Yvess told Kim that he wouldn't be around and that he would have his breakfast at their mansion.
Inside, Dustine was already seated with his father, quietly eating.
"By the way, Dustine, your mom called earlier. She said you didn't answer her call," his father remarked.
"Oh, my phone was on silent. I didn't notice. Will she be attending the opening of our new branch in Laguna?" Dustine asked.
"Of course she will. She has to be there. What would people think if she's absent?" his father replied, eyes sharp.
Dustine had known that his parents were long separated, but it was a secret only they shared. Publicly, they maintained the illusion of a loving relationship to avoid scandal. Their family was a powerhouse in the business world, with branches across the country and even overseas. They were the second wealthiest family in the nation, second only to the Montemayors—where his godfather, Don Agustin Montemayor, reigned supreme.
He'd heard about the Montemayor scandal—his daughter had secretly married a butler, causing a media frenzy. Dustine's father insisted on keeping appearances, so in public, he and Dustine's mother appeared affectionate, but when alone, they treated each other as strangers. Dustine had grown up surrounded by lies, learning to wear a mask for the world.
After finishing breakfast, Dustine excused himself. "I have some important business to attend to," he said.
Returning to his condo, he sank onto the sofa with a sigh.
"Hey, kid, massage my shoulders," he commanded.
Kim did as told, kneading his tense muscles carefully.
"Next week, our branch in Laguna has its grand opening. I'll be gone for three days," he informed her.
"Oh… okay. So… does that mean I get a day off?" Kim asked hesitantly.
"No," Yvess replied flatly.
"What? That's not fair!" she pouted.
Yvess's gaze drifted to the lovebirds perched by the window. An idea suddenly sparked in his mind. He stood abruptly.
"Let's go to the park," he suggested, taking her hand and pulling her along. He wanted to spend time with her before his three-day absence.
"Woooohhhh!" Kim squealed in delight as she clung to his back while he pedaled through the park on his bike. Yvess laughed, increasing his speed, making her hold on tighter.
"W-Wait! Slow down!" she shouted, breathless with excitement.
He laughed even harder, his laughter echoing through the park. They finally stopped and collapsed onto a nearby bench, catching their breath.
"I'm starving. Buy me something to eat," he ordered casually.
Kim nodded and began searching for a street food stall. She knew Yvess rarely ate such snacks, but she wanted to tease him a little.
When she saw a vendor selling fishballs, a famous Filipino street food, she immediately ran to the stall. "Ten pieces, please," she ordered. As she waited, Rex appeared, walking up with a casual smile.
"Hi, Ms. Castillo. I didn't expect to see you here," he greeted.
"Hi, sir," Kim said, keeping a cautious distance, feeling slightly anxious around him.
"Are you alone?" Rex asked.
"No, I'm with someone," she replied firmly.
Yvess had been growing impatient, following Kim silently. But when he saw her speaking with Rex, a surge of anger boiled inside him. Without hesitation, he strode over, grabbing Kim's hand and pulling her close.
"Y-Yvess…" Kim stammered, surprised by his sudden proximity.
Yvess shot Rex a deadly glare. "You act like a dog, tailing Kim everywhere. Back off. She's mine. This woman belongs to me," he declared, his voice low and filled with raw intensity.
Kim's eyes widened in shock at his possessive tone.
"Sorry… I'll leave," Rex muttered, retreating quickly.
Yvess turned to Kim, his expression fierce. "Didn't I tell you not to talk to that idiot?" he yelled.
"Why are you so mad?" Kim asked, genuinely curious.
"Because… I'm jealous!" Yvess shouted, unable to contain his emotions.
Kim was silent, stunned by the intensity in his eyes.
"Every time I see you with someone else, I feel like I could explode. I want to punch them, throw them far away! I feel like I'm going insane with jealousy! I don't even know why I feel this way," he confessed, his voice trembling with unrestrained emotion.
Yvess held her gaze, his eyes searching hers for understanding. "Who are you really in my life? What place do you hold in my heart? I don't even understand what I'm feeling anymore…"
Kim's breath caught, unable to believe the words she was hearing.
"I think… I love you," Yvess admitted, voice barely above a whisper but weighted with sincerity.
Kim's heart soared. She felt like she wanted to jump and spin on the ground, as if the sky itself had opened and angels were singing.
"So… tell me." Yvess swallowed hard. "D-Do you… love me too?" he asked, his voice laced with hope and anxiety.
