Chapter 1
Justine's POV
I was annoyed as I kept calling Kairo's phone repeatedly. That idiot must have had too much fun with whatever nonsense he was up to last night and forgot that we were supposed to visit the site where he plans to build a new branch of his mall.
"Damn it!"
Frustrated, I threw my phone into the backseat of my car and sped off toward Kairo's condo unit.
He was probably there since he likely brought another woman home again. He never takes his women to his mansion, saying only the woman he loves will be allowed inside. But of course, I'm an exception.
I pressed the doorbell of his condo multiple times because his secretary had been calling, saying the engineer who was supposed to inspect the site with us had been waiting for a while.
"Woah! Easy there, witch."
I glared at him and walked straight into his room.
"Where did you hide your woman?"
There was no one else in his condo; only scattered pillows and blankets were left behind.
"She's gone. I sent her away this morning," he replied.
I put my hands on my hips, facing him, and angrily threw a pillow at him.
"So, what are you standing around for, Kairo? Faye has been calling non-stop. Did you forget we're supposed to visit the site where you're building your mall?"
Good grief! This isn't even my problem, but I always end up taking care of it. Why did I end up with a friend like this fool?
If it weren't for the bouncers at the club I used to go to, I never would have met this jerk. But it's alright because I get free access to any bar, club, and mall just by mentioning I'm friends with Kairo. Besides, Kairo is my walking ATM since I can borrow money from him at any time.
Having a billionaire friend is like living on cloud nine. But don't get me wrong; I love Kairo as my best friend. Ever since he became my friend, I've had a companion in life.
"I'm the boss, so I'll work whenever I want. It's their job to wait for me because I pay their salaries."
Such an arrogant man, he really doesn't care about other people.
"Hurry up, Kairo, or I'll kick you!"
He didn't reply and just went into the bathroom.
I kept glancing at my watch because it seemed like the damn fool had been in the bathroom for an hour, and he still hadn't come out. He's really testing my patience. He knows we're in a hurry, yet he's moving as slow as a turtle.
"What are you standing around for, Kairo? Are you just going to stand there all day?"
He was just standing there with nothing but a towel wrapped around him.
"How can I change my clothes when you're here? Unless you want me to strip in front of you."
I sighed and quickly left his room.
Kairo is the only mafia boss and CEO I know who moves slower than a turtle, but when it comes to women, goodness! He moves faster than Flash.
"Let's go."
Unlike earlier when he seemed mischievous, he's now in a formal suit with a serious expression on his face.
That's how he is when other people are around, but when it's just us, my head aches from his mischief. It's like I've become his instant mom because I'm always the one scolding him.
We both lost our parents, but he still has his dad, while I have no relatives left.
We arrived at the site, and Faye was already there with the engineers. They immediately turned to us, and Faye seemed relieved, while Kairo's dad was glaring at him.
"Now that they're here, we can start inspecting your site, Mr. Divinchie," the engineer said. Kairo just nodded and scanned the whole place.
The engineers, along with Faye and Kairo's dad, were in front of us while we quietly followed behind.
I feel like Tito is going to scold Kairo again for being late. Tito hates people who are always late because he believes in the saying "time is gold," which is why he and Kairo never get along.
"The site where you're planning to build your mall, Mr. Divinchie, is suitable. In fact, it's an excellent location for your business."
Kairo didn't respond, so I nudged him on the side.
"I know," he replied briefly.
This guy really has no manners.
The engineers left, and it was just the four of us remaining with Faye and uncle, who was now glaring at Kairo.
"What now, old man?" Kairo asked Tito with a frown.
"Do you really have no plans of straightening up, Kalix? If Faye hadn't called Justine to pick you up, we would probably still be waiting for you now," Tito angrily said to Kairo, who, in turn, didn't care about what his dad was saying.
"Why do you care? This is my company and my life, so you have no right to tell me what I should do."
I wanted to stop Kairo from what he was saying, but I didn't want to get involved in their father-son argument.
"If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be where you are today. I am your father, Kalix. Without me, you wouldn't be here now."
Kairo was about to respond when I patted his shoulder because the veins in Uncle neck were starting to show from holding back his anger.
Kairo didn't say anything and just walked away while Tito watched him leave.
"I'm sorry, Tito. I'll talk to Kairo," I quickly said after excusing myself from his dad and then caught up with Kairo, walking beside him.
"You shouldn't have said that to him, Kairo, because no matter how much you turn the world upside down, he's still your father. You're lucky you still have a dad. Besides, he also gets hurt by the things you say," I began as we walked.
