EX FACTOR

AUBREE'S POV

Have you fell in love with someone who can't fight for you? You both love each other but still not enough for him to fight for you.

I fell deeply in love with someone who left me in the end.

It's been 7 years since he left me. But I still love him. And until now I'm still waiting for him to come back.

Flashback

I was in my second year college when I met the most popular guy in our university. His name was Sebastian Dela Rama. He's good looking, smart, rich and a varsity captain. Despite all of that he remained kind and humble. He's the epitome of a perfect guy.

His family is known. They are one of the richest family in the country. They owned five star hotels in Asia and America.

When our class knew that he will be our classmate, most of the girls are excited to go to school.

In a normal scenario, students like weekends and holidays, now my classmate were starting to hate it.

No class, no Sebastian Dela Rama. Simple as that.

Me? Well I also admire him, but I will never dream of him as my boyfriend. He is like an unreachable star. I will never be a match to him.

My father is just a manager in a 5 star hotel while his parents owned it. While my mom has a small business. I'm also a scholar. My parents can afford my tuition fee but I still chose to apply for a scholarship.

Our class will start in a few minutes. My classmates went inside our room. Then, I suddenly heard a commotion because the man of the hour arrived.

"Hi! Is this seat taken?" A guy said.

I was busy fixing my bag and I did not do an effort to look at the guy who asked me.

"No." I just said, still busy with my things.

I saw him seated beside.

"OMG! She's so lucky!"

"True! How I wish he just seat beside me."

"OMG! Seb looks really handsome!"

I keep hearing the murmuring of my classmates.

"Hi! I'm Sebastian Dela Rama. And you are?"

I felt myself stiffened upon hearing his name.

I look at him to see if he is really the Sebastian Dela Rama my classmates talks about.

My eyes widen when I saw a handsome guy beside me. He has a beautiful smile. This is the first time that I look at him this close.

"Oh My! She's really so lucky!"

I tried to compose myself.

"H-hi! I-im Aubree C-custodio." I can't help but to stuttered because I was freaking nervous.

He look at me, still smiling. "Oh so Aubree is your name. Nice to finally meet you Aubree."

Then he offer his hand to me.

I felt shy while accepting his hand.

"N-nice to f-finally meet you? W-what do you m-mean?"

He suddenly looked shy. "I have noticed you for a long time. I really want to introduce myself to you."

I wanted to scream and giggle but I need to control my self.

"Really? W-why?" Shocks! I stuttered again.

"Because I like you." He confessed to me.

Since then, Seb and I became close. He wanted to court me but I told him that I wasn't allowed to entertain a suitor until I reach at the age of 18. He respected that. We started as friends which as per him is a good foundation of a relationship.

And when I reached 18, he started to court me. He courted me in our house. He also became close to my family. That's why after 3 months of courtship, I said my yes to him.

Our relationship is nothing but blissful. After a year of our relationship, he decided to introduce me to his family. I feel so nervous. There a lot of things going on in my mind. Will they like me? Will they accept me? Are they okay with my family status?

We're already in front of their house.

"Nervous?" Seb asked me.

He squeezed my hand to relax me.

"Y-yes." I honestly told him.

"Relax okay?"

"Seb, what if they don't like me?" I asked him.

I really feel nervous.

"Sssshhh don't say that. Everything will be alright."

We went inside their mansion. Yes mansion. Their house is so big and look luxurious. It looks like a 5 star hotel. I kind of expected it from a Dela Rama.

We waited for his parents in the living room. Few minutes later, we saw her parents going their way.

His mom looks so elegant, with just one look you will know that her dress and jewelry are really expensive, not to mention his dad, he looks like the older version of Seb. His dad still looks young though.

"Mom, dad I like you to meet Aubree, my girlfriend."

"Good evening Sir, Ma'am" I greeted them with respect.

His mom looked at me from head to toe.

"Hello Aubree. Nice to finally meet you." His dad said.

He looks kind. Seb is right about his father. His mom didn't say anything. She just walk straight to their dining area. I was feeling anxious the whole dinner because its so awkward and no one is initiating a conversation.

"Aubree?" His dad call me.

"Yes sir."

"Just call me uncle."

"Yes u-uncle." I was a bit shy calling him uncle.

I look at Seb. He hold hand and smile at me.

"What your parents do for a living?"

"My dad works in a five star hotel as a manager. While my mom is managing a small business" I answered him.

