The Billionaire's Playmate

After dinner and some conversation, my parents bid their goodbyes to go home. I stayed behind because Taki was crying and didn't want me to leave. Luther offered to take me home, but Aunt Cynthia insisted that I stay the night. It seemed like Taki had no intention of letting me go.

He would cry when I tried to leave, calling me mommy.

"I don't know why... but this is the first time I saw him act like this, Thaliana. I am really sorry. Are you tired?"

I lowered my gaze to Taki. We were in the living room, and he was holding onto my hands. He had fallen asleep. Earlier, he was playing with a puzzle, but he dozed off after a short while.

My thoughts were on my pets; I hoped they were doing well. I had been away for two days before, and they were fine. I would go home early tomorrow since I still needed to pack my things. Luther and I would leave early, but he was currently having drinks with his dad. It would be risky for him to drive to my house, so I agreed to stay the night here.

"I am okay. I can still manage," I replied smiling.

Behind Aunt Cynthia, I noticed Klari and Rozzean approaching. Rozzean was also drinking with Luther earlier, but now it looked like they were about to leave.

Klari didn't leave Rozzean's side. I saw her cast a few disapproving glances at me. As if I were trying to take something away. I wasn't interested in him.

"Aunty, thank you for inviting me. I'll leave early for the farm tomorrow," Klari said, giving Aunt Cynthia a kiss on the cheek.

Klari looked at me, and I couldn't miss the disdain in her eyes while she looked at me. Earlier, she tried to take Taki from me, but he didn't want to go with her. Taki even cried because he insisted on staying with me.

I also caught a fleeting glance from Rozzean.

He should stop taking glances, and I should stop giving meaning to his actions.

Thaliana, enough, okay?

"You are really a hard worker, Klari! Thank you for coming tonight, even though your place with Rozzean is quite far."

"It's okay, Tita. I'm with Rozz, so I feel safe with him."

Safe with him...

"Mom..." Rozzean kissed his mother on the cheek.

"I am so happy that you are trying your best to make it up with your father, Rozzean. I've been praying for this for a long time, and I hope it continues to go well."

Upon hearing that, I looked at Rozzean. If that's the case, is his relationship with his father improving? That's good to hear! I wanted him to be with his family, not to be alone.

That's one of the things I prayed for Rozzean.

Even though our relationship turned out like this, I still want what's best for him. Even if we're not together, I hope for a better life for Rozzean... even without me.

When Rozzean and Klari bid farewell to his mother, I thought they were leaving. I was surprised when he walked towards Taki and me.

He leaned down!

He was so close to me. He looked into my eyes while our faces were just inches apart.

"I miss you... so much..."

My lips parted in surprise. He said those words while looking at me, then Rozzean lowered his face and kissed Taki on the forehead. I couldn't move. My heart was pounding so fast. I need to calm down.

He didn't say that to me, it was for Taki!

"He misses you too, Rozzean. I will take care of Taki, but I hope you visit him more often. He really misses you," Aunt Cynthia said.

When Rozzean stood up and moved away from us, I couldn't lift my face anymore. I focused my attention on Taki in my arms. "Take care, both of you!"

Until Rozzean and Klari left, I didn't look up. I knew my face was probably flushed.

"Thaliana, my dear? Let me take Taki. I'm sure your arms are getting tired."

I tried to pass Taki to Aunt Cynthia, but he clung tightly to my dress. He kept saying mommy... Tita and I exchanged glances.

"He really likes you," I saw a smile on her lips. But it was a sad smile.

We decided to bring Taki to the bedroom, and I gently laid him down. I didn't leave immediately because Taki would wake up and look for me. When he was deeply asleep, Aunt Cynthia and I left the room.

"Uhm Aunty, I think you should get some rest too," I suggested, glancing at the time on my phone. It was already 11:55 PM. Several hours had passed.

"Yeah, but the two outside really enjoyed themselves, still drinking. It would have been happier if Rozzean stayed here. Three of them could have had a good time. It rarely happens... you know, the three of them drinking together after my eldest leaves."

The smile on her face slowly disappeared. I held Aunt Cynthia's hands. It's 5 minutes until her birthday. She needs to smile.

