The Billionaire's Playmate

I was holding Thes inside the VIP room of her bar. My friend was already asleep. Thankfully, nothing bad happened to her. "Luther..."

Luther looked at me. He came with us to sort out the trouble that happened earlier. I'm worried about the situation. Rozzean, the guy who punched my friend several times, is still unconscious. They took him to the hospital. "Did you see him?" I asked Luther, referring to Rozzean.

"No, but he called me. He said he's willing to pay for the damages. I asked him to come back here, but he said he'll settle it, and if the man decides to sue him, they'll meet in court."

Does he not want to talk to me?

But why is he here? He doesn't usually drink outside.

"Were you with him when he came here, Luther? I didn't know Rozzean was here."

I was surprised earlier. I called his name, but I didn't expect him to be here. My heart raced when I saw him. But I felt hurt when I called him, and he didn't even turn around.

Call me assuming, but because of what he did, I gained a bit of hope that we might patch things up somehow.

"No. I just followed here after my work. I didn't tell Cyron that you're here, and he's not with me either. Actually, I haven't heard from him in days, don't know what he's up to. He's not talking to me either. Probably mad."

I got concerned about what Luther said. If that's the case, even their sibling relationship is having problems.

"I am sorry, Luther..."

He shook his head and smiled, then glanced at Thes.

"I expected him to be angry with me."

"Also, I was looking for you when I came here. You weren't answering your calls. I saw that woman being dragged by men."

"W-What? Thes?"

I asked and looked at my friend, who was still rubbing her cheek. She had no idea what happened at her bar.

"Party!" I lowered Thes's hand as she suddenly lifted it. She seemed to be still dreaming.

"It turns out she knows you, and she's the friend you mentioned. I helped her and pretended to be her boyfriend to save her from those men. When we got inside the bar, I asked her about you, but she was too drunk and saying all sorts of things. We went inside and looked for you until I saw that something was happening."

I sighed in relief. It's a good thing Luther saw Thes; otherwise, something bad might have happened to my friend.

"Thank you for saving my friend, Luther. She suddenly disappeared from my sight earlier."

"She's..."

He looked at Thes. I waited for Luther to continue, but he didn't say anything more. He suddenly turned around and touched the back of his neck.

"Anyway, I called Maki; he'll be here shortly. He'll take you to the mansion. Your parents might be worried, Thaliana," he said, turning back.

"Thank you. I've already sent them a message. But... about the man who harassed me. Maybe I can take action if he sues Rozzean? The truth is, Rozzean just defended me against that guy."

"Yes, but I don't think the man will sue. I also found out that his father has his own company. In our world, it's not likely that all CEOs know each other."

I raised my eyebrows at what he said. I had already thought earlier that the man might sue Rozzean for hurting him.

"Why?"

Luther smirked, "Who would want to have a fight with Rozzean Cyron Valleje? Thaliana, just mentioning Cyron's name is enough to make those who want to challenge him back off."

"He should be thankful he only got a punch on his face."

I just looked at Thes upon hearing Luther's words. My longing for Rozzean lessened a bit when I saw him earlier. He was so close, yet I couldn't reach him.

"Do you think there's still a chance for us to be okay?" I lifted my eyes to Luther.

I'm still hopeful. I don't want to let go of the hope that we can patch things up.

"I don't know how to answer that."

"But, Thaliana, do you think Cyron was here because he wanted to drink? We are in BGC. He doesn't just go to a bar to drink alone, especially far from his home. He prefers to drink alone in his house. He's alone here, and he doesn't have any friends with him. Maki wasn't with him."

H-He has a point. Rozzean is a busy person. It's all work even when he gets home. And... his house is in Tagaytay. "So, if he was here... that's not a coincidence. What is it? Did he drive here for hours just to have a drink alone?" "A-Are you saying that he went here because of... me?"

He sighed before answering, glancing at his cellphone. He approached us, lifted my friend, and carried her.