His dad nodded while his mom remained quiet. If you'll think about it my mom and dad's work is okay. But it's still not enough with the Dela Rama knowing their family status.

"I heard you're a scholar in your university?" Her mom asked me.

"Yes Ma'am."

"Why do you need to apply for a scholarship? Does your parents can't afford to send you to school?" His mom asked me with a bit of insult.

"Ma!" Seb tried to stop her mom from insulting me.

I hold his hand and squeezed it. I look at him and smile for him to know that I'm okay.

"It's not like that. My parents can afford my tuition fee. It is my initiative to help them."

"Why do you need to help them? Are you guys having a financial problem?"

"Ma stop insulting my girlfriend!"

"I'm not insulting her. I just want to clear things out. You know that our family is not something to take lightly. Not just anyone deserve to be part of our family. And to tell you frankly I'm so disappointed in you."

I was surprised with her sudden outburst. While his dad remain quiet. This is what I am worried about. I know that they might not accept me because of our family status.

"I understand you Ma'am."

"Aubree!" Seb shouted at me.

"Good to hear that. You are not as naive as I thought. I think you know your place."

"I'm sorry Aubree" his dad said.

I just nodded and started to fix myself. I excused myself and went out of their house. I accepted the fact that they don't like me to be part of their family for now.

Seb followed me. "Bree!"

I face him. I bite my lower lips to hold back my tears.

"I'm sorry"

"It's okay Seb. I understand. Maybe for now we can't be together. But I will work hard for them to accept me." I smiled at him.

"Bree" Seb hug me tightly.

I hug him back.

"I love you Bree so so much."

"I know Seb and I love you too. But I guess our love is not enough to deserve each other."

He didn't answer. He just tighten his hug. I felt his tears in my shoulder.

"Sssshhh. Seb it's okay. In time, everything will be alright.

Seb sent me home. Before I went out he grab me and gave me a kiss. I felt his love in that kiss. I kiss him back.

After that night, I didn't see him anymore. His friend went to me to tell me that Seb went to America to continue his study.

He left me a letter.

Bree,

Sorry if I wasn't able to say goodbye to you in person.

My parents wants me to continue my study abroad to avoid you. Sorry if I wasn't able to stop them. Sorry if I need to leave you now.

But I know that even if they keep on pushing us apart my love for you will never change. You know how much I love you Bree. No one can replace you in my heart.

We'll see each other again Bree. I love you!

-Seb

End of flashback

GAVIN POV

After five years, now is the time for me to get serious with my life. I'm now the new CEO of Inarez group of companies. Our company owns the biggest modeling agency in the country, our company also has its own brand of clothes and accessories.

I'm actually into music and modeling. My parents loves me so much that's why they let me explore and do the things that I really want to do for 5 years. And I think 5 years of exploring and doing things for myself is enough and now its time for me to take the duty of being the only son of Inarez.

I'm already successful in the modeling field. I'm one of the top model not only in this country but also around the globe. Though I did not pursue my singing career because of too much exposure but I still manage to compose and produce good looking and talented artist.

I must say that I've become so busy in those 5 years fulfilling things for myself to the point that I did not find time for love. I only had one girlfriend when I was in high school. Though I am not really that serious with her, I actually courted her because of peer pressure. I am not really into relationship, I am too busy to think about that.

But our relationship did not last, because she needs to go abroad to continue her study. So she had no choice but to break up with me. Its not a big deal for me though.

We still manage to communicate with each other once in a while. And she felt guilty for leaving me here. Even though I kept on telling her that its okay, still she keeps on telling me how guilty she was. Especially when she knew that after her I never had a girlfriend. And its kind of irritating actually but I know that she just want me to be happy. She's a hopeless romantic kind of girl, that's why.

To be honest, if I only met that girl before her, I might courted that girl instead of her. I call her Ms. Chad because I met her during our high school United Nation event. She's a sophomore while I'm in my senior year. I'm really attracted to her not just because of her beauty but there is something in her that I can't describe. She's different from other girls. She's the only girl who can bully me though not in a mean way, and I actually find it cute. Too bad I'm already in a relationship, if not I might courted her, though I am not that confident if I can make her say yes.

I was in the middle of reminiscing my high school life when my friends Drake, Vince and Christian arrived. I'm in my room holding the welcome/engagement invitation from Sam, my ex girlfriend.