"Better days are coming for your family, Aunt Cynthia. Our struggles won't end in sadness. We will all be happy in the end."

I hope so...

I felt like I didn't just say that to Aunt Cynthia; it felt like I said it to myself too.

As they say, there is a rainbow after the rain. I let go, and my own happiness is what I need to prioritize.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

"Thank you so much, dear," Aunt said and hugged me.

When I noticed on my cellphone that it's already 12:01, I greeted Aunt. I kissed her on the cheek.

"Happy Birthday!"

I am so excited for the surprise later!

Aunt Cynthia and I went downstairs together to visit Luther and Uncle Royce. The two had already had quite a few drinks. The Valleje couple didn't stay long and went upstairs to sleep. Luther and I were left in the garden. "So much happened in just a few hours, are you okay?" Luther asked me.

He didn't seem drunk.

"I am okay..."

"Are you convincing yourself? I know you're not okay. You saw Cyron with Klari, that woman is trying hard to get the attention of my brother. You heard from Mom that she was there in Cyron's house. And your friend saw them together in a restaurant in Batangas. I don't think it's because Cyron wants it to happen--"

"Even if he doesn't want it, he's letting her be with him, Luther. Why do I feel like you are defending your brother? You're confusing me, huh?"

I couldn't stop myself. I grabbed a bottle of beer and took a sip. Just earlier, he was showing annoyance towards Rozzean, and now he's defending him to me.

"Earlier, you were annoyed with your brother, but now you're defending him to me."

Luther laughed.

"I really was annoyed at first. I didn't lie to you when I said that I was pissed. But, I did that to see his reaction. I was making him jealous, Thaliana. I wanted to see if you really didn't love him anymore."

I rolled my eyes at Luther and took another sip of beer. I heard his laughter again. Why did I forget that Luther could also be playful? He manipulated me and did mischievous acts when I was in Rozzean's house.

"You are enjoying yourself! But I made it clear, Luther! I don't want this anymore! I already said I'll stop. I promised myself to end this love. It's too painful, especially since..."

I was cut off as I remembered Klari and Rozzean. I drank more beer, and when the bottle was empty, I grabbed another one and took a sip.

"Especially since what? Because you see Klari and Cyron together? Luther asked me.

I admit, I was jealous. Of course, my love for Rozzean won't easily disappear. Especially the pain. I still hurt every time I see them together with Klari.

And it turns out Klari is close to Aunt Cynthia too. Their mother was expecting the two to be in a relationship.

"I don't think your love for my brother would fade easily, Thaliana. You fought for it with your siblings and your father; you defended Cyron so much. You love him deeply."

I didn't speak. I finished the beer. I took another one. I had lost track of how many bottles I had already drunk.

"But this love needs to end, Luther."

I stood up.

"I can't wait for a man who's already with another woman. And what do you think they're doing? Klari going to his house? W-what the heck?"

"You are drunk; let's go to the guest room. Mom has already cleaned it up. We're leaving early tomorrow."

"Annoying," I said, remembering Klari again.

That woman. Acting as if Rozzean is already hers.

"Easy, Thaliana! You'll stumble--shit."

Luther held me by the waist, and my hand rested on his shoulder. I was already barefoot. I didn't know how we ended up inside their house. Just a while ago, when I was talking, we were still in the garden. "Cheers!"

"Shhh... don't be loud!" Luther scolded me.

I pointed my index finger to my lips and mimicked what he said, slightly slurring due to the intoxication.

"Shhh... I won't be loud!"

Luther shook his head at me. When we reached the guest room, I collapsed onto the bed. I felt Luther taking off my flat shoes. He also grabbed a blanket and placed it over me.

"Go to sleep, and oh, Thaliana, I will not let you drink again!"

I laughed at what he said, raising my hand and waving it.

"Bye, Luther! Thanks!"

Looking at him somewhat blurred, I saw him shake his head. Luther left the guest room, and I lay on the large bed I was using. I was dizzy and restless.

"I hate you..."

I kept repeating those words thinking about Rozzean.

How many times did I say them?

"I hate you so much... you replaced m-me so quickly."