The Billionaire's Playmate

"Dad..."

I remembered what happened earlier.

"No... you're not causing Rozzean any trouble in his company, right?"

I heard my dad sigh. His lips moved, and then he scratched his neck.

"Did he talk to you?"

I didn't say anything. Again, I heard his sigh.

"I know that you still love him, my child. I can see the love for Rozzean in your eyes, and I can also see the pain, and that's something I can't bear. You're my only daughter, Tangi."

"Did he tell you that I talked to him, asking him not to approach you or talk to you until you turn away from your engagement with Luther? I am really sorry, my child." That surprised me.

The time suddenly stopped when I heard what my father said.

"W-What?"

"D-Daddy, w-what did you say?"

My dad couldn't speak anymore because the emcee signaled that Uncle Royce and Aunt Cynthia were there. Luther called me, and even though I wanted to talk to my dad more after hearing what he said, I couldn't do it anymore. Luther was smiling and clapping as his parents entered. Aunt Cynthia was crying while people sang Happy Birthday to her.

"Thaliana!"

I looked up when Aunt Cynthia called me. She approached with a smile, accompanied by Taki walking beside her.

"Mommy... mommy..." Taki said, holding my hand.

"Thank you, dear. Luther told me that you're part of this surprise. I'm really so happy! I didn't expect this! Also, the flowers are all so good! They're so beautiful, especially the arrangements!" she said to me. "Happy Birthday, Aunt Cynthia. I'm glad you like all of the flowers-"

"Mommy... up..."

I looked down at Taki when she asked to be lifted. Without hesitation, I picked her up.

"He really likes you, Thaliana. He doesn't stop calling you mommy."

I smiled at Aunt Cynthia and Uncle Royce while they looked at me. Luther, on my side, was looking at the entrance of the venue. I followed his gaze and saw Rozzean and Klari.

"Thaliana-"

"I am okay," I quickly said to him and smiled.

The two walked towards us. As they approached, Klari kissed Luther's parents on the cheek.

"Happy Birthday, auntie!" she said.

When Rozzean saw me, he took Klari's hand off his arm. He distanced himself from her.

"I am happy to see you here also, Klari! I saw your parents too, thank you for coming!" Aunt Cynthia happily said.

Instead of responding, Klari looked at me while I held Taki. Her upper lip curled.

This woman.

"Can I let this birthday celebration pass?"

Luther and I excused ourselves, with me still carrying Taki. Some of the guests were looking at us. I heard their praises, and some who didn't know me thought I was Luther's wife. They even greeted us, and some waiters called me Mrs. Valleje. "Taki has fallen asleep," Luther told me.

We were in the middle area, seated. Luther was in front of me.

"Let me take him; I'll bring him to his and Mom's room."

I carefully handed Taki to him so as not to wake him. As Luther carried him, I adjusted the child's clothes, and his back was exposed.

"Did Aunt Thatiana inform you? We are going to Subic tomorrow for a yacht trip, and you can join us."

Ohh. It's okay since I sent my kids to Thes' pet house-- but I suddenly stopped thinking my crazy friend.

"Oh my gosh..."

Thes!

"Why?"

"My friend, Thes," I said, grabbing my cellphone. I forgot about that she's here!

I dialed her number, and after a few rings, she answered.

"Hello, Thes? Where are you?"

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"Tangi... hmm... still in my room, are we leaving soon--oh sweet! It's already ten?!"

I slapped my forehead. I thought something happened to her.

"I'll be back in my room later, Thes, the party is probably ending soon," I said.

"Oh my, I am sorry, Tangi! I got tired, and I haven't slept since yesterday. I am really sorry, okay, call me, huh?"

"Okay, Thes, continue your sleep."

Even though she hasn't had proper rest and sleep, when she learned that I needed her, she willingly followed me here to Pampanga. Thes is really kind. She's a true friend.

"Wait for me here, okay? I'll just take Taki up to the room. Someone will be there to watch over him."

I nodded at Luther. When he left, I stood up and wandered my eyes around. I wanted to talk to Daddy, but he was still engaged with businessmen, so I headed to the pool area instead.

The part was dimly lit, but the view of the sea was beautiful.

"Why are you here alone, Ms. Dela Vezca?"

I turned to the speaker.

I wanted to smirk when I saw Klari. She walked over and approached me.

"I just wanted some fresh air. I can't quite understand what they're talking about inside."

She nodded and smiled. I knew she was here because she wanted to talk about something. Earlier inside, she had been looking at me. Luther noticed it. I said she might be mistaken, but we made eye contact with Klari twice, and she smiled at me. That smile felt different.

I'm sure it's because of what happened earlier when they saw Rozzean and me in my room. This woman likes Rozzean so much. Klari also knows how much I love Rozzean. She was there at his house when I took off the ring. She heard the words I said.

"So..."

"You are Tali? That maid?"

It was expected that she already knew me. Manang called me Tali when she was there. Also, she tried to expose me last night when we had dinner at the Valleje's house.

"Yes," I replied briefly.

"So, you're the woman Rozz proposed to."

I was looking at Klari. She had a smug look on her face. It seems like her true colors are coming out.

"The maid that he told me he loves so much. At first, I didn't believe it because how could a man I've admired for so long fall for a maid? Until I saw you that day. Nice play. It seems like rich people are playing a different game now."

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This is what she wanted to talk about.

"Thank you, Klari. Did Rozzean also tell you how much he loves me?"

I saw irritation flash across her face. She smiled at me.

"Well, yes, he said he loves Tali so much. Tali."

She emphasized the name Tali. I took a step forward and crossed my arms.

"Tali or Thaliana. It's still me. And why are you so bothered by my presence, Klari? You arrived with Rozzean, you're the one beside him, but why do your eyes seem restless? Is it because... I am around? Are you afraid that Rozzean might slip away from your sight and find out he's already beside me?"

"Watch carefully, okay?"

My eyes went to her hands. They were clenched. Go ahead, Klari, get irritated.

"Especially if you know that Rozzean is still in love with me."

Klari's suppressed anger came out.

"He's just guilty because of what happened to you that day when you left his house! Luther showed the pictures when you got into an accident! I'm sure you did that on purpose to get Rozzean's attention!"

My mouth dropped open, and I laughed at what she said.

"Klari... I'm not desperate for attention to the point of endangering myself to get Rozzean's notice. I made a mistake, and I regret it. I asked for his forgiveness. I know when to stop when I see it's not wanted anymore."

I took a step forward, and she stepped back.

"How about you?"

"W-What?"

"How many times has Rozzean told you that you won't be together? How many times has he said he loves someone else? But you keep forcing yourself. You knew he loved Tali, yet you tried to make Rozzean like you. You even used your father. But did anything happen?"

"It's not about you, Klari. Maybe you're just dreaming."

"How dare you-"

When she raised her hand to slap me, I caught it.

"You can hate me all you want. But Rozzean will never be yours, Klari."