"Looks like you are also invited bro." Vince said while waving the invitation in his hand.

"Yes." I just said.

"So are you ready to hear her drama again bro?" Drake said in a teasing tone.

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"You know the "guilty" drama of Sam." Drake answered.

My eyes widen when I realized what he meant. "Oh yeah I almost forgot!"

Sam has this what we called 'guilty drama' when she told me that her parents set her in an arrange marriage. Arranged marriage is quite common in the kind of family we had. I'm just really bless with my parents because they don't have that kind of plan for me. Maybe because they already experience it before and they knew how hard it is to be in that kind of set-up.

My parents face a lot of challenges and difficulties before they receive their happily ever after.

Sam was very sorry towards me because she can't say no to her parents. We both knew that she is just only using it as an excuse to force me to have a girlfriend. Though sometimes you will be bothered by her 'guilty drama.'

There is one time when we went to US and we decided to visit her, she suddenly burst into tears when she found out that I'm still single. Even if I told her that its my choice and that she has nothing to do with it but she won't believe me. She became worst when she admit that she is starting to like his fiancé, which I already knew that from the start. Knowing her, she will not agree on that kind of arrangement if she doesn't love the guy. She's a hopeless romantic girl remember?

"If I were you bro I will bring a girlfriend on that event so that Sam will not start her guilty drama again." Vince said while chuckling.

I just shook my head. I know that Sam is just being a good friend. Her intention in doing that is good, she just want me to be happy. As per her, my life is so dull and no excitement.

"You are suggesting things as if picking up a girlfriend is like picking up a clothes." I said laughing.

"But seriously bro you really need to bring a girl on that party or else Sam will start her guilty drama in that event. You knew her, she doesn't mind even if many people are watching." Vince said scaring me.

"Guys don't get her wrong she's just so nice and innocent." I defended her.

"Too innocent for her to think that you are serious with her." Vince said in a devilish tone.

"I am." I said.

"Really? Then what about Ms. Chad?" Christian maliciously asked.

I was not able to give an answer. Its just so tricky because a week after Sam accepted me as his boyfriend, I met Ms. Chad. They knew about my feelings with Ms. Chad. Actually Christian got the chance to talk to her and I really envied him for that.

"Can't answer bro?" Christian added.

"I am serious with my relationship with Sam okay? If not I should have left her and courted Ms. Chad." I said in my defense.

"Really bro? Why am I not convince? Because as far as I know, you are scared with Ms. Chad." Christian teasingly said.

I felt myself blushed. "I'm not." I denied.

I am not scared of her, but because it was my first time to like a girl I don't have any idea how to approach the girl I like. Consider that she somehow bullied me then.

"Really? Then why can't you approached her? You had your chance to be her partner during our practice because her partner at that time went MIA (missing in action) but who did you asked? The girl next to her." Christian said the he started to laughed aloud.

Again, I was not able to answer because its true! I don't know what happened that time, I suddenly got shy to asked her that is why I asked the girl next to her instead. And because of that incident they always teased me especially Drake because he was the one who asked Ms. Chad to be her substitute partner after I asked the girl next to her. He keeps on telling me how soft her hand was and her sweet scent.

"I'm not scared. I just got shy." I said almost a whispered.

"Whatever bro. So back to our topic. What's your plan?" Vince asked.

I just shook my head.

Their eyes widen. "You don't have any plan? Don't blame us bro if Sam will suddenly cancel her engagement because of her feeling guilty that is already out of place." Vince said in a warning tone.

"I don't think she will do that." I just said.

I am sure about that. Sam love the guy that she will be marrying. That is why I'm very sure that she will not do that kind of crazy move. And I am very happy for her. She deserves all the happiness in the world.

"Whatever bro just don't blame us." Christian said.

"Ready bro?" Christian asked me.

I furrowed. Ready for what?

He then laughed. "Ready for her drama?"

I gave him a death glare.

They laughed while we went inside the venue which made me pissed. I really am praying that Samantha will not make a scene simply because I'm still single. Sometimes that girl crazy antics is so hard to understand.

I saw my mom the moment I entered the venue. She's talking to a lady, I think she's younger than me by a year or two. She's beautiful with her navy blue A-line deep V-neck and strap cross back knee length dress and an open toe silver heels. She reminds me of someone.

"Son I'm glad that you are already here." My mom said.

