded weaker than I intended. The heat of his palm against my skin sent shockwaves through my body, unfamiliar and unwelcome. Ridge had never touched me like this before—never crossed this line, kahit pa nang makasal na kaming dalawa ay hindi pa rin. Maingat siyang palagi sa akin. Ako pa nga ang mas agresibo noon. Kaya ano itong ginagawa niya ngayon?

"You're a liar, Looney. But you're a bold one, I'll give you that."

I swallowed hard, my voice trembling as I struggled to regain control. "Let me go, Ridge."

But he didn't. His hand lingered, his fingers pressing just enough to make my knees weaken, his grip on my waist anchoring me in place. I hated the way my body betrayed me, the way his presence, his touch, sent an electric pulse through me that I couldn't ignore.

"R-Ridge! Ano bang ginagawa mo?!" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

He didn't answer. Instead, his touch became more insistent, his fingers finding their way inside my panties, rubbing my clit as soon as they found it. A gasp escaped my lips, unbidden, as the foreign intensity of his movements made it impossible to think clearly. I had never been touched like this before—never felt anything like this.

"Stop," I said weakly, but my hands faltered against his chest, no longer pushing him away but holding on for support as my knees began to weaken.

Ridge's smirk widened, but he remained calm, controlled, even as he continued to drive me to the edge of coherence. "You can't even lie to yourself properly,"

I bit my lip, trying to stifle the sound threatening to spill out. The friction of his touch was relentless, his fingers working expertly, and I hated how good it felt—how utterly unprepared I was for this. My breaths came in shallow gasps, my head spinning from the overwhelming combination of emotions and sensations.

Then, without warning, his fingers pressed further, slipping two inside me. A sharp cry escaped me, half-pleasure and half-pain, as he stretched me in a way that made my entire body tense.

"Ridge!" I exclaimed, my voice breaking as the sudden intrusion sent a wave of discomfort and unfamiliar heat coursing through me.

He paused only for a moment, his gaze sharp and triumphant.

"Still a virgin," he murmured, more to himself than to me, his tone laced with something between satisfaction and possession.

"You bastard!" I spat, glaring up at him, though my body betrayed me yet again as his fingers resumed their maddening rhythm.

His lips twitched into a rare, genuine smile—a smile that sent my stomach into knots. "Pregnant you say..."

"You're insane," I hissed, trying once again to push him away, but he held me firmly in place, his free hand gripping my waist to anchor me against him.

"I'm thorough," he corrected smoothly, leaning in closer. His lips hovered near mine, and the proximity made it impossible to ignore the heat radiating between us. "If you're going to lie about something as ridiculous as being pregnant, you should at least prepare for the consequences."

I opened my mouth to retort, to tell him off, to say anything—but before I could, his lips crashed against mine. The kiss was demanding and consuming, a force of nature that stole the air from my lungs. It wasn't gentle or hesitant; it was Ridge in his entirety—dominant, unapologetic, and in control.

I wanted to pull away. I wanted to tell him that this wasn't right, that he had no right to do this. But my body betrayed me again. My lips moved against his almost instinctively, the heat of the kiss igniting something deep within me that I couldn't suppress. My hands, once pushing against his chest, now clutched at his coat, grounding me as the world tilted on its axis.

His fingers didn't stop, their movements precise and relentless as they drew out responses from me that I couldn't control. A low moan escaped me, muffled against his lips, and I hated myself for the sound, for how easily he unraveled me.

When he finally pulled back, his dark eyes burned with a mixture of triumph and something else—something I couldn't quite place. I was breathing heavily, my cheeks flushed and my body trembling from the intensity of it all. His fingers still lingered, drawing out the last waves of an overwhelming sensation I had never experienced. My first-ever orgasm left me nearly incapacitated.

Panting, I leaned into him, unable to support myself fully.

He wrapped his arm around me, holding me close, and whispered with a hint of mockery, "Next time, try another story."

Dazed and confused, I wasn't sure how to respond, my mind spinning from the rush of emotions and physical sensations. Slowly, deliberately, he withdrew his fingers. My face burned with a mix of embarrassment and residual pleasure when he brought his fingers to his lips and licked them provocatively. A groan escaped me, and his smirk widened, his eyes locked on mine as if daring me to react.