"Tsk! I don't care about his damn feelings, Justine. I wish he had died instead of my mom."
Kairo blames Uncle for his mother's death because on the day their mansion was attacked by Uncle old enemies in the mafia, Uncle happened to be away handling business in another country.
Only their staff and Kairo were left at the mansion, and he couldn't do anything because he was only 13 years old at the time. When arrived, all he found was his lifeless wife.
How did I know that? Simple. Kairo told me one time when he got drunk.
"Kairo, do you think your mom would be happy if she knew you were blaming your dad?"
He didn't say anything, so I just stayed quiet because he's sensitive when it comes to his mom.
He's a womanizer, but he loves his mom dearly. He always visits her at the cemetery whenever he misses her.
"It's better if you treat me, as payment for picking you up."
I winked at him to lighten the atmosphere because he still wasn't speaking.
Instead of eating at an expensive restaurant, we were here at the park where street food was sold. He used to never eat this kind of food, but he eventually got used to it because I always asked him to treat me here.
"The food here is really delicious, isn't it, Kai?" I rubbed my stomach because I was so full as we walked through the park.
"Act like a lady."
He slapped my hand, so I glared at him.
"This is how I am, and duh? You have no right to tell me what to do. First of all, I'm still a woman no matter what I do. Secondly, you have no right to dictate what I do because this is my body. Do you know that's insulting? Behave yourself. Keep quiet if you have nothing nice to say," I said, annoyed.
"Fine, I'm sorry."
Instead of replying, I just rolled my eyes at him.
"Hey! Be thankful that I've apologized to you."
"Oh wow? Of course! You made a mistake, so you should apologize. Don't try to use your demonic charm on me."
The nerve of this guy. He's the one who did something wrong, and yet I'm the one who should be grateful he apologized.
We turned our heads to look at a couple walking beside us-college students in uniform.
"Owws, look at them, then look at you. Pfft, single."
Damn, Kairo, this guy is too hurtful.
"Good for them, they have a partner. Tsk! Should I feel pressured, Kairo?"
I pretended to clutch my chest while watching them.
"Don't be. If you never get a boyfriend, I'm willing to be your one."
Instead of feeling flattered, I pretended to be nauseous.
"No, thanks. I don't want a womanizer for a boyfriend."
He just smirked and was about to light a cigarette when I took it from him.
"We're in public, Kairo. Didn't you see the 'No Smoking' sign? You really don't know how to follow the rules."
He didn't answer and just shrugged before continuing to walk.
This guy is getting on my nerves. He ruined my mood all morning because instead of testing my new car for my race tonight, I'm stuck here with a guy who's like a robot and a lousy conversation partner..
To Be Continued...
Chapter 2
We've been hanging out here at the park for a while, and it seems like Kairo has no intention of going to the company. He still seems to be upset with his father, as he's not answering any of his calls.
"Kairo," I called out, making him turn to look at me.
"Let's go to a bar later," I suggested, because I miss going to bars with him.
"Sure, I'll follow you after my transaction," he replied.
Kairo is a mafia boss, and his main business involves arms and diamonds smuggled from other countries.
He's incredibly rich, so almost every woman who sees and knows him is willing to do anything just to have him. Add to that his perfect face and body, which could drive any woman crazy.
Okay, fine, I admit I was one of them when I first saw him at a club, but after becoming friends with him and getting to know him better, it became normal for me to see him without a shirt. Besides, his womanizing ways are such a turn-off.
"Wait, don't you have a race tonight?" he asked.
I slapped my forehead, remembering I had a race later tonight and still needed to test the car I would use.
"I forgot! D*mn! I need to go home, Kairo. I still have to test my car," I said.
He just shook his head, fixed his clothes, and stood up.
"You're still single and young, yet you're becoming forgetful. That's very bad, w!tch," he teased again.
"Che! Why? Do you have a girlfriend?" I shot back.
He had the nerve to tease me, acting like he has a serious girlfriend.
"None, but at least I have a lot of flings. And I'm not forgetful," he retorted.
I just rolled my eyes and quickly got into my car, before I lose my temper and strangle this jerk.
I drove home alone since Kairo and I were taking different routes. My house is in the city, while Kairo's is quite far, hidden and surrounded by trees.
Trust me, his house is like it's even bigger than the Malacañang Palace. From what I've heard, his mansion cost billions because of its massive size. It even has a basement below-though basements are always below; if it were above, it would be a rooftop.
When I got home, I went straight to the garage. Unlike Kairo's, my house is relatively small since I live alone, but the garage is huge because of all the cars I use for racing and the ones I've won.
