Chapter 3 3

I am kicking you out now, Ramos. Wait until I process your release papers," Mr. Rivas reiterated as he approached us.

I could feel my stomach churning, but I won't cry. Both Valdemar and Mr. Rivas can go to hell! Let them be together!

"I need to talk to your parents," Mr. Rivas said formally.

That's when it sank in.

Damn, I felt the corners of my eyes burning. I glared at Valdemar who just shrugged at me. I could clearly see the smile in his eyes even though his lips didn't move.

He's a beast! He doesn't have any mercy. I pushed him hard until I was running away. I wiped away the continuous stream of tears.

Why is it like this?

I didn't do anything to Valdemar! He just always makes me mad.

I sat down at one of the kiosks in school and slumped over, resting my head on my knees, crying and watching the students happily walking around campus, laughing as if they had no problems. While me, just like that, kicked out in an instant?! I worked so hard for three years here...

**Beep **Beep

I wiped my tears before reading the message.

Ganda: Sweetie, do you have any leftovers from your lunch the past few days? I fell short on the electricity bill, but I'll pay you back next week, promise! I love you...

I let out a sigh. I remembered Ganda. She surely won't agree if I tell her I'll stop studying and just work. Education is very important to her; she wasn't able to finish her own because of my pregnancy. And here I am, not even pregnant but thinking of quitting school, come on Peyton!

Look where your filthy mouth got you!

I cursed my playmates in Bicol, they were all guys, so I learned to curse.

Damn them all. They're such idiots.

I replied to Ganda to just take from my piggy bank. Truth is, I really save my allowance for times like this. I always bring packed lunch so I don't have to buy, and I walk instead of taking the jeep. I often use the extra money that Ganda sets aside for me as my project fund, and when there's some left, I quietly add it to my spending money without her noticing.

I took a deep breath. I can't get kicked out. This is for Ganda and me.

I looked up and started to think about what to do.

The sky was turning orange, I checked my phone to see the time, it's getting late. I realized I haven't eaten yet. I still have a class today and it will end in fifteen minutes.

I briskly walked towards our Physics building. I saw Valdemar inside and he even waved at me. I had a blank expression. Why does it all seem like a game to him?

After the class, I stood by the door and waited for Valdemar to come out. He was the last one to leave the classroom even though he knew I was waiting, acting all important.

"Hi former classmate!" he greeted in a teasing tone.

I clenched my fist, damn him! I'll get back at him eventually.

"Let's talk," I untangled. He nodded.

"In my car," he said.

"What? No. Let's just..."

"Okay, stay there..." He walked away quickly.

"Valdemar!" I called, but he didn't look back or even stop.

"Valdemar! Alright, fine, we'll go to your car." I had no choice.

He turned and walked back towards me with his hands in his pockets. He extended his hand to me, and we walked hand in hand towards the parking lot.

My hand was sweating profusely.

I wanted to pull my hand away but I wouldn't dare. It's difficult dealing with this crazy demon.

He opened the shotgun seat of his obviously expensive red car and gestured for me to sit. He got in too and started the engine. He turned on the air conditioning, but he didn't start driving yet.

"Talk," he ordered.

"I can't afford to get kicked out," I began.

He smirked.

"Why are you telling me this? Talk to Rivas, Peyton..." He ran his index finger across my face, but I didn't flinch.

"You know they won't listen to me. You have influence over them."

Valdemar let out a suppressed laugh, damn, is this guy crazy?

"So you figured it out? You're smart, Pey... You really deserve your scholarship, but... too bad, it was taken away from you." I clenched my fist and shot him a glare.

"It's your fault! You're such an idiot!" I retorted without holding back.

"So brave... I am so turned on." His eyes gleamed as he ran his palm over my cheek.

"I'm really brave, Valdemar. But I know my place. So now, I'm asking you for a favor. I don't want to be kicked out."

Valdemar raised an eyebrow. The corner of his mouth lifted as he looked at me from head to toe.

"Ignore the translations. Focus on the party. I want you to make sure he's enchanted. Understand?" Ate Vania instructed.

"Yes, Ma'am," I replied nervously.

I went back to the apartment with a bag full of clothes, makeup, and hair accessories. Ganda was already home from her work at the bakery. She looked at me curiously as I entered.

"What's all this, Pey?" she asked.

"Just trying out some new things, Ganda. Thought I'd experiment a bit," I said, avoiding her gaze.

The truth was, I needed to make sure I looked perfect for Valdemar's party. It was a night I couldn't afford to mess up.

As the days passed, I spent hours practicing with the makeup and hair products. Ganda was amused by my sudden interest in beauty routines. She'd often chuckle and offer me tips, thinking it was just a phase.

Finally, the day of the Valentine's Party arrived. Ganda wished me good luck, thinking I was attending as a guest. She had no idea about the deal I had made with Valdemar.

