The Billionaire's Playmate

I can hardly breathe normally. Rozzean is holding my right hand, and Luther is holding my left hand. The siblings give each other a disapproving look while I stand between them.

"I told you to let go of Thaliana, Cyron. What don't you understand about that-"

"I said no. What don't you understand about what I said, Luther?"

I keep looking back and forth between the two of them. But Rozzean catches my gaze for a while. I don't know why he's doing this. Does he not want to see me anymore? Does he not like me?

Even back at his house, he told me many times to stop asking for his forgiveness. So why is he here now? Just when I decided to forget about him, he comes back, acting like I'm still important to him, like there's still love. And then what?

"You are done with her, right? What's all this drama, Rozzean? Is it because of the company? Because Thaliana's uncle is Uncle George? The one who helps you?"

I see Rozzean clenching her jaw.

And that's what I want to know too! Luther got it! I had a feeling that Rozzean might be doing this to avoid angering my Dad! That she will just use me! Why not? Even after the conversation I had with my father, even though I got his word that he wouldn't involve his company, Rozzean has a different decision.

And Luther got it too.

"Why can't you answer, Cyron?"

I felt Rozzean's grip on my hand tighten. I lowered my gaze, wanting to pull my hand away, but his grip was too strong. I knew no matter how many times I try, I won't be able to break free. "Luther, stop-"

"Thaliana Tangi."

We all looked at Daddy when he suddenly arrived. When I felt Rozzean release my hand, I quickly looked at him. I was surprised by what he did.

Why did he let go of my hand when my Dad came?

Why?

Is that the answer, that he approached me again because of Daddy? And he didn't want my Dad to see him taking steps?

"D-Dad..."

I approached my father. I didn't look back at the siblings because Dad hugged me and led me to the dining area. I felt Luther walking alongside me.

When we reached the dining area, Dad seated me next to Luther. Tita Cynthia smiled and looked at me. My parents were on my side. I looked at the variety of dishes on the table.

Then, I saw Taki on Tita Cynthia's side. I was surprised when I noticed him looking at me, his gaze unwavering. I smiled and raised my hand to wave.

"It looks like my grandson likes you, Thaliana..."

Those were the words spoken by Royce Valleje. He smiled, but it felt different from the one he gave me. I suddenly remembered Rozzean's story about their eldest sibling. I took a deep breath.

"Oh..."

Taki got off his grandma's lap, and I was surprised when the child turned toward me.

"Up... up..."

I looked at the Valleje couple.

"Oh my... he wants you to carry him, Thaliana!"

Luther bent down, smiling at Taki. I quickly obliged and lifted Taki, cradling him. His small hands rested on my palm. I smiled, playing with his tiny fingers. Occasionally, he looked at me and smiled. Did he recognize me as the maid who took care of him at Rozzean's house? Or is he just comfortable with unfamiliar people?

Tita Cynthia answered my questions.

"It's surprising that my grandson went to you, Thaliana. He doesn't easily warm up to strangers. The only people he usually stays close to are me, Luther, and even Rozzean. He's even distant with his grandpa."

I looked at Royce Valleje, who was slightly pouting. He couldn't accept what his wife said about their only grandchild.

"I'm often at work and don't get to play with Taki, so he doesn't see me much. You were always here with him, honey."

"But how about Rozzean? He's not living here with us, but when Taki sees him, he runs to him right away. Oh, your excuses, Royce."

My parents just laughed, but I became quiet when Rozzean was mentioned. He was here, near... so near yet so far. Very close, but I knew the distance I needed to keep from him.

I had to distance myself because I promised to forget him.

"Are you okay?"

I looked to my left and saw Luther's worried face, probably because of what happened earlier.

"I am sorry; I was just upset that Cyron was acting like this without having a conversation with you after what he did. I don't understand him, so I tested him."

I moved a bit closer so our parents wouldn't hear our conversation. The Valleje couple was quite far from us, engrossed in their own discussion. Mom, who was sitting next to me, was talking to Dad and Tita Cynthia about a beautiful vacation spot.

"And even if he wanted to talk to me, Luther, I wouldn't listen. Not now that I have decided to end these feelings. It's just too painful. I also noticed that he acted differently when he saw my Dad."

I don't want to be used. It hurts for me to be used just because I talked to my dad. If he doesn't really love me, I'll respect that. But I hope there's no more manipulation.

I was hurt so badly. That's enough. Enough for my mistake.

"Oh, Rozzean..."

Aunt Cynthia stood up, and I didn't turn around because Rozzean was behind me. I focused my attention on Taki, who was playing with my fingers.