Ahem! Not to brag, but I haven't lost a race yet, except when Kairo is my opponent, because he doesn't consider me a friend on the race track.
At first, I was really annoyed with him because I was known as the "Flash" of underground racing, but when Kairo came, he took my throne. I was furious when he defeated me, and to top it off, he kept teasing me for being a crybaby.
Who wouldn't cry? I had carefully built a reputation on the race track, and Kairo just destroyed it. "Take note," he was already my friend back then. Instead of giving up, I became more determined.
I can't blame him; he's a mafia boss, and it would be more embarrassing for him to lose to a woman. But whatever, I'll never forget that day-the day I lost.
Once I ensured my car was in good condition, I went back inside the house to clean up because Kairo might come over again. He's so fussy; that's why I call him a clean freak because whenever he visits, the first thing he notices is any mess.
I sat on the sofa out of exhaustion. Gosh, it's been almost a week since I last cleaned, so dust has piled up in my house. I still have cars to wash. I don't want to hire help because it's just an added expense. What if I go broke once I stop racing? But, of course, that's just a joke.
After resting a bit, I got up to cook my meal because I needed to take a bath afterward. My race is at 8 PM, so I should be there early.
Third Person's POV
Meanwhile...
Kairo and his staff were already preparing for the transaction when his dad entered with some of his men.
"What do you want?" Kairo asked.
He doesn't know why, but he's always had a grudge against his dad since his mom died at the hands of his enemies.
"Nothing, I just wanted to check on you, son, to see if you're okay."
Tsk! Now he thinks of checking on him, when earlier he was all about lecturing. If Justine hadn't been with him earlier, he might have said something he'd regret.
"I'm good, so you can leave," he answered reluctantly.
"Anyway, I want to talk to you tomorrow."
He didn't say anything and just nodded.
He glanced at his watch, and seeing it was close to 8 PM, he instructed his right-hand man to prepare his men. His business partners tonight were some foreign Americans.
"Boss, the two trucks with are ready, as well as our men," his right-hand man reported.
"Let's go," he replied coldly.
They arrived at an abandoned building where the exchange of arms and money would take place. His men were ready for whatever might happen, especially since he didn't trust foreigners.
"Mr. Divinchie, it's good to have a transaction with you," the foreigner greeted him.
"Stop the chitchat, Mr. Hourd, and let's proceed with our business," Kairo replied.
Kairo hates being kept waiting and hates lengthy conversations, as he quickly loses his patience-except with Justine, who laughs at him no matter how much he threatens her, which only irritates him more.
"Where are the ammos, Mr. Divinchie?"
He signaled his men to open the truck containing his goods.
"Where's the money?" he asked as he saw the American's men approaching the truck.
He needed to ensure Mr. Hourd would pay with real money because the products they were buying were worth billions, and he wouldn't allow himself to lose that much money.
"Here's the money."
Three of Hourd's men came forward carrying three attaché cases filled with cash.
"That's 5 billion pesos, Mr. Divinchie-no more, no less," the foreigner said, with a slight accent on the Filipino words.
"That's good, Mr. Hourd. You can get your ammos now."
His men took the money while the American's men retrieved the arms he was selling.
"It's nice working with you, Mr. Divinchie. I'll just call you if I need your ammos again."
They shook hands and both grinned.
"Sure, no problem."
After the transaction, he immediately called the men assigned to watch over Justine. He had several men watching Justine from a distance to ensure her safety, especially since she was involved in illegal racing run by syndicates like him, who were ruthless and played dirty.
"Boss, Ms. Justine is still at the race track watching the races, but her race is already over," his man reported.
He just nodded and didn't bother asking if she won, because he knew she had never lost a race.
"Tell our men to guard her," he ordered.
Instead of going home to his mansion, he went straight to a club to drink and find a woman to spend the night with.
"Hi, handsome. Wanna have some fun with me?" a woman asked.
He didn't answer; instead, he kissed her and led her to a VIP room.
This was his daily routine: go to the company, have a transaction, then have fun with random women. Yes, he is truly heartless. After spending the night with a woman, he would discard her like trash. He could also k*ll anyone, innocent or not, as long as they had greatly wronged him or stood in the way of his plans.
He had k*lled an innocent person before, and he had no regrets. Surely, his soul is already burning in h*ll for the grave sins he committed in the eyes of the law and God.
But he has another secret, one that no one knows except him. Even his best friend Justine doesn't know what it is because he isn't ready to reveal it yet.
Kairo woke up at dawn, and he's still in the VIP room of the club with the woman he was with last night. He picked up his pants and clothes, then immediately left the room without even glancing at the woman he had slept with.
