Hook An Engineer

"Gypsy, it's so obvious you're just trying to get attention from the boys in the Engineering Department. Aren't you even a little bit embarrassed? Almost all of them have been your exes!" Melisa, her best friend, ranted non-stop, never holding back.

Gypsy just rolled her eyes, as if Melisa's words had any real power over her. So what if she managed to go through every guy in the department? What difference did it make to her?

She knew that Melisa was just concerned. After all, with all the boyfriends she had, it was no surprise that people had started to call her a playgirl, a flirt, a tease-spreading hurtful rumors and disgusting descriptions of her. Tsk. They were just insecure, and that made her best friend even more worried.

Melisa always confronted her, pointing out the things she did that affected her image at school. She couldn't stand it when people talked behind Gypsy's back, creating false stories and issues that weren't even true. As her best friend, Melisa hated seeing her dragged down by all the gossip, and so she would repeat the same reminders over and over again. It was her way of trying to get Gypsy to realize the consequences of her actions, even though Gypsy was never one to listen.

"Stop that, Mel," Gypsy said softly, almost indifferently. "You know your words don't change me." She said it as if it was the simplest truth in the world, reminding her friend that no matter what she said, her habits wouldn't change. She was used to switching boyfriends, used to flirting with the engineering students. Why should it bother her now?

"We're about to graduate, Mel. You know my dreams, my ideal future. I want to be with an engineer, someone who'll be with me for the rest of my life. So, starting now, I'm going to search for the man I'll marry-my future engineer husband," she said, her voice dreamy and full of excitement. She even raised an eyebrow, her eyes squinting as she imagined it all, completely lost in the fantasy of her perfect future.

"Stop with that nonsense, Gypsy. That's not good for you anymore. Don't search for him. Just wait for him to come to you," Melisa said, concerned.

"Wait? You know waiting's never been my thing. I'm not like Juan Tamad, just sitting around waiting for the guava fruit to fall. If there's something I want, and I know I can do something about it, I'll make it happen. I don't wait-I take action, the way I always do."

Her voice was firm, as if she was declaring her independence once again. She had always been the kind of person to take control of her own fate, never just waiting for things to come to her.

She remained silent. She didn't want to wait for grace to come her way. It wasn't in her nature to just sit back and do nothing about the things she wanted to achieve. Everything she had, she worked hard for, even if it meant taking risks. She knew that pursuing her dreams, including finding an ideal boyfriend who was an engineer, came with challenges. Even if it meant repeatedly switching from one engineer to another, she wouldn't stop until she found the right one-the one meant for her.

Though it was a risk, and it wasn't good for her heart, she would face it head-on. On tough days, she would console herself with a plate of Mega Sardines, knowing it's good for the heart, serving as a balm for the many heartaches she endured from relationships with her past engineer boyfriends.

Despite failing again and again, she didn't let it break her. She remained hopeful, convinced that with just a little more effort, she would eventually find the perfect engineer boyfriend.

"Hmph! Fine, I've warned you. But listen to this-if your boyfriends make you cry again, don't come crying to me," she threatened, her voice sharp. The audacity! She, who had no shame, dared to intimidate her. She couldn't even remember the last time she cried in front of her, just because she was hurt by one of her relationships.

The truth is, it was she Melisa who needed the advice when it came to love. She was constantly being fooled by her playboy boyfriend, over and over again. She had exhausted all her comforting words, trying to lift her friend's spirits, but it seemed like they never really made an impact. The moment her boyfriend gave her a little attention, everything was fine again, back to normal. It was a never-ending cycle of heartache and deceit. Such a hopeless romantic..

Never in her entire life had she ever cried because of a man. Sure, she would admit that she had been hurt before, but it was never to the point where she shed a single tear.

She was not the type to be vulnerable. She was strong, fierce, intelligent, and kind to those who deserved it. Beautiful? Oh, let's be honest-she knew she was stunning, and she wasn't shy to show it.

"Honestly, Mel," she laughed, her voice filled with a mix of teasing and pride, "with all the boyfriends I've had, when was the last time I cried? Maybe when you die, for sure, I'll cry. But until then, focus more on your love life than mine." She let out a playful laugh, as if nothing could truly shake her.

But then, in an instant, her playful grin faded. The back of her hand collided with her head. The force of the slap knocked her off balance, and she stumbled, her mind suddenly dizzy from the impact. Her slap was like a thunderclap-shocking and painful.

"Are you crazy?" she snapped, her voice seething with anger. "We all have different situations, so don't you dare compare yours to mine! I admit, I'm vulnerable sometimes, but the subject here is your love life. And trust me, Gypsy, one day-maybe soon-you'll find out what it's like to have your heart broken. You'll cry then, too."

Her words stung-sharp, cutting, and taunting. The way she said it, with that mocking tone, left a bitter taste in her mouth. For a moment, she didn't know whether to be angry or to admit that a part of her feared what she said might be true.

But she wouldn't let it show. Not now. She wasn't going to let her see that even for a second, her words had gotten under her skin. No, she was stronger than that. Or at least, she liked to believe she was.

"Of course, I know you'll cry the moment I'm gone. You'll lose a good friend, a partner-in-crime. That means, your life will be so boring without me," she added, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

"As if you're the only friend I have," Gypsy snapped back, eyes narrowing. "Just a reminder, you're not irreplaceable," she said bluntly, her words cutting through the air. It was a harsh facade, but deep down, it was just another dramatic echo of her feelings-one that couldn't hide the truth.

"Ouch! That hurt," Mel exaggerated, clutching her chest as though she'd been struck, trying to act like it stung more than it actually did. The drama was thick, the theatrics so convincing it almost felt real.