"Good evening, Aunt Cynthia..."

But that voice caught my attention. I automatically looked.

"Hello, Hija! It's good that you're with Rozzean. I would've sulked if you weren't with her, considering your houses are so close."

Klari... What is she doing... here--

S-She's with Rozzean?

"I'm not busy. I have time, and can I say no to your invitation?"

"Thaliana..."

I looked at Luther, feeling my hands. I moved them, but they were getting cold. Luther took Taki from me, maybe because he noticed my actions. I just shook my head, and Taki continued to play with my fingers. "Mommy..."

My lips parted in surprise when the child looked up at me and called me mommy. It was soft, but I knew that those in the dining area heard it.

"Oh my... Taki, sweetheart, she's not your mommy," explained Tita Cynthia.

Klari's attention shifted to me. The gentle expression she had earlier when facing Rozzean's mother disappeared. The btch face was on. My eyes lowered to her hand, which suddenly clamped onto Rozzean's arm. I quickly averted my gaze.

You need to calm down, Thaliana. You are moving on. Enough with the pain; don't let that woman hurt you because of her actions.

Klari knows that I love Rozzean deeply; that's why she's doing this. But I won't let her get the reaction she wants from me. They walked over and sat in front of us with Luther.

"We can now eat! We're all complete!" Aunt Cynthia cheerfully announced.

I had no idea that Luther's mom knew Klari as well. She personally invited Klari to join us for dinner. And they even arrived together.

They started putting food on their plates. I saw Klari serving rice and kaldereta to Rozzean. She was the one putting food on his plate, but I could hear Rozzean softly objecting.

"I went to Rozzean's house two days ago. I saw Klari with him."

I felt a pang in my chest when Aunt Cynthia said that. I was surprised but tried not to show it. So... Klari went to his house two days ago? And then they were together a day ago. It seems like they are going out, and Klari even visits his house... "Since I wanted to have dinner with family and those close to my heart before my birthday, I invited her here as well. Klari hasn't changed, but what I find puzzling is why my son is so slow in making a move on her."

I swallowed hard upon hearing that. I looked at Luther as he took my plate. He arranged food for me, serving steak and pouring juice into my glass.

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!

"Let me take Taki so that you could eat properly, Thaliana," he said to me and took Taki into his arms.

"But... how about you?" I asked.

"I can eat-wait, Taki, stop..."

Luther cleared the dishes in front of him. I did the same to prevent Taki from playing with them.

I didn't immediately notice that everyone at the table had stopped and was just looking at us. Rozzean and I locked eyes again. His gaze was serious, and I saw him gripping the utensils tightly. He lowered them and took a sip of water. "They look so good together," Royce Valleje said while observing us.

"You're right, Royce, with Taki, they look like a family. I can picture Thaliana as a great mother, caring. I've been watching her since earlier," Aunt Cynthia added.

I felt embarrassed hearing that.

"Maybe because she took care of her nieces and nephews. The children of my three boys, Cynthia. Tangi got used to taking care of her nephews and nieces. She loves children. I even told her I wanted a grandchild from her, but she told me I already have plenty. She was referring to her pets, dogs, and cats."

They all laughed at Mommy's comment, and I cringed a bit. When I looked at my Dad, he was also smiling... a little.

"If this is too much to ask... maybe we can have a grandchild first before the wedding? hmm? Luther and Thaliana?"

My eyes widened at Aunt Cynthia's question. Luther choked a bit beside me. I quickly grabbed a tissue and handed it to him. At the corner of my eye, I saw Rozzean take another sip of water. The maid behind him had already refilled his glass twice. "A-Aunt..." I stammered.

"She's blushing! Oh my gosh!" Aunt Cynthia laughed, and I couldn't help but cover my face.

I could see Luther silently apologizing to me for his mother's comments. But it's okay. At least his parents know that our relationship has been improving.

"I was just kidding, hija, but who knows? You're both at the right age. And it seems okay with your parents too, right, George and Thatiana?"

I glanced at my Mom and Dad.

"If... that's what she wants, then we will support her. Thaliana is the one to decide now, Cynthia," my dad replied.

Aunt Cynthia clapped her hands in response to my dad's answer. She liked what she heard, judging by her reaction. It seems like she really wants a grandchild, but it's quite unlikely for Luther and me.

"I also want Taki to have a playmate. Oh, I am so excited! So, when are you going to make a baby, Luther and Thaliana?"

And for the second time, Luther choked on his drink. Rozzean, who was in front of me, took another sip of water.

How many glasses has he had?