The Billionaire's Playmate

Rozzean has left, but before he went to the company earlier, he told me that he would call me when he had free time. I didn't realize he was clingy because on my first day in his mansion, he seemed intimidating. He was stern, and looking at him would make you step back.

I sighed, not sure how many times. I was contemplating the conversation with Luther and Rozzean's actions towards me.

"Exactly. I don't want to let you go and then you just leave abruptly. Don't do that again, Tali. If you are going to leave me, tell me, okay? Don't just leave because my eyes are always looking for you."

I couldn't immediately recover from what he said to me. He's the sweetest. Several times, I've heard words from him that I'll never forget.

In truth, it feels like everything. That's why I'm so scared. I don't want him to change because of me. Considering the decision I made just to be here.

"Do you have a problem, Tali?"

I looked at Manang. I'm currently at the gazebo, feeding the fish.

I have a big problem, Manang.

"Nothing, do you need anything from me?" I asked her.

She had a basket filled with fruits. I frowned; I think I know who it's from. Orange girl doesn't seem to stop. Even though Rozzean said she has a crush, Klari continues.

But, sorry for her... Rozzean is head over heels in love with me.

However, that could change, and that's what I fear. I just hope that when Rozzean finds out the truth, he won't hate me. I'll do everything to earn his forgiveness, and I know it won't be easy. Especially after what Luther told me.

"I just noticed that you seem to be deep in thought. Anyway, I'm going inside to wash these fruits from Klari."

I nodded at Manang. When she left, I sighed.

"That woman... doesn't she believe what Rozzean said about having a special someone? It seems like she needs to see it upfront to believe it."

I was about to go back inside when something caught my eye. I raised my eyebrows when I saw who was approaching. What is this guy doing here? "Thaliana."

I looked around when Maki called my name.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him. Maki had a serious expression as he looked at me.

"You need to go home now, Thaliana," he said firmly.

I approached Maki upon hearing what he said.

"I will go home, Maki. Next week. I'll tell--"

"Go home now. Your father is in the hospital, Thaliana. Uncle George was rushed last night because of a heart attack. And do you know the reason? They found out that you are not in Palawan. Your brothers are looking for you now. You were reported missing."

I froze at what Maki said. D-Dad? Is D-Dad in the hospital?

I held onto his arm.

"H-How is he, Maki?" I exclaimed.

I couldn't believe what's happening...

"They were trying to contact you, Thaliana. It's been two weeks already, and your brothers told me about it. Uncle George and Aunt Thatiana were so worried about you. Where did you put your cellphone?"

I closed my eyes tightly upon hearing Maki's words. I didn't bring my personal cellphone because I trusted that no one would call me. I also told Dad and Mom that I didn't want to be disturbed, so they would have a hard time reaching me. I didn't expect this to happen.

"You're so stubborn, Thaliana. I told you the last time I visited here to go home. Rozzean already liked you at that time! Did you know that?"

I wiped away my tears and slowly nodded at Maki's words. He looked into the distance, and I heard him curse after my nod. I didn't realize that the situation would become this serious.

"Look what happened! Rozzean will be furious, Thaliana, once he finds out your true identity. And look at what happened to Uncle George! He had an attack upon learning that you're not in Palawan and cannot be found! They all think something terrible has happened to you."

"Our family is in chaos, Thaliana! Your brothers have a suspect. Do you know that there was an attempt on Grand's life because of the company's problems? They thought that person was the one who kidnapped you!"

W-What? Grand is my brother. He's the second among us siblings.

My hands were shaking as I held onto Maki.

"I-I'm sorry, Maki. I-I didn't know this would happen-"

"It's too late to apologize. We can't undo the past, Thaliana. Do you know what's best to do now? Go home. Come with me back home. I can't tell them where you are because I promised to keep it a secret. But enough, Thaliana, many have already been affected by what you've done."

Rozzean's smiling face suddenly flashed in my mind when he said earlier that he'd be coming home early.

"Yes, I'll go home... I-I'm going home, Maki. Save my number. I'll call you. Tonight. I'll wait for you at the convenience store near your village."

Maki took out his cellphone, and I told him my phone number. After nodding at me, Maki left Rozzean's house. I was left alone at the gazebo, crying.

I didn't expect that what I did would become this serious. I-I was so sure that my family wouldn't look for me because I already told them that I need to be alone for two months. But I forgot... Dad will reach out to me, my brothers would. I-I didn't know that there was an attempt on Grand's life.

You're so stupid, Thaliana.

So stupid.

When I saw that it was already three o'clock, I went inside the house. Thank God that there's no CCTV in the gazebo. Rozzean won't see the conversation I had with Maki. Later, if he asks why Maki came here, I'll just say that he was looking for him.

For sure, the guard will report to Rozzean that Maki came here. He might also see on the CCTV in front of his house that my cousin entered.

I took a deep breath and got water from the fridge. I poured it into a glass and drank. As I was about to return the water container to the fridge, I felt Rozzean behind me.

He hugged me again.

"I'm home..."

My lips trembled. This is all your fault, Thaliana; you rushed things. Now you're the one hurting because of your decision.

"Y-You're home early," I said, facing him.

It's only three o'clock. Earlier than expected.

When Rozzean saw my face, his eyebrows furrowed. He held my cheeks and brought his face closer to mine.

"Did you cry?"

"Why are your eyes red, and your nose too? Did you cry?"

Concern laced his voice. I distanced myself for a moment, taking a deep breath. I pretended to arrange something on the table behind him, even though there was nothing to fix. I'm emotional right now; I might suddenly cry if he keeps acting like this.

"C-Can you change your clothes first? And, do you want to eat something? Snack?" I asked him.

Instead of answering my questions, I felt his hands on my waist. He embraced me from behind again. My inner turmoil intensified, especially since I would be leaving him later in the evening and returning as Thaliana. "What about you? Can I eat you?" he teased.

His remark made me smile. He's quite the joker.

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I chuckled and playfully slapped his hands that were tightly wrapped around my waist. I heard his hearty laughter again. I hope he stays this happy.

He deserves to be happy...

"I'm serious, Rozzean," I said, facing him.

"Why? Am I too much? Does it still hurt?"

I playfully hit him again, this time on the arm. His grin widened, and I could tell he wasn't joking.

"You're too much, you know!" I told him, smiling.

I released myself from his grasp and then looked around.

"Manang might come in, and we might get caught. Go upstairs, change your clothes. I'll prepare your snack."

Rozzean quickly kissed my lips and stepped back.

"Prepare yourself, then."

Those were his words before leaving the kitchen to go to his room. As he walked away, I sat down. He's so happy... It's the first time I've seen him this joyful in the month I've been staying in his house.

I don't want to ruin his happiness, but I really need to go home. I'm not like Tali, who has no family.

I'm Thaliana Tangi Dela Vezca, and my family is waiting for me. I can't continue to pretend forever here. I also can't bear it because my conscience is bothering me. Rozzean is a great man, he deserves only the truth. I cooked carbonara that afternoon for Rozzean's snack. He still hadn't come down.

"Tali, are you done cooking?" Manang asked me.

"Yes, Manang. Why?"

Manang glanced at the food I was preparing.

"Bring it to sir's room; I just came from there. He received a letter. Looks like he has some work to catch up on."

That explains why he didn't come downstairs. Rozzean is indeed a workaholic.