Annoyed yet amused, I stepped closer to her. Part of me wanted to smack her on the back of the head, but I knew better. The radar was on high alert-she was too quick to catch. With a grin, she bolted away, and without missing a beat, I was hot on her heels.

"Mel, get back here! I'm ready to give you that smack you deserve!" I yelled, laughing.

"Yeah, right, like you'll ever catch me!" she yelled back with a playful taunt, sticking her tongue out at me.

Despite the teasing, I couldn't help but chase after her. There was something almost childishly freeing about it, something that reminded me of our carefree college days-two young souls, caught up in their own little world, playing the role of mischievous kids even as we grew older.

The chase wasn't just about winning. It was about holding onto these moments, these small, silly things that made life feel so alive. If I caught her, she'd owe me big time. But if not-well, the laughter was more than enough.

She has no one else she can call her best friend. Melissa is truly alone in that sense.

Since childhood, it has always been just her and Jed, Melisa's older brother. Then Melisa came along and they've grown up together. Their bond, their memories-there's a lifetime of moments that tie them together.

Their families have been friends for as long as she can remember, and that's how their connection blossomed. But it wasn't just that; it was the way they naturally clicked, the way they understood each other without words. They shared so many of the same traits, the same quirks. It made them inseparable. It was almost like their souls were destined to be intertwined, and so, they became each other's confidant, holding their secrets close, even the smallest ones. Family troubles, fears, and dreams-they bared it all to one another, like no one else could ever understand.

They were classmates from elementary school all the way through college, walking parallel paths as they both worked toward the same dream-to become doctors someday. Their ambition, their drive, it was something that kept them pushing forward, side by side.

But aside from her studies, Melissa had another passion-modeling. With her stunning looks and a figure that caught the eye of many, she started doing photo shoots for magazines. It was her dream to be a model, and her natural beauty made her the perfect fit. Her parents, though protective, supported her as long as she didn't let it interfere with her education. They understood her desire to shine, but they also knew the importance of her future.

Even though Gypsy was also offered several modeling opportunities just like Melisa that could have skyrocketed her career, she turned them down. It wasn't that she didn't like the idea, but her heart wasn't in it. She wasn't looking for fame or the attention it brought. No, her heart was set on something else-on someone else. She was searching for her "man of destiny," the one who would complete her. The engineer. She believed that fate would lead her to him eventually, and when it did, everything would fall into place. Until then, she would chase her dreams, but in her heart, she knew her true purpose lay in something-or someone-else.

As soon as she parked her car, her eyes landed on Mike Salazar, her most recent boyfriend, a young engineering student, waiting by the side of the gate. He greeted her with a tight embrace, which she reciprocated without hesitation.

Mike, if she wasn't mistaken, was her 20th engineering student boyfriend. The list of exes had grown far too long for comfort.

But she didn't care. Nothing was missing in her life. After all, she had never given away her V-card to anyone.

"Where have you been?" she asked, her voice light, though her mind was somewhere else.

He smiled at her, that familiar, gentle smile that always put her at ease. "Just arrived," he replied, wrapping his arms around her waist as if nothing else mattered in the world.

It wasn't surprising anymore. He always did this-holding her close, even in public places, in front of strangers and acquaintances. Mike was the type to make sure the world knew that a Gypsy Cameron was his. He didn't care who saw it.

If only the stares could kill. She'd probably be mourning her own death by now, at the hands of the people who still believed she should be something else. Something more.

The looks from random strangers and schoolmates seem to carry a shared meaning based on the way they stare at her, as if saying:

"Hmm, there's something new."

"She's flirtatious."

"Public display of affection (PDA)."

She no longer cares. She's lost in herself now, indulging in the comfort of her own company, wrapping herself tightly in the arms of her new boyfriend. Her body presses closer to his with each passing moment, as if seeking refuge, as if the world no longer matters. But the stares-they never leave her. They're unspoken judgments, harsh and piercing, that pierce through her soul with every glance. They judge Gypsy Cameron, not with words, but with the cruelty of their eyes.

Mike was only there to drop her off at her class, something so familiar now, especially in the medical department where her course is. It was nothing new to her classmates. They had seen this before-the constant cycle of boyfriends, of being chauffeured around by different men. It had become routine, a reflection of her ever-changing relationships. No one in that room was shocked when they saw Mike. They didn't bat an eye. They had already made their conclusions.

After her painful breakup with Kevin, they whispered to themselves, they already knew-she had moved on, like she always does. She'd found a replacement for the man she had once called her "boy."

Marie, her former classmate and Kevin's sister, couldn't resist the chance to strike. "That was fast, huh?" she said with a sneer, rolling her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Gypsy felt the words burn through her. Her chest tightened, but she stood her ground. "As if I can't get over your damn brother," she shot back, the bitterness and hurt of everything she had endured rising to the surface. How dare she? The audacity to mock her like that, as if she hadn't been through enough already. How could she be so blind to what was really happening? What right did she have to judge?

She could feel the weight of the moment, the stares of others pressing down on her. The judgmental looks, the whispers, they were all so familiar, yet they still hurt so deeply. She was done pretending that it didn't bother her. She was done being the subject of their gossip. But as the anger bubbled up inside her, she couldn't help but wonder if they truly saw her for who she was, or if they only saw what they wanted to see-a girl constantly moving on, constantly needing someone to fill the void.

But in this moment, as she faced Marie, as she stood tall and unbroken, Gypsy realized something. She didn't need to explain herself to anyone. She didn't need anyone's approval. She had chosen to live her life for herself, not for their judgment. And no matter what they said or thought, she would keep moving forward.