"You're in no state to argue or leave on your own," he said, his voice authoritative. "A car is waiting downstairs; it'll take you home."

I shot him a defiant look, still trying to gather my wits. "I have my own rented car,"

"Oh?" His smirk deepened. "The press are already clamoring downstairs. You just announced to the world you're my wife. What did you expect?"

Reluctantly, I realized he was right. The repercussions of my earlier outburst hadn't even begun to sink in. He slowly released me, his hands ensuring I was steady before stepping back.

"I have a lot of calls to answer because of your little newsflash," Ridge continued, his tone flat. "But we'll see each other at home later, and then we'll talk."

Anger flared within me anew. "I'm staying at Trent's—"

"Then get your things from there and wait for me at home." He cut me off, his voice brooking no argument.

"Home?" The word came out sharper, more incredulous. "At your house? No way!"

His expression turned icy, the playful mockery gone.

"You want the annulment papers signed? Then wait at home." His tone left no room for negotiation, his stance rigid and commanding. Same old Ridge.

I stared at him, my mind racing. Part of me wanted to scream, to lash out at him for manipulating the situation, for using my own impulsive declaration against me. But another part, a quieter, more rational part, acknowledged the strategic advantage in complying—for now.

With a frustrated sigh, I nodded curtly. "Fine. But this doesn't change anything. I'm not coming back to you, Ridge. I just want this over."

He observed me for a moment, his gaze inscrutable. Then, almost imperceptibly, he nodded. "As you wish, Looney."

Still reeling from the intense encounter, I moved shakily towards the chair to grab my things. My legs felt like jelly, my mind was racing, and an uncomfortable stickiness reminded me of the physical reality of what had just transpired. I was a mess, inside and out, and I needed a moment to collect myself.

Ridge, ever perceptive and perhaps taking pity—or enjoying his control, it was hard to tell—nodded subtly towards the bathroom. He then turned away, dismissively, as if flipping a switch to shut off the intensity between us, and picked up the phone as a call came through. His voice was business-like, detached, as if the previous moments hadn't occurred.

"Yes, bring the car around," I heard him say crisply.

I didn't need another invitation. Rushing to the bathroom, I closed the door behind me with a soft click that sounded far too final. Leaning against it, I let out a shaky breath.

"Fuck you, Ridge! Fuck you!" I whispered fiercely to myself, a mix of anger and bewilderment swirling within me.

The cool tile of the bathroom seemed to mock the heat flushing through my body. I turned the faucet, letting cold water run over my trembling hands. I splashed some on my face, trying to wash away the flush that stained my cheeks, a futile attempt to erase the memory of his touch.

I looked up into the mirror, meeting my own gaze. The reflection showed a woman on the brink.

"Get it together," I muttered to myself. The mantra felt hollow, but necessary.

After a few deep breaths, I felt marginally steadier. I checked myself one last time in the mirror, fixed my hair, and straightened my clothing. It was armor, in a way, the only shield I had against the world outside—and against Ridge.

When I emerged from the bathroom, Ridge was still on the phone, his back to me, his posture rigid with authority.

"Handle it," he was saying. "And ensure the press has something to talk about that isn't related to my personal life."

The way he said 'personal life' could have meant anything, but I knew it was a jab at me.

As I moved to the door, Ridge ended his call and turned to look at me. His expression was unreadable, but there was a hint of cold fire in his eyes—a challenge, perhaps, or a warning.

"Amethyst," he called out just as I reached for the handle. "Wait at home."

"Don't hold your breath," I shot back, trying to muster as much defiance as I could.

Ridge's only response was a slight, almost imperceptible lift of his eyebrow. He turned back to his desk, dismissing me without another word.

The alchemy between Ridge and me—it was a toxic, volatile mixture that seemed to defy the natural laws of how two substances should react. Yet, somehow, it was compelling, an enigmatic formula that neither of us could quite decipher or leave behind.

The digital (40-chapter) version of The Alchemy is now available for purchase. Secure your copy by messaging us on Facebook.

Connect with us:

🌐 Facebook Profile: Moana DeSalvo | www.facebook.com/frxppauchino

📘 Facebook Page: Frappauchino | www.facebook.com/frapwpstories

👥 Facebook Group: Frappauchino WP Stories

📧 Email: [email protected]