Since Justine's house is closer to the club he went to last night, he decided to stay there and take a shower. After all, he had a few work clothes there, and besides, he still felt drowsy and tired.
Justine's POV
Yawning, I came down from my room to cook. I always cook before I shower because I'm used to leaving immediately after my bath if I have somewhere to go.
"What the h*ll?" That was all I could say when I saw Kairo sitting cross-legged at the dining table, drinking coffee.
"Good morning, w!tch."
The nerve of this guy to drink coffee in my house and not even offer me any.
"What are you doing here, and how did you get in?" I asked, puzzled, because as far as I remembered, I locked the gate and the door when I got home.
"Because you're so damn smart and put your house key under the welcome mat."
I'm forgetful, so instead of always carrying my house key with me, I leave it under the welcome mat outside the door.
"The nerve of you to drink coffee without even offering me some. Take note* in my own house! And on top of that, you took a shower too! Just wow, Mr. Divinchie."
He's already finished showering because he's wearing a business suit. Tsk! He acts like he's the one paying the water bill.
This guy showers like a woman would.
I'm embarrassed. Imagine, in my own house, and I'm the one who hasn't showered yet, and he didn't even offer me coffee. The audacity of this fool-he's so comfortable, you'd think he owns the place.
"Move over, Kairo! How embarrassing, you didn't even cook or make me coffee."
I pushed him aside slightly and headed to the fridge to start cooking our breakfast.
Yes, our breakfast, because even though I don't want to feed Kairo, I'm sure he'll eat anyway. Remember, he's shameless.
"Take a bath first."
How arrogant, just because he's already done with his shower.
"Don't be so fussy; this isn't your house. Besides, duh? I washed my face, okay!"
To Be Continued...
Chapter 3
He was silently watching me while I cooked. He must have felt guilty because he made me coffee that was as bland as water.
But then I remembered he didn't have a conscience because he's an agent of Lucifer. No, scratch that-he's his right-hand man.
Just a friendly tip: don't be fooled by Kairo's handsome and innocent face because, as they say, "looks can be deceiving." So, avoid faces that are too good-looking, or else you'll just end up getting hurt. Just kidding, not all of them are like that.
Forgive me if I seem too harsh today. I haven't had breakfast yet, and to top it off, Kairo is getting on my nerves.
"Damn! I'm already hungry."
Wow, he's complaining even though I'm cooking for him.
"Here you go, boss, I wouldn't want to inconvenience you, boss," I said sarcastically.
I placed the food I cooked on the table and set it up myself because it's embarrassing for my "boss" to do anything but sit and watch me.
"Hey Kairo! Wash the clothes you wore last night. Don't tell me I have to do it," I snapped at him because I saw the clothes he wore last night piled up in the laundry.
"Just throw it away."
This guy is incredibly lazy, probably because he's used to giving orders all the time.
I wonder what would happen to Kairo without his staff and helpers, who always cater to his every whim. He can't even wash his own clothes because he's so lazy. Goodness! If I were Kairo's mom, I might have thrown a pot at him by now.
"Bye, witch, I'm going!"
I didn't reply and just rolled my eyes because I was busy washing the dishes.
And yes, I was the one who cooked, prepared our meal, and even washed the dishes. That's how kind I am. I could pass for a nanny or a wife.
Instead of taking a shower early today, here I am, washing my clothes and the clothes of the shameless man named Kairo.
It's tempting to throw his clothes away, but they're so expensive, it would be a waste. I scrubbed them thoroughly because there was lipstick on them, and it was hard to remove since it seemed waterproof.
Is there such a thing as waterproof lipstick? I wouldn't know because I'm not into those things. If there's an event, someone else does my makeup.
When I finished all the laundry, I went straight to the garage to wash the cars before taking a shower myself. Sometimes, I'm too lazy to shower, but I push myself because I have a friend who's very particular. But admit it, sometimes you're too lazy to shower too, right? Don't be shy, we're all in this together.
Third Person's POV
Kairo's dad had been waiting in his office since early morning because he had something important to tell Kairo. He kept checking his watch because he couldn't wait to share the important news from Kairo's grandfather.
"Thank God! You're here, Kairo."
He stood up immediately when the door opened, revealing his son's emotionless face.
"How important could it be that you couldn't even sit down, my dear father?" Kairo said sarcastically.
Without wasting any more time, his father immediately stated his purpose.
The secretary who was delivering coffee to his dad flinched at his shout. If the office weren't soundproof, the noise would have reached the next department.