This is so ironic-it seems like Marie's more affected by the breakup between her and her brother. But, well, she can't blame her. She's completely on her brother's side. Who wouldn't be? Her brother practically begged, even knelt before her, just to ask her not to break up with him. But I am not that naive, not foolish enough to stay in a relationship where betrayal is staring right in my face.

She can't even begin to understand what's going on in Marie's head. Instead of Kevin begging for her to stay, it was Marie who was the one pleading, making the desperate move.

"Tsk. Good luck with your new love life. I hope it lasts," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, each word laced with bitterness.

She knew exactly what Marie meant. The tone said it all. In Marie's mind, she didn't believe for a second that she and Mike would last. In fact, she was sure their relationship would end in the same way the others had.

Because with Gypsy, relationships were like a fleeting moment-never lasting, always crumbling, fading away as quickly as they began.

"I'm really looking forward to it," she said, her voice soft but firm as she walked into the room.

It seemed almost pointless to engage in any further argument. She knew deep down that she was right. Maybe, just maybe, one of these days, she would finally find the courage to break things off with Mike.

With that thought in mind, she quickly said her goodbyes to him.

"Bye, Mike. I'm going in now," she told him, her tone gentle yet resolute as she guided herself toward the door where their class awaited.

"Okay, after class, call me right away so I can pick you up," he said, his voice filled with care. She simply nodded, her silence speaking volumes more than words ever could.

The minutes flew by in a blur. The class was over before she knew it. True to his word, Mike was waiting for her as soon as the bell rang, ready to take her home.

She didn't bother asking their driver to take her. After all, it was already a given that Mike would be the one to drop her off.

The car came to a halt right in front of their mansion. Without hesitation, Mike stepped out and quickly moved around the car, opening the door for her.

His actions, so instinctively gentlemanly, made her heart flutter with a mix of confusion and longing.

He extended his hand to her, and with a smile, she took it, feeling the warmth and sincerity in his gesture.

So gentleman-like.

As they reached the gates, the guard swiftly opened them, and she couldn't help but pause for a moment, her mind racing with thoughts she wasn't sure she was ready to face.

"So, you're welcome to join inside if you want," she offered, her voice calm, almost indifferent.

Mike only smiled faintly.

"I'm good, thanks," he replied, his tone a mix of resignation and reluctance. "I'm in a hurry. Maybe next time."

"Alright then, take care,"

the man said then shrug, climbing into his car. She gave Mike a casual wave, then Mike quickly revved the engine and sped off, disappearing down the street.

Gypsy stood there for a moment, watching the car drive away, a knot forming in her stomach. She tried to shake off the feeling, but it lingered. With a sigh, she turned and walked into the house.

The door clicked shut behind her, and she was immediately greeted by the soft voices of the house staff, their presence almost a comfort in the empty, quiet house.

"Manang, are Mommy and Daddy home yet?" Gypsy asked, her voice low, as if she was afraid of the answer.

"Not yet, ma'am," the maid replied with a respectful bow.

Gypsy nodded absentmindedly, her mind elsewhere. "Okay, well, don't bother me for dinner tonight," she said, her voice a little more distant. "I'm not hungry. I'm exhausted and I need some sleep... Just call me if they arrive."

"Yes, Ma'am," the maid replied softly, sensing the weight of her words. She bowed again, her eyes filled with sympathy as she turned to go back to her duties.

Gypsy walked up the stairs with heavy steps, her mind racing. She didn't know what was wrong, but everything felt off. She needed to be alone, to quiet the chaos in her head. Tonight, the emptiness of the house felt more suffocating than ever.

She stormed straight to her room, slamming the door shut behind her. Her heart raced, emotions swirling within her like a storm. She stripped off her clothes and quickly changed into her sleepwear, the soft fabric barely registering against her skin as she numbly moved through the motions.

She grabbed her laptop, flicking it open as her fingers automatically navigated to her social media accounts, searching for any updates that could distract her from the turmoil inside.

Mike was online, but she had no intention of chatting with him. In fact, over the past few days, she had begun to realize just how dull he had become. She had tried to ignore it at first, convincing herself it was just a phase, but deep down, she knew the truth-Mike was no longer the person she wanted to be with. It wasn't that he was bad, but he wasn't the one. Not anymore. The spark had long since faded, and with every moment she spent with him, the more suffocating it became.

She found herself looking for reasons to be angry at him, searching for flaws or things he did that she could use as an excuse to finally end things. It wasn't that she was cruel, it was just that she couldn't keep pretending everything was fine when her heart was no longer in it. Mike wasn't the man she had envisioned beside her, and if she wasn't happy, why should she drag it out any longer?

Enough was enough.

It was time to find a replacement. She knew it wouldn't be difficult. There were plenty of guys lining up, all eager to win her attention, to be the one to take Mike's place. All she had to do was choose.

She clicked on her Facebook account, the familiar notifications greeting her. She rarely opened it, not wanting to deal with the endless stream of messages from guys who were either too forward or too eager, most of whom she didn't even know. Basketball players, dancers, and popular students from her school all messaging her, trying to catch her eye.

The overwhelming attention from her admirers was something she had grown accustomed to. She didn't know how to entertain all of them anymore-there were simply too many. So, she let it all slide, letting the flood of messages go unanswered. She was used to it. After all, when you're beautiful, smart, and hot, it was only natural that the boys would come rushing in.

One by one, she started scrolling through the messages in her chatbox. Tsk, such cheap tactics-none of them would pass her standards. Not a single one was worthy of her attention. Sure, the guys were good-looking and seemed to have something going for them, but none of them sparked anything in her. She didn't feel like pursuing any of them.

Next, she opened her Instagram. A small smile tugged at her lips as she saw the number of followers growing, but it wasn't enough to distract her from the emptiness she felt. She wasn't really active on Instagram-she preferred Twitter, where she felt more herself, more real. But even there, things weren't much different.