"Hi Mom!" I greeted her and kissed her cheek.

"Hi Auntie!" My friends said their greetings to my mom.

"Hi boys!" My mom greeted them back.

"Aubree, I'd like you to meet my son and the new CEO of Inarez group of companies Gavin and his friends Christian, Vince and Drake. Boys this is Aubree Custodio, the sales head of Geurero Ad Agency." My mom said as she introduced us to the girl she was talking to.

"You look familiar." Christian butted in.

I agree. I told myself.

"I second the motion. I think we've met you before" Drake added.

"Yes. We were schoolmates during high school. I'm Ms. Chad remember?" she said.

My eyes widen. Yes its her! "M-ms Chad?"

"Yes. Mr. Korea right?" She said while smiling at me.

I felt myself blushed. "Y-yes."

"Wait boys what's with Ms. Chad and Mr. Korea?" My mom asked curiously.

"Auntie let me explain it to you. Remember during high school we always joined the United Nation event in our school?" Christian started his speech.

My mom nodded.

"Gav was Mr. Korea while Aubree was Ms. Chad. Since we don't know her name at that time and I guess she also don't know our names we call each other by the country we are representing." Christian explained.

"Oh I see. Small world." My mom said with a sweet smile on her face.

"Indeed." That's the only thing that I can say.

I still can't believe that Ms. Chad is right in front of me.

"Boys I need to excuse myself I need to talk to my friends. You guys catch up with Aubree. Bye Aubree." and my mom left us.

"How are you Ms. Chad I mean Aubree?" Christian started to asked her. They are kind of close then.

"I'm good. I see that you guys are still together." She commented.

She were really fun to talked with. Well that is based on how she talked with Christian when we were in high school.

"You knew us?" I curiously asked.

"Of course! Who wouldn't?! Your group is the most popular during my freshmen and sophomore years. Almost all my classmates has a crush in one of you." She explained.

I suddenly smiled from her answer. I'm just happy to know that she knew our group. Though I'm very aware of our popularity back then but I really don't care about it. But now I want to be thankful because of that Ms. Chad knew me even though it was just my name.

"And what about you? Who was your crush among us?" Drake asked while looking at me.

I suddenly got nervous. Does she had a crush on one of us?

"So cocky! I think the air conditioner is too cold here." Aubree teased back.

We all laughed from her statement.

"You said earlier that almost all your classmates had a crush on one of us, so I was wondering if you are also one of them." Drake explained.

She smirked. "Sorry to disappoint you Mr. China but I never had a crush in anyone of you."

I am not shocked with her answer. As I said, she's different. She's not the kind of girl that easily got attracted with looks.

"Ouch. But its okay maybe someday?" Drake flirty hint.

She just rolled her eyes. "Whatever Drake."

We were in the middle of catching up when Sam went to us together with her fiancé. I saw Ms. Chad shocked reaction upon seeing them that made me furrowed.

"Gav!" Sam greeted me then she kiss me on my cheek.

She also greeted the group and she kiss them on their cheek.

"Guys I like you to meet my fiancee Sebastian Dela Rama." Sam introduced the guy beside her.

"Hi." He greeted us.

"So guys how are you? What about you Gav? Don't tell me until now you still don't have a girlfriend?" Sam said.

She started showing me her guilt face. Oh no she's starting again.

"No Sam. I already have a girlfriend." Sam got shocked from what I said.

Even my friends were shocked.

I got panic when she started to show me her guilt face, tears welled up on her eyes.

Sometimes I'm wondering why didn't she became an actress. She is really good at that.

"R-really? That's great. Wait don't tell me she is your girlfriend?" I looked at the girl Sam is referring to.

It was Aubree.

"Yes." Then I hold Aubree's hand.

"What?" Aubree said, shocked is visible on her face.

I ignore her reaction. "Sam meet my girlfriend Aubree Custodio, baby meet Sam and his fiancee Sebastian."

I saw her swallowed hard. I suddenly got nervous because she might spoiled my acts.

I hope not.

"Really Bree he is your boyfriend?" Sebastian butted in.

I saw her swallowed hard again and she looks pale.

I furrowed.

I knew it! They knew each other. I told myself.

"Y-yes." Aubree answered.

I sighed in relief. Good thing that she just go with the flow. But my forehead still creased.

They knew each other. I'm bothered by their reaction. What is her relationship with this Sebastian guy?