ntil I process your release papers," Mr

I won't cry. Both Valdemar and Mr. Riv

your parents," Mr.

when it

t Valdemar who just shrugged at me. I could clearly see

pushed him hard until I was running away. I

it li

to Valdemar! He jus

g and watching the students happily walking around campus, laughing as if they had no problems

ep *

rs before read

h the past few days? I fell short on the electricity bil

nd just work. Education is very important to her; she wasn't able to finish her own because of

our filthy m

Bicol, they were all gu

ll. They're

ing packed lunch so I don't have to buy, and I walk instead of taking the jeep. I often use the extra money that Ganda se

can't get kicked out.

started to think

ime, it's getting late. I realized I haven't eaten yet. I s

Valdemar inside and he even waved at me. I had a blan

mar to come out. He was the last one to leave the classro

ate!" he greeted

damn him! I'll get b

" I untangle

car," h

o. Let's

re..." He walke

d, but he didn't lo

ine, we'll go to your

ds in his pockets. He extended his hand to me, an

s sweating

t I wouldn't dare. It's difficul

gestured for me to sit. He got in too and started the engine. He

" he o

d to get kicke

smi

Rivas, Peyton..." He ran his index fin

listen to me. You hav

uppressed laugh, dam

deserve your scholarship, but... too bad, it was taken

such an idiot!" I retor

on." His eyes gleamed as h

my place. So now, I'm asking you for a

corner of his mouth lifted as

arty. I want you to make sure he's encha

," I replie

keup, and hair accessories. Ganda was already home from her

this, Pey?

, Ganda. Thought I'd experiment

ooked perfect for Valdemar's party. It w

products. Ganda was amused by my sudden interest in beauty routines.

wished me good luck, thinking I was attending as a guest.

luxurious, and everyone treated me with utmost respect. They tr

tares of admiration. Valdemar's eyes widened

g, Peyton," he sa

plied, trying to

, and pretended to be a couple. I played my part, kn

tever it took to secure my education and Ganda's future. And i

's hard to recognize myself when I look in the mirror. The makeup was subtle, but it made a

dorned with crystals and beads. It showcased my legs. I'd never

ed open. Inside were pearl bracelets and dangling ear

ania whispered while pl

Ate Vania, bending over

elmed by all the changes. The black car was waiting

sees me looking like this?

urn to school? Am

ing a hotel where the Valentine's Party was being held. I

dem

in his pockets. His gaze was fixed, and everyon

handsome

ing. It felt like my heart was racing faster than my feet. When I saw him looking straigh

ey, you loo

o Valdemar was interru

with a wide smile, oblivious to

ying to convey my frustration. But he

and saw Leigh approaching as well. I slap

were my classmates in three subjects, and they treated me like one of the guys.

Leigh. I was about to protest, but then I noticed Valdemar's bac

t in automatically. He followed s

ar's eyes were fixed on the roa

felt nervous, anticipating what would happen n

ed the receptionist, who was clearly

s amazed as soon as the door opened. The hotel r

I followed suit. He looked at

er do anything that I don't say," he or

e about our connection." I nodded

call me if you need me," he said w

l need you in the way you

etting you know that

will I get my s

ook out his cellphone.

he said in

owed m

oisy in the background, so I was s

scholarship?"

it to her house tomorrow,"

d. B

d patted the spot be

leave the pa

. You look beautiful tonight, Pey," he whispered,

will be exclusively for my ey