Her Facebook account was flooded with messages too. It took her longer than usual to scroll through them, and she immediately regretted wasting her time reading these worthless texts. Every single message was the same-nonsense. They all said the same things: "Can I court you?" "You're so beautiful," "I idolize you," "Hi, tsk." It was all so predictable, so dull. Nothing stood out. Nothing was different.

She felt frustrated. She wanted to end things with Mike, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. The truth was, she couldn't find anyone to replace him. She had been naïve, thinking that finding someone new would be easy-after all, there were so many options. But now, she realized it was pointless. What's the use of having a hundred people lined up if none of them are what she's really looking for? If none of them are her Mr. Right?

"Don't do this to me, Gypsy. What have I done wrong?" Mike's voice trembled with desperation, his words cutting through the air like a dagger. His pain was palpable, a raw, unspoken plea that shook her to her core. But as she looked at him-hurt, vulnerable, and broken-her heart twisted with a mix of frustration and pity.

Deep down, she knew what they had shared; there was a history between them, moments of laughter and connection that no one could ever take away. She could feel that he truly loved her, and yet, she didn't feel the same way. What was once affection had turned into an empty space, a quiet void that swallowed every emotion she tried to muster.

It was time. Time to let him go.

"Stop torturing yourself, Mike. You haven't done anything wrong," she whispered, her voice soft but firm. "This is my decision. Please... just let me go."

Her heart ached as she said the words. She wasn't a monster. She wasn't heartless. But breaking up with Mike without a clear reason gnawed at her, eating away at her sense of self. Could she justify it? Could she really tell him the truth? That the passion had long faded, that the love she once felt had slipped through her fingers like sand? That Mike had simply become... boring? Uninspiring? That everything about him-the way he spoke, the way he looked at her-had become a tiring routine she could no longer endure? Or was it just the only way she could let him see that she was over them, over him?

She didn't know.

But what she did know was that she couldn't tear him apart with the brutal honesty he probably deserved. She wasn't cruel enough to scream at him, to lay bare the truth that might crush him beyond repair. So, she chose this-this silent, painful exit. The same way she had ended things with others in her past. Clueless, without closure.

"Then... if I haven't done anything wrong... why are you leaving me?" Mike's voice cracked, a broken whisper. "I love you, Gyps."

He reached for her, his arms open, desperate to hold on, to keep her from slipping away. But her hands moved swiftly, pushing him back. His arms fell to his sides as he staggered a step backward, confusion and hurt written all over his face.

"Mike, I'm sorry. But I don't love you anymore."

The words felt like a blade in her chest. They stung, but they had to be said. His eyes filled with tears-tears that weren't supposed to belong to a man like him. His strong exterior shattered, revealing the raw, unhealed vulnerability inside. He cried. And all she could do was watch, powerless, as his pain unfolded before her. There was nothing she could say to stop it, nothing she could do to take it away.

She couldn't bear to stand there, watching him break in front of her, knowing that she was the cause. Knowing that she was the one who had let it all die. Her heart broke for him, for what she was doing to him, but there was no going back.

And as he cried, she could do nothing but turn away, leaving him to hurt, to scream, to feel the weight of their ending. Because in the end, this was the only way.

She saw the hurt in his eyes, and yet, she didn't feel a single ounce of pain or regret about their breakup. Was she numb, unable to feel the weight of what she had just done? Or was it simply because, deep down, she had never truly loved him?

Was she a terrible person for convincing him that she loved him, when she never did? For pretending that she felt something for him, only to discard him when she grew tired of the act? And now, when the inevitable happened, when the truth came crashing down, all she could say was that she "fell out of love," when in reality, she had never been in love to begin with.

Mike, heartbroken and devastated, started to punch and kick the wall. His pain was raw, uncontrollable. And she just stood there, silent, allowing him to vent. His rage, his grief-it was all a reflection of the love she had faked. But even though he was breaking, she wouldn't stop him. She wouldn't stop him from grieving the death of their relationship, because it wasn't hers to save anymore.

She turned away. She would leave him alone to mourn the connection that had once been, but now was gone. She wouldn't stay to watch him release his anger, his frustration. She couldn't risk feeling the slightest hint of guilt, or worse, pity. That would be the very thing that would drag her back to him. She couldn't let herself go there.

With every step she took away from him, there was no sense of regret. No second-guessing. No desire to turn back. She was resolute. She had made her choice.

But somewhere deep inside, a twinge of conscience began to stir. Mike had been serious about her. He had loved her deeply, with all his heart. And yet, she had played him with her false affection. That thought gnawed at her, but she pushed it away. In her mind, she had done the right thing. Mike deserved better than her. Much better.

The news of their breakup spread like wildfire. "BREAKING NEWS: Gypsy and Mike Call It Quits." It wasn't surprising to anyone who knew their story. After all, it had happened before. Every time, it was the same.

Most of the people who knew them, the ones who had watched their relationship unfold from the sidelines, celebrated. For them, it meant one thing: Gypsy was back on the market. They could try their luck with her now, and poor Mike... well, he was just another casualty in the game of love.

"Congrats, Gyps! You're single again," Rona greeted her with a false cheer, a grin plastered on her face. One of the fake friends she had kept around-one of the sycophants who only ever cared about who was popular, who was available.

Rona's voice dripped with insincerity.

"You must be so happy, huh? Party time! Stop pretending you don't care. I know you liked Mike. You were just pretending all along."

Rona, like so many others, had been infatuated with Mike. She had cried when Gypsy and Mike first got together. But now, with the breakup, it was her chance to make a move. It was all a game to her, another opportunity to play with someone else's heart.

