The Billionaire's Playmate

Before leaving, I made sure to delete Luther and Maki's messages from the phone I used. I erased both dialed and received calls. I reset the phone to ensure there would be nothing left to see. I took out the SIM card. I left the phone on the bed before I left earlier. Rozzean won't find any traces of my conversations with Luther. Luther won't be able to send messages or make calls anymore because the SIM card is gone. "How's Daddy, Maki?" I asked. I threw the SIM card out of the window.

I'm feeling an overwhelming sense of worry now that I know about what happened to Dad. This is the first time he had an attack in five years. I remember it vividly because I was the one who found him lying on the floor. It was a traumatizing experience for me. It was so frightening that the thought won't leave my mind.

"Good thing, he was immediately brought home, and the doctor will check on him there. Uncle George didn't want to stay in the hospital, so Grandma agreed."

I breathed a sigh of relief hearing Maki's words. I wouldn't forgive myself if something bad happened to Dad. I was the one who started all of this. Even my siblings have started to act on the assumption that I was kidnapped. "Thank you for keeping your words, Maki. I really appreciate it."

I owe him a lot for keeping my secret. Maybe if he was just playing around, he would have told Rozzean or my parents the truth. I also didn't believe that he was scared of me, so that's why he didn't tell Rozzean what really happened. "I owe you."

He looked at me for a moment.

"You know me, I keep my word, but what you did, Thaliana, was really wrong. Even though I wanted to tell the truth to your parents, especially your brothers, I held back because I knew you were okay. What I did was just visit you to let you know what happened."

I looked out the window.

"But how did you tell Rozz that you're leaving? I thought for sure he wouldn't agree, especially considering the time you left the house."

I didn't look at Maki. I just stared out the window, twisting the ring Rozzean gave me on my finger. How? From the beginning, I had no intention of confessing to him while I was at his house.

I know it was wrong. I should have told him the truth before leaving, but I wanted to face him at the time my Dad set for us to meet. I wanted to explain everything to him.

That I, Tali, intruded into his house to get proofs that he is not a good man, just because I really didn't want to get married. But everything changed when I met him.

He is indeeda great a man. And now... I-I don't know if he would forgive me, but I've already decided that if Rozzean hates me, I will do everything to regain his trust.

I know his love for me won't easily vanish, because I am still Tali.

I am still that person; that's what I'm holding on to.

"Thaliana, how did you come up with this idea? You are old enough to know what's right and what's wrong. And how did you say goodbye to Rozzean? The man was so in love with you."

"I didn't say goodbye. I ran away. Don't lecture me. Every day at Rozzean's house, after realizing I liked him, I regretted pretending to be a maid. Every day, my conscience ate at me for deceiving the man I love. I also struggled with what I did, Maki. I didn't know that my curiosity about him would lead to love."

Love comes when you least expect it. At twenty-nine years old, I even declared back then that I had no plans of getting married. I just wanted to take care of my pets and run my flower shops.

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But this love... is truly unexpected.

My gaze dropped to the ring on my finger. I already wanted to go back; I already missed him.

This is what it feels like to love.

When Rozzean told me that his eyes were always searching for me, I realized how it felt.

I also want to see him always. My eyes are searching for him too.

"I don't know what to say to you, Thaliana. I was really surprised to see you there. Be thankful that Rozzean doesn't have any idea about you as Thaliana Tangi Dela Vezca. But what if he recognizes you while you're at his house? I know my friend; he's so honest with his feelings, dear cousin. If he's mad? He's mad."

"That's why when I noticed and learned that he liked you, I gave you a warning, but you still went and stayed longer. Now, I think Rozzean's feeling was so deep. His mood changed. When I went to his company yesterday, he was always smiling like a fool."

I quickly looked at Maki and gave him a disapproving look for what he said about Rozzean.

"And I know the reason for that, Thaliana."

I didn't say anything. I returned my gaze to the window.

When we reached my parents' house, I ran to the gate. It was already 2:30 in the morning. They're probably resting.

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"Let me call Grand; I'm sure he's still awake. He told me he's staying here at your parents' house for now to keep an eye on Uncle George."

Grand is one of three brothers.

"Yes, please, thank you, Maki."

But before Maki could even make the call, Grand approached the large gate of my parents' house. I immediately recognized him. His eyebrows furrowed as he approached and opened the gate. "Maki? Who are you with-what the heck, is that you, Tangi?"

I hugged Grand when I saw him. I couldn't hold back the tears that welled up in my eyes. The chaos in our family was all because of my foolishness, and even Daddy got involved.

"I'm sorry, Grand. I'm sorry for worrying all of you."

Grand pulled away from me and held both sides of my face. He stared at me, and I saw tears welling up in his eyes too.

"Thaliana Tangi! Goodness, I thought something bad happened to you! Thank goodness you're safe! Dad and Mommy will be relieved."

"Wait, I'll call Grecion and Griz to let them know that you're here."

I really made them worried.