Realizing how sudden—how vulnerable—his question was, he quickly turned his gaze away, unable to face her as anxiety tightened in his chest.
"Do you know… I've liked you for a long time. Ever since I saw you singing at the Underground Hall… Yes, Yvess. I love you too," Kim replied, her voice trembling with happiness.
Yvess's eyes sparkled, his heart racing uncontrollably. Without a word, he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her and holding her so tightly it felt like he would never let go.
"Ayiieeehhh!" they heard voices laughing nearby. People in the park had noticed them.
Laughter and applause erupted around them, the crowd teasing and cheering. Suddenly, both of them felt a flush of shyness under so many eyes. When their gazes met, they couldn't help but laugh together—bright, carefree laughter that seemed to lift the weight from their hearts, leaving them lighter and freer than they had felt in ages.
.
.
.
One day, Yvess left for Laguna with his family, leaving Kim behind. Alone in the condo, Kim was left with nothing to do. Bored out of her mind, she decided to turn on the television. Her eyes widened in surprise when the broadcast showed the grand opening of the Furukawa Group branch.
"Mr. Furukawa, it's nice to see you again," Don Agustin Montemayor greeted Dustine's father warmly. Beside him stood his daughter, Dianne.
"I'm glad you're here, Mr. Montemayor, and you too, Dianne," Dustine's father replied, smiling politely.
Don Agustin's eyes flicked toward Yvess, noting the young man standing beside his father.
"Time flies. One day, it will be Dustine who manages your company. Your son is truly a remarkable young man," Don Agustin complimented.
Dustine smiled, replying politely, "Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Montemayor."
As they entered the hall, Dustine's eyes fell on Rex. Concerned, he whispered to his father, "Dad… do you know that guy?"
"He's the son of the Guillermo family. Our rival," his father replied tersely.
Dustine's eyes widened in shock. "Then… why is he here?"
"I don't know," his father said simply. "As long as he causes no trouble, we have no reason to turn him away."
Dustine's unease grew when Rex shot him a sly, knowing smile.
The emcee's voice rang through the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Chairman of the Furukawa Group!" Applause erupted as Dustine's father ascended the stage.
Midway through his speech, Rex stepped forward, his presence commanding the room.
"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, sorry for the interruption. I have something to share," Rex announced, signaling to the AV team.
The audience gasped as Dustine's photos suddenly flashed on the large screen, revealing his secret identity as Yvess.
"I just want you all to know that the seemingly perfect son of the Chairman of the Furukawa Group has been hiding secrets. He works in an underground venue filled with unsavory people. He pretends to be clean and respectable in public, but in reality, he is reckless and deceptive. And there's more—I've discovered that he is in a relationship with a high school girl."
The crowd erupted into whispers.
"A high school girl? That's too young!" a guest exclaimed.
Dustine's father's eyes narrowed, staring at Rex with a dangerous intensity.
Dustine, now furious and humiliated, strode onto the stage, snatching the microphone from Rex. Facing the audience, he declared boldly, "Yes, everything he said is true. I do work as a vocalist in an underground venue—but everything I do is legal, and nothing I do breaks the law. And yes, I am in a relationship with a high school girl. So what? I am not some old man who should be judged for dating someone younger. There is a four-year age gap, nothing more. I also know why Mr. Guillermo is doing this—because my girlfriend rejected him."
Gasps swept through the hall. Dustine's gaze locked onto Rex with pure intensity.
Watching the broadcast, Kim's heart sank. Without thinking, she bolted out of the condo, hailed a taxi, and sped straight toward the venue where Yvess was.
She spotted him walking with his father. Dustine's father's voice rang sharp and unforgiving.
"You are a shame to this family! I cannot believe you would do such things!"
He continued scolding Yvess, his words cutting like knives. Dustine noticed Kim approaching. His father's eyes followed her, narrowing in suspicion.
"So… is she the girl?" his father demanded, his tone icy.
Yvess nodded, silent but tense.
Facing Kim, Yvess's father's next words were blunt and merciless. "How much would it take for you to leave my son alone?"
Kim's face flushed with humiliation.
"I… I don't need your money," she said quietly.
"Really? Then why are you flirting with my son? Aren't you ashamed? You're so young," he spat, making Kim's eyes well up with tears.