Gypsy didn't respond to her. She just let the words wash over her like the empty noise they were. She knew Rona's type all too well. She had learned long ago not to let people like her get to her. Let them talk. Let them play their games. In the end, it didn't matter. None of it mattered.

"Really, Gyps, truly your mouth is no filter at all!" Rona retorted, her tone dripping with arrogance.

"I'm definitely going to party. Watch and learn, Mike and I will be together after a week." She flashed a smug smirk, clearly proud of herself.

Gypsy silently hoped that Rona's words would come true. She just wished, for Rona's sake, that her fantasy would become a reality, so she could at least chase the dream she had long held-winning Mike's heart for herself.

"Wow, you're really into him, huh? But be careful, you don't want to end up looking like a rebound, or worse, like the trash-picker of my old love," Gypsy shot back, raising an eyebrow. She wasn't about to let Rona live in a delusion. She needed to face reality, even if it stung.

But Rona, unfazed, just grinned wider. "It's not a big deal that Mike was your leftovers. He's still a big catch for me. Want to know why?" Rona leaned in a little closer, her voice dripping with pride. "Because I love him."

Gypsy didn't know whether to laugh or feel sorry for her. Did she not realize how desperate and foolish she looked, clinging to the love of someone who had never cared for her the way she wanted him to? She had been foolish once too, but this? This was on another level.

She didn't want to listen anymore. The desperation in Rona's voice was making her uncomfortable, and she feared she might catch some of that madness if she stuck around too long.

"I got to go, Ron," Gypsy said, her voice firm as she stood up to leave. She could already feel the weight of the conversation pressing on her, and she needed to get out before it started to suffocate her.

"What? That was quick," Rona complained, her voice fake with disappointment. "I still wanted to chat with you about Mike-what he likes, what he dislikes, since you were together. I know you know a lot."

Gypsy couldn't help but let out a small laugh, her eyes rolling in disbelief. So now she was supposed to be Rona's personal Google, the walking encyclopedia of Mike's life? "Are you serious?" she said, half-amused, half-annoyed. "Just because I'm his ex doesn't mean I'm the source of all his secrets. Maybe try asking him yourself."

But Rona was undeterred, oblivious to the way she was coming off. It didn't matter to her that Mike had once been Gypsy's, that the love she had was now a memory. All that mattered to her was what she wanted, and in that moment, that was all that mattered to her.

Gypsy stepped away, already tired of this whole scene, feeling like she was leaving behind more than just the conversation. She was leaving behind a world of delusion, a world where people like Rona would keep chasing after things they could never have.

"I'm avoiding you because I don't want to catch your craziness when it comes to love," Gypsy said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "By the way, I'll send Mike's info to your email. I'll make sure it's detailed."

She didn't mind helping Rona. After all, she was over Mike now. Maybe they really were meant for each other after all.

Rona snapped back, "You can call me crazy because I loved someone who wanted someone else and kept hoping, chasing after him even when I looked like a fool. You wouldn't understand, Gyps, because you've never experienced true love. To you, everything's just a game. But one day, you'll find someone who will match you."

Rona walked out before Gypsy could say anything, leaving her to absorb the harsh words. Tsk. As if she were afraid. Maybe one day she would find her match, but that didn't mean she was going to let herself become a fool or lose her sanity like Rona had.

"Oh, and thanks in advance for the info, Gyps. I'll be looking forward to it," Rona called back as she left.

Gypsy continued typing on her laptop, gathering all the details about Mike's likes and dislikes to send to Rona. She had agreed to help, even if she didn't fully understand why.

"Wow, look at you, busy bee. What's this?" her best friend, Melissa, asked as she walked in.

"Mike's info. I'm sending it to Rona," Gypsy replied curtly.

"Why are you sending Mike's info to Rona?" Melissa asked, clearly confused.

"You know that witch is head over heels for Mike. She's desperate to get noticed. She asked for a favor, and as a concerned citizen, I'm helping her out. It would be cruel not to." Gypsy continued typing, detailing everything she knew about Mike, making sure to include all the little things.

Melissa sat down next to her, reading over what Gypsy had written.

"Clap! Clap. Are you serious, Gyps? You're known for breaking hearts, and now you're playing Cupid for Rona and your ex?" Melissa shook her head, completely shocked. "Are you out of your mind?"

Gypsy rolled her eyes. Melissa was overreacting, as usual. "Mel, you're the one who's out of your mind. You're overthinking this. It's not what you think."

"It's not what I think?" Melissa scoffed, her eyes wide in disbelief. "You're planning to bring Rona and Mike together by giving her all this information about him. That way, she'll know exactly what to do to get Mike to notice her. And we both know Rona will do everything to make it happen. Even if she knows she has no chance with him, she'll still pursue him, no matter what."

Gypsy stayed silent for a moment, letting Melissa's words sink in. Maybe she was right-Rona was relentless. And maybe, just maybe, she was helping fuel that obsession. But was it really that bad? Should she be doing this?

Melissa did have a point with what she was saying, but Gypsy didn't care anymore. The only thing on her mind was sending Mike's information to Rona.

She ignored Melissa and focused on opening her Gmail to send the email. Once it was sent, she closed her laptop and set it aside.

Just as she thought everything was settled, Melissa's phone suddenly rang. Melissa immediately stood up to answer the call. It must have been important because Gypsy noticed the sudden shift in her expression when she saw who was calling.

Gypsy chose to ignore it. She was used to this. She was pretty sure it was her boyfriend calling.

"Gyps," Melissa suddenly called out, her arms wrapping around her in a tight hug. She was crying uncontrollably, and Gypsy had no idea what had happened. She had just answered the call, and now she was in tears.