"Maki is here, Thaliana. Let's go."

Luther turned away from me while carrying Thes, but I stayed in my place. I wanted to hear his answer to my question, so I called him.

"Luther."

He looked at me.

"D-Do you think he went here b-because of me? But how? How did he know I'm here?"

He smiled at me, "I don't want you to hope. This is just my opinion, but maybe... Rozzean is following you."

Upon hearing what he said, I stood up and walked towards him. My heart was beating so fast. Is Rozzean following me?

But if that's the case, does he want to talk to me? Why doesn't he approach me? Why doesn't he find a way for us to talk? Why did he suddenly leave when I called his name?

"Come on, Thaliana."

I nodded, and we headed towards the exit of the bar. I immediately saw Maki waiting in front of Thes's car. He was leaning against it. As soon as he saw us, he approached. "Where's the car key?"

I took the car key from Thes's bag, and Maki opened the car. Luther put Thes in the backseat, and I quickly followed. Once we were inside, I looked out the window to see Luther and express my gratitude. "Thank you again, Luther, and thank you for saving Thes earlier."

He was talking to Maki. He approached me and peeked at Thes, who was peacefully sleeping beside me.

"No problem. Take care on your way home."

I nodded, and as I remembered his mother's birthday, I spoke again.

"About Aunt's birthday. I will show you different kinds of flowers for the venue. Maybe you can choose five varieties."

"No need, Thaliana. You choose. Whatever you think is beautiful, go for it. I don't know much about flowers, and besides, the celebration is a surprise, so I can't ask Mommy about it."

I smiled at what Luther said. It was their Dad's idea to surprise their Mom. It turns out, their Mom also likes flowers, and Luther chose me to arrange the venue. I was nervous. With all the clients I've had, this is the first time I felt this kind of pressure.

"Oh... okay. It will happen next week, right?"

"Yes, I'm not pressuring you with the designs. It's up to you. When Mommy finds out that you chose the flowers and designed everything, she'll be extremely happy."

After our conversation, Luther said his goodbyes. Maki also entered the car. He glanced at me and at Thes, who was really out of it.

"Therese hasn't changed at all. Still fond of parties?" Maki asked, shaking his head.

I smiled, "It was just her way to release her emotions, Maki. That's why I always accompanied her before. Now, it's my turn to need her, so we went to the bar. I am thankful that she was trying her best to make me feel better."

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Maki faced the road and started the car.

"A true friend," my cousin remarked.

"Indeed," I replied, looking at Thes. I brushed the hair away from her face and adjusted her position so she wouldn't be uncomfortable. I leaned her against my shoulder and held her left hand. "Mommy..."

When I heard Thes say that, I felt a sense of sadness for her. Until now, the relationship she wanted with her mother has not been given. Her mother still treats her differently, especially compared to her sibling. "M-Mommy..."

"Shhh..." I said and gently stroked her cheek.

We arrived home safely, and my parents were already waiting. When I saw my dad standing next to my mom, I suddenly felt nervous. He had a serious expression on his face.

"I heard that you got harassed at the bar, Tangi."

I bit my lower lip upon hearing Dad's words. Thes woke up suddenly, and Maki was there to assist her. Thes composed herself and stood beside me. She bowed to my parents and apologized.

"I am so sorry, Aunty and Uncle."

"No, don't apologize, Therese. You don't control the thoughts of the men in your bar. I am just thankful that you both are safe."

I held Thes's hand and smiled at her. I knew she was blaming herself now.

"I also found out that Rozzean was there, Tangi."

I quickly looked at Dad when I heard him say that. My nervousness increased. I paused for a moment, took a breath, and straightened my hand against my clothes. "D-Dad."

How did he find out? Did Luther tell him? Maki?

"He was the one who saved you from the man who harassed you. Did you talk to him, Tangi?"

I nodded slowly, "No... h-he left right away."

My dad nodded approvingly.

"Good."

G-Good?