She looked toward Yvess, hoping for protection, but he avoided her gaze. He had said nothing to defend her. Once again, for the second time, he failed to protect her.
"Sir, if you think I'm that kind of girl, you're wrong. My parents raised me properly," she said, her voice trembling but resolute.
Turning to Yvess, she added with quiet determination, "From now on, I am no longer your 'slave.'"
With that, she walked away.
Yvess wanted to chase after her, to hold her close and shield her from the harsh words, but his father restrained him. Pain twisted inside him as he watched her cry. Once again, he had failed her. Once again, he had been powerless.
Kim left, tears streaming down her face, her heart aching from the humiliation of his father's harsh words. She thought he loved her, yet he did nothing to defend or protect her, and it felt as if her heart had been ripped open, the pain cutting deeper than she could bear.
.
.
.
Kim quickly packed her things, her hands trembling slightly as she released the lovebirds she had been caring for. With a deep breath, she left the condo, her heart heavy but resolute.
Meanwhile, Yvess was in turmoil. Kim had left before he could see her. Regret consumed him—he berated himself for failing to protect her once again. That night, he drowned his guilt in alcohol, sometimes breaking down into tears, unable to decide what to do next now that Kim had walked away from him.
A week passed.
There was a knock at Mary Grace's house. Opening the door, she was surprised to see Dustine standing there. They talked for a while, and Mary Grace discovered something shocking—Dustine, the wealthy, sophisticated man she knew, and the reckless, mysterious Yvess were one and the same. Dustine pleaded with her, asking her to bring Kim to the Underground Hall. He longed to see her; he missed the girl he loved with every fiber of his being.
"Come on, Bes. Please come with me," Mary Grace said, nudging Kim.
"I don't want to, Bes," Kim protested softly.
"But it's my birthday tomorrow! Please, think of it as my birthday gift!" Mary Grace whined.
Kim sighed, realizing she had no way to refuse her best friend. Finally, she agreed to accompany Mary Grace to watch Yvess perform at the Underground Hall. She had heard rumors that he had finally chosen independence, rejecting the life of a company heir to pursue his music, tired of pretending for everyone else.
When they arrived at the venue, the UH was already packed. Fans waved banners, cheering loudly. The stage lit up, and a spotlight fixed on Yvess, who wore a mask that concealed his identity. Then he began to sing.
"A love that belongs to only us,
The only heart I seek is yours…
One unbroken promise,
That will never change for you.
Wherever life may take you,
Remember this: we'll never be apart…"
Suddenly, images of Kim flashed across the screen. She had no idea that Yvess had been secretly taking pictures of her all this time, capturing her every moment without her knowing.
"You alone are the one I'll love,
No other wish in my heart,
Just to hold you close in my arms,
And feel your gentle kiss…"
Tears welled up in Kim's eyes, especially when Yvess removed his mask. The music stopped, and the crowd fell silent as Yvess spoke.
"Kim Samille Castillo… I want to apologize for all the mistakes I've made with you. I've let you down so many times. I'm sorry… I was weak. But now, I'm ready to face every challenge that comes my way. Kim, I love you. I love you more than anything. I hope you can forgive me. Will you give me one more chance?"
All eyes in the Underground Hall were on Kim. Yvess stepped down from the stage and approached her, falling to his knees before her.
"Please," he whispered, looking up at her with hope and vulnerability.
Kim nodded through her tears. "Yes," she whispered back.
Immediately, Yvess wrapped her in a tight embrace and pressed his lips to hers. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, celebrating not just the performance, but the long-awaited reunion of two hearts finally finding their way back to each other.
.
.
.
Kim and Yvess were strolling through the park, enjoying the sunshine and each other's company, unaware that Eros was watching them from a distance. A soft smile spread across his face as he saw their happiness. Two lovebirds landed gently on Eros's shoulder.
"See… your wishes really do come true," Eros whispered softly.
Yvess leaned against Kim's shoulder. "I'm so happy to be with you again. I nearly went crazy when you left and abandoned me," he confessed.
"I'll never leave you again, I promise. I'm yours, and yours alone," Kim replied, her voice full of warmth and sincerity.
Yvess smiled and looked deeply into her eyes before pressing a tender kiss to her lips.
"I love you," he whispered.
Kim's face lit up with the brightest smile. She felt incredibly lucky. If not for that fateful moment when she accidentally got into his car, she might never have felt this pure joy and happiness that filled her heart now.
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The End.