"What happened?" Gypsy asked, but Melissa didn't answer. She just kept crying. The hug was so tight it almost made it hard for Gypsy to breathe.

Gypsy gently pried Melissa's arms off her and sat her down beside her. Melissa continued to sob, and Gypsy couldn't help but feel pity for her best friend.

"Tell me, what really happened?" Gypsy asked, her voice full of concern.

But it was as if Melissa didn't hear her. Maybe the pain was just too much for her to talk about right now. Gypsy didn't mind-she would give her space to share when she was ready.

"Mels, answer me. What's the problem!?" Gypsy raised her voice, frustration building inside her.

Her best friend had been so secretive lately. She wasn't opening up to her like she used to when she was going through something. Gypsy couldn't take it anymore. She had always been there for Melissa, but now it felt like Melissa was shutting her out, and it hurt.

"Tristan is cheating on me," Melissa murmured weakly, her voice barely above a whisper.

This was exactly what Gypsy had feared. Once again, Melissa was going through the same heartbreak because of Tristan. Gypsy was already mentally preparing herself to record all the comforting words and advice she had given over the years-just so that the next time this happened, she wouldn't have to repeat herself. She could just play it back, save herself the trouble. It was exhausting, really. But no matter how repetitive the situation was, Melissa was still her best friend, and she understood that her pain was real.

Gypsy felt a slight irritation bubbling inside her, but she also felt an overwhelming wave of empathy. She couldn't help but understand her best friend's pain, even if she was tired of watching her go through it again and again.

She had told Melissa so many times to leave him, to walk away from someone who was clearly not good for her. But Melissa never listened, and it broke Gypsy's heart every time.

She couldn't deny that she was hurt too. She had been through the same thing when Kevin, her ex before Mike, cheated on her-even though she didn't love him the way Melissa loved Tristan. But to see Melissa go through this, to know how deeply she felt for Tristan, it cut her even more. The pain of being cheated on, of having someone you trusted betray you, was a wound that never fully healed.

Gypsy drove Melissa home, making sure to stay by her side and ensure that she got home safely. She couldn't leave her like this, not in this state of emotional turmoil. It was clear that Melissa wasn't herself, and Gypsy wasn't going to let her face the world alone, especially not when she was broken and vulnerable.

It had been two weeks since Gypsy had been single, but she still hadn't found a replacement. She wasn't used to being without a relationship, and it felt strange. Who wouldn't miss having someone to treat you, to pick you up and drop you off at school or your other errands? Even though she had money and her own car, it just wasn't the same.

There were guys flirting with her, trying to win her over, but now, she had become pickier. None of them even came close to being her "boyfriend of the week."

Then, she felt a spark of excitement when Melissa told her that her brother, Jed Ichari, had returned to the Philippines. He was a childhood friend and crush of Gypsy's. However, when she found out he was going to be a doctor, she felt a bit discouraged. It wasn't that she had anything against doctors-actually, it was her dream to be one someday. But her heart was set on an engineer. She had promised herself that she wouldn't fall for anyone who wasn't one.

Melissa invited her to attend the welcome party for Jed, which would be held at the Ichari's ancestral home. Gypsy hesitated, but when Melissa said she wouldn't go unless she came along, she agreed.

Melissa picked her up around 3 PM, even though the party wasn't until 7 PM.

"Hey, isn't it way too early to be going to the party?" Gypsy commented as she got in the car.

Melissa just shrugged her off.

"Did I say we're going straight to the party?" she replied.

"Well, where else are we going? That was the plan, right?" Gypsy asked, confused.

Melissa raised an eyebrow. "Gyps, just reminding you, we're going to a party. So, we should probably get ready, especially you, since you're single. You need to look good."

Gypsy wasn't sure what was going through Melissa's mind.

"I don't need to get all dolled up. It's just a welcome party for your brother," Gypsy replied dismissively.

Melissa raised an eyebrow again. "Don't downplay my brother's welcome party. Besh, his guests aren't just any ordinary people. We're talking about young bachelors, okay? Spell it with me-Y-O-U-N-G B-A-C-H-E-L-O-R-S. You might meet someone there."

Gypsy laughed. "So what if they're young bachelors? For sure, there's no engineer there. It's probably all doctors. What else would you expect from a doctor's circle of friends? That's not my type."

"Even if they're young bachelors, if they're not engineers, no thanks," Gypsy said firmly.

"I know you think it's all doctors attending, but you're wrong. You'll meet successful engineers like Clarence Tecson and Trent Ragoza there," Melissa said, trying to convince her. It was a somewhat effective argument.

"I don't know them. But really? They're engineers?" Gypsy's eyes widened with surprise. "OMG, Besh, I need a makeover!"

Her excitement was evident now. Even though she wasn't sure about the party or the guys Melissa had mentioned, the idea of meeting successful engineers was enough to get her hopes up.

Melissa and Gypsy spent hours getting ready for the party, but they made sure to arrive fashionably late. They deliberately timed their entrance to make a statement, intending to steal the spotlight the moment they walked in. They wanted to make an unforgettable impression, and they knew that everyone's eyes would be on them as soon as they entered the venue. Especially Gypsy, who had carefully prepared for the evening, hoping that everything would go just as planned.

And that's exactly what happened. The moment they stepped inside, all eyes were on them. The handsome guests, friends of Melissa's older brother, immediately looked them over with keen interest, taking in the sight of the two beautiful women who had just arrived.

Gypsy had no idea that the party the Ichari family was throwing would be more grandiose than she had imagined. The guest list was impressive, the kind of high-caliber crowd that could make anyone feel out of place if you are not rich and successful enough.