"Then find another wife, Kairo, instead of Melissa, because that's your grandfather's decision. Unless you want the organization to be taken away from you. Have you forgotten about the 'acuerdo principal de la organización'?" his father calmly replied.
In a fit of rage, Kairo threw the things on his desk. His damn grandfather wanted him to marry Melissa, a certified model and, as Kairo said, a gold-digging b*tch.
The "acuerdo principal de la organización" states that the current mafia don must either marry or have a child. Melissa is the daughter of one of his grandfather's allies, and she was once his fling, so he knows how deceitful she is. She was even rumored to have been pregnant by a famous TV actor.
"F*ck marriage? Tsk! What is that old man thinking, wanting me to marry that woman. Damn it! Why are they in such a hurry?" he thought angrily.
His brilliant grandfather simply wants him to marry Melissa; otherwise, he'll take back the organization that Kairo has worked hard to expand-not just in the country, but throughout Asia. There's no way he'll let anyone take it, not even his grandfather.
"I need to find a goddamn wife! As long as it's not that Melissa," he said in frustration, running a hand through his hair.
He wants to marry a woman like his mother-caring, loving, and always putting others before herself-not someone like Melissa, who does nothing but shop and flirt with different men.
He's done with that woman, and there won't be any repeats because his motto is "one f*ck is enough." Once he's had his way, there's no going back, unless you're like Blairy.
Who's Blairy? That's a mystery because she's one of the women Kairo keeps as a secret, known only to him.
Kairo was lost in thought, wondering how he'd find a wife when his eyes landed on a picture of Justine tucked under the glass of his desk. Justine herself put her picture there, saying it would ruin his mood every time he saw her grinning face.
A smirk formed on his lips as an idea came to him about who could replace Melissa. He listed Justine's qualities in his mind, and all of them matched the description of the woman he wanted to marry.
She's pretty, a bit boyish but still passable, hardworking, a good cook, resourceful, caring, and better at nagging than his mom. Justine would be perfect as his wife, but it might be difficult to convince her because she's as stubborn as a rock.
But of course, what Kairo wants, Kairo gets. By hook or by crook, if he has to use his status as a mafia boss to get Justine, he will, just so he doesn't end up with the woman he despises.
Justine's POV
I woke up to a loud banging on my door. I was sprawled out on the sofa, my things scattered on the floor because I stayed up late last night after participating in a race.
This idiot is kicking my door like he owns the place. Tsk, he's lucky he's my friend, or else he'd get it from me. Instead of getting up, I just stayed lying on the sofa.
My whole body is tired because I got home early this morning after joining three races. I haven't even changed since yesterday, but it's okay; I still smell good, though you wouldn't be able to tell.
"What's wrong with you, Kairo? Are you trying to break down my door?" I asked my best friend irritably, and yes, he's the rude one who barged in without knocking.
"Tsk! It's already late, and you're still lying there," I just raised an eyebrow at him and continued lying on the sofa.
"What do you need, Your Highness, that you're causing trouble in my house? Don't you have work to do at your company, and yet you're here?" This jerk does nothing but mess up my peaceful life.
"Good question, witch."
I glared at him, but he just grinned and sat at my feet.
"I want you to marry me."
I clutched my butt as I fell off the sofa and then burst out laughing.
hahahaha! Seriously? Hahahaha! Damn! Nice joke, Kairo. Hahahaha!"
I pounded the floor with my fist as I laughed, tears forming in my eyes as I looked at him.
"Do you think I'm joking?"
"You're not joking?" I straightened up and looked at him incredulously.
"You know I don't know how to joke."
Oh my gosh! What's happening in the world that my friend is proposing marriage to me?
Is the world turning upside down, and my womanizing best friend wants to marry me? Oh my! But wait-marriage? As in, getting married? What on earth did this idiot eat to make him decide to propose to me?
"Hey Kairo! Quit with your nonsense; I have no plans of entertaining you."
I got up from the floor and faced him, frowning.
"I'm serious, Justine. I need to find a wife, or else I'll lose my organization."
Tsk, then why is he proposing to me when he has so many flings?
"Then find another woman, Kairo. Is that a problem? With your looks and money, plenty would die to marry you."
It's impossible for him not to find someone else, considering that even older women are drawn to his Adonis-like body and face, not to mention his wealth.
"They only want my money. In short, they're gold diggers," he replied nonchalantly.
"Why me? We're best friends, for goodness' sake."
Jeez! We're friends, and he's proposing to me? Has he gone mad?
"Because I want you to be my wife rather than any other girl out there."
I smirked and poked his side.
"Yieee, you have a hidden desire for me," I teased him, but he just glared at me.
"Dream on! I want you
To Be Continued...