I followed Ate Vania's instructions carefully. The salon spa was luxurious, and everyone treated me with utmost respect. They transformed me, giving me a new look that even I couldn't recognize.

When I arrived at the party, I was met with stares of admiration. Valdemar's eyes widened when he saw me. He approached me with a grin.

"You look stunning, Peyton," he said, his voice low.

"Thank you," I replied, trying to keep my composure.

As the night went on, Valdemar and I danced, laughed, and pretended to be a couple. I played my part, knowing that my scholarship and future depended on it.

It was a night of deceit, but I had no choice. I had to do whatever it took to secure my education and Ganda's future. And if that meant pretending to be someone I wasn't, then so be it.

The night turned out to be surprisingly tolerable. I didn't end up looking like a clown. It's hard to recognize myself when I look in the mirror. The makeup was subtle, but it made a significant difference. They curled the ends of my hair, and I actually liked how it fell.

They handed me the dress I'd be wearing - a golden tube dress adorned with crystals and beads. It showcased my legs. I'd never worn something like this before, let alone the gold high heels.

Ate Vania presented me with a box, and my mouth dropped open. Inside were pearl bracelets and dangling earrings. She insisted I put them on, despite my protests.

"Alec's request," Ate Vania whispered while placing the earrings on me.

Is everyone, including Ate Vania, bending over backwards for that jerk?

I left the dimly lit salon, feeling slightly overwhelmed by all the changes. The black car was waiting for me. I got in, feeling nervous during the drive.

What will Bilog say when he sees me looking like this? Will he report me to Ganda?

And can I even return to school? Am I still kicked out?

"Madame, we are here." The door opened on my side, revealing a hotel where the Valentine's Party was being held. I recognized many faces, but only one caught my attention.

Valdemar.

He leaned against the side of his red car, hands in his pockets. His gaze was fixed, and everyone who passed by couldn't help but glance at him.

He's so handsome, damn it.

I took a deep breath before stepping out of the car. I walked towards him, my heart pounding. It felt like my heart was racing faster than my feet. When I saw him looking straight at me, it felt like I was the lead in a shampoo commercial, approaching her leading man.

"Damn it, Pey, you look stunning!"

My dramatic entrance to Valdemar was interrupted by my friend Ralph.

I turned to Ralph, who approached with a wide smile, oblivious to my irritation. I smiled and nodded.

Get lost, I signaled with my eyes, trying to convey my frustration. But he just scratched his head in confusion.

"Who's this, Ralph?" I glanced to the side and saw Leigh approaching as well. I slapped my forehead mentally. I hate this scene!

"Peyton!" Leigh chirped. If it were any other day, I would've punched them. They were my classmates in three subjects, and they treated me like one of the guys. They often teased me for being good at riding a motorcycle, a skill they admired.

I felt someone tug at my hand from the small group of Ralph and Leigh. I was about to protest, but then I noticed Valdemar's back. My feet moved on their own, following him without looking back.

Valdemar opened his car, and I got in automatically. He followed suit, driving away from the venue.

No one spoke in the car. Valdemar's eyes were fixed on the road, his grip on the wheel tight.

We arrived at a prestigious hotel. I suddenly felt nervous, anticipating what would happen next. And until now, I couldn't quite accept it.

"Presidential Suite," Valdemar informed the receptionist, who was clearly smitten by the presence of that jerk.

We wasted no time and went up to the suite. I was amazed as soon as the door opened. The hotel room was spacious, with two rooms, even a kitchen.

He sat on the sofa immediately. I followed suit. He looked at me sternly, so I stood up again.

"Number One rule, do what I say and never do anything that I don't say," he ordered with authority. I nodded quickly.

"Number two, you won't tell anyone about our connection." I nodded again. That suited me just fine.

"I'll call you if I need you. You call me if you need me," he said with a grin, emphasizing the 'need'.

"It's not likely that I'll need you in the way you're thinking," I retorted.

"Whatever. I'm just letting you know that you have that option."

"What else? When will I get my scholarship back?"

Valdemar grinned and took out his cellphone. He set it to speaker.

"Sir Alec," he said into the phone.

I furrowed my brows.

It was Mr. Rivas's voice. It was noisy in the background, so I was sure he was at the Valentine's party.

"How's Ramos' scholarship?" Valdemar asked.

"It's good, Sir. We'll send it to her house tomorrow," Mr. Rivas politely replied.

"Good. Bye."

Valdemar shrugged and patted the spot beside him. I sat there.

"W-why did we leave the party?" I asked.

"Because those idiots were staring at my property. You look beautiful tonight, Pey," he whispered, kissing my earlobe, sending shivers down my spine.

"And today I decided, that you will be exclusively for my eyes only, Peyton. Remember that."