"Gyps, I'm really glad you let Melissa convince you to come to my party," Jed, the celebrant, greeted them with a warm smile.

"How could I miss it? You only throw a party like this once in a while," Gypsy responded, trying to play it cool.

"Right? You almost didn't come! I thought you weren't going to make it because you didn't reply to my messages," Jed said, his voice carrying a hint of playful disappointment.

"You're such a drama king, Kuya Jed. Anyway, welcome back!" Gypsy beamed, tapping him on the shoulder with genuine excitement.

Jed laughed heartily. "Oh, don't worry about it. I'm just messing with you."

He then guided them to a table where his closest friends were gathered. The spot they were seated at was perfect. Positioned right in the center, the beauty of the two girls was unmistakably on display. They were the only women at the table, surrounded by a group of charming, eligible bachelors. It was impossible not to notice them.

"Hey, guys! I want you to meet my sister, Melissa, and her best friend, Gypsy," Jed introduced them to his friends. One by one, the guys greeted them with handshakes and friendly smiles.

After a while, Melissa excused herself to join her boyfriend, Tristan, who had just arrived. That left Gypsy as the only woman at the table. She couldn't help but smile at the situation, but deep down, she was bothered. Her best friend, who had been nearly in tears just days ago after discovering Tristan had cheated, now seemed perfectly fine, as if nothing had ever happened. She was so used to these "comebacks" from Melissa, who always seemed to forgive and forget in an instant.

Gypsy had never fully understood it, but maybe that's just how things worked with her best friend. As Melissa, ever the forgiving soul, easily let go of past pain, Gypsy was left sitting there, the only girl among a sea of men, trying to sort out her thoughts about everything that had happened.

"Wow, they really are quite the group, aren't they?" Gypsy thought to herself, observing the group of men around her, some eyeing her already. The night was just beginning, and she had no idea what it would bring. But one thing was for sure-she wasn't about to let herself be caught off guard. Tonight, she would make sure she stood out, no matter what.

Gypsy didn't feel out of place at all, especially since Jed's friends were all being friendly and engaging her in conversation. In fact, some of them were even subtly flirting with her, trying to get her attention. Tyron Velasquez, a neurologist, was particularly persistent. He was a handsome guy, no doubt, but there was just one small problem-he was a doctor, not an engineer.

Then there was Knight Vega, an architect, who also seemed interested in her. Several others she met at the party were showing similar interest. But as she had already mentioned to Melissa, she had no interest in any guy who wasn't an engineer. It was a personal preference, something she couldn't easily shake off.

But it wasn't just the guys' attempts at flirting that caught her attention-it was the way the room seemed to focus on her. Every time she looked around, there were pairs of eyes watching her, seemingly waiting for the perfect moment to approach her, to make their move. The attention made her a bit uncomfortable, but she wasn't one to back down.

"Gypsy, are you free tomorrow? I was thinking of asking you out," Tyron said, flashing a confident smile as he leaned in a little closer.

"Sorry, I'm busy," she replied, hoping to end it there.

"What about the day after? Or maybe some time when you're not busy?" he insisted, his persistence clear.

Gypsy didn't want to come off as rude, but she also didn't want to lead him on. Still, she could tell he wasn't going to give up that easily. Maybe she would humor him this time and say yes, just to be polite. But deep down, she was certain she wasn't going to pursue anything with him.

Before she could respond, Jed, who had been listening in, couldn't resist making a comment.

"Looks like Tyron's really got his eye on you, Gypsy," Jed teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Who wouldn't? With her beauty, it's impossible not to," Tyron chimed in, smiling at Gypsy.

Jed just laughed. "Tyron, my man, listen, while it's still early, back off. She's not into doctors. She's got a thing for engineers," he said, half-joking, but still making it clear that Gypsy wasn't interested in Tyron's advances.

Tyron chuckled, but Gypsy could tell it stung a little. Still, Jed's words made her feel a bit better-she wasn't alone in her preferences, at least. The night was young, and the game of cat and mouse had just begun. But for Gypsy, the rules were simple: No engineer, no deal.

"Right, Gyps? You were just shy to turn down Tyron," Jed teased, clearly enjoying the moment.

Tyron, along with the others at the table, froze for a moment at Jed's comment. Everyone's attention shifted to Gypsy, and she couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable under their gazes.

She gave a small, awkward smile, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks as she tried to brush it off. It wasn't like she wanted to be rude, but she just wasn't interested. Still, it was hard to admit that in front of everyone.

"Whoa!! An engineer, huh? What a shame. If I had known a woman who only wants an engineer, maybe I wouldn't have bothered becoming a doctor," Tyron joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Tyron, back off. You're not an engineer," Knight interjected, not missing a beat.

"Yeah, back off, you're not an engineer either," someone else chimed in.

"Back off all of you! None of us are engineers!" another voice shouted from across the table.

Gypsy could feel her face turning even redder at the teasing. It was all fun and games, but she couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. She wasn't used to having the whole table focus on her like this.

"Kuya, why did you say that to them? It's embarrassing," she whispered to Jed, hoping to keep the conversation low-key.

Jed just shrugged with a grin. "I'm just helping you out, Gyps. I know you're not into them. You'd have probably ended up saying yes to Tyron's invite if I hadn't said anything."

Gypsy rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the help, I guess."

Their conversation shifted to other topics, but honestly, Gypsy was no longer fully engaged. She couldn't relate to what they were talking about, and with Melissa off with her boyfriend, she felt a bit out of place. She looked around the room, but she couldn't find anyone to talk to. It was starting to feel like she was just another guest at a party she hadn't really signed up for. The night was still young, but the excitement seemed to have already passed her by.

Gypsy excused herself from Jed, saying she was going to the restroom.

As she walked toward the restroom, her ears perked up at a conversation she overheard.

"Did you know that after 3 years, Drake Mortel is back?!" said a woman she didn't recognize.

"Ahh, the famous and successful engineer?" asked the person she was talking to.

"Yes! I'm so curious, what does he look like now?" chimed in another voice.

"I'm sure he's handsome. Someone got a photo of his back, and let me tell you, his body looks amazing," the first woman said, her voice full of excitement.

Gypsy stopped in her tracks, intrigued. Drake Mortel? The successful engineer? She had heard of him before-everyone had. His name was often mentioned in professional circles, especially for his achievements and good looks. She had no idea he was even at the party. Now her curiosity was piqued. She couldn't help but wonder if she would get a chance to meet him tonight.

"If he's so handsome, why doesn't he show his face? Maybe he is ugly and a freaked " one of the women laughed, and the others joined in.

Gypsy wasn't the type to eavesdrop on other people's conversations, but something about this one caught her attention.

Just hearing the word engineer seemed to awaken something inside her, like her dormant system was suddenly alive.

The name Drake Mortel wouldn't leave her mind. Just hearing it made her realize he was exactly her type. Drake Mortel, who are you really?

Even though she hadn't met or seen him in person yet, Drake Mortel was all she could think about. She felt a strange sensation just from the sound of his name. She had met Clarence Tecson and Trent Ragoza at the party, two of the Philippines' proud figures in the building industry, yet she didn't feel any real attraction toward them, despite their obvious attempts to flirt with her.

Drake Mortel,

Drake Mortel,

Drake Mortel-his name was all that consumed her thoughts. She almost forgot her best friend Melissa's name because only one name was on her mind: Drake Mortel.

Every day, chocolates, flowers, and notes were placed in her locker by her admirers. It all started happening ever since she became single.

Many guys had asked her out, but she had turned them all down. However, lately, their persistence had begun to annoy her. No matter how many times she rejected them, they wouldn't leave her alone.

"Gyps, I'm switching to engineering, just let me court you!" shouted a guy she didn't even know.

"Gyps, can I take you out sometime?"

"Gyps, join us at the bar!"

"Gyps, I like you."

"Gyps, I love you to the moon and back."

She was getting overwhelmed by her admirers. No matter where she went-class, the canteen, the mall, a restaurant-someone was always trying to get her attention. She just wanted some peace.

"Can you please get rid of me!?" she finally shouted at them.

"I HAVE A BOYFRIEND! AND NONE OF YOU CAN EVEN COME CLOSE TO HIM. DO YOU KNOW DRAKE MORTEL? HE'S MY BOYFRIEND!"

The room fell silent, and everyone who heard her stopped in their tracks. What was wrong with what she just said?

As soon as they heard the name Drake Mortel, the air in the room seemed to shift. What was it about Drake Mortel that made people react like this? Gypsy herself wondered.

She was suddenly jolted awake by a loud knock on her door. She glanced at her clock-6:00 in the morning. Who could be disturbing her deep sleep this early?

"Gypsy! Open the door!"

She quickly got out of bed to open the door for her mom. She knew something serious must be going on because her mom never visited her condo this early.

"Mom, it's too early. What's the matter?" she asked as she opened the door.

"Is it true that the rumor going around is that your boyfriend is Drake Mortel?" her mom asked, her voice filled with concern.

Gypsy didn't know what to say.

"Mom, where did you hear that?"

She never expected a lie she told to make its way to her mother. And the way her mom was acting, it seemed like she knew this man.

"It doesn't matter anymore, sweetheart. But here's what I want from you. Don't break up with him. The future I want to give you depends on him," her mom said seriously.

"Mom, what do you mean? I don't understand," Gypsy said, feeling confused. Her mom just raised an eyebrow and glanced at her watch.

"I gotta go. Just remember what I told you," her mom said, turning her back and leaving her condo.

Gypsy didn't understand her mom. She used to never care about her relationships, even those that lasted only a few months. But now, after pretending to be Drake Mortel's girlfriend, her mom suddenly shows up and begs her not to break up with him.

Drake Mortel was a mystery to Gypsy. She had no idea who he was. The only reason she had lied about having a boyfriend was to get her persistent suitors off her back, especially since she couldn't get Drake Mortel's name out of her head. That name was the one she had used to get everyone off her case.

She didn't realize the massive impact her lie would have on the people around her.

"Gyps! Oh my gosh, you've got long hair now!" Melissa's voice screamed from across the room. Gypsy turned around, startled.

"Huh?"

Melissa gave her a playful shove.

"What do you mean, 'huh'? I'm your best friend, and you didn't tell me you were dating Drake Mortel! That's hurtful, I just found out from someone else."

"Come on! You believed that? It was just a joke! I was pretending for the boys to leave me alone."

Melissa's eyes widened, her disbelief clear.

"What? Are you serious? That was just a joke?"

"Yeah, I swear," Gypsy said, trying to calm her down.

"This is a big problem, Gyps. It's all over the internet. There's even a newspaper that published about it. Do you have any idea what kind of mess you've gotten yourself into? And out of all the names you could have used, why Drake Mortel? Do you even know who he is?"

"Nothing. I don't even know him. Who is he?" Gypsy shrugged casually.

"Drake Mortel is the most famous personality in the business world. Everyone is interested in him. Why? Because he's mysterious. And believe me, no one has ever seen his face."

"Hey, what do you mean 'business world'? He's not a businessman, he's an engineer!" Gypsy corrected her.

"Well, engineering is his second course."

Gypsy shivered upon hearing that. The name she was using wasn't just any name. If he found out about her lie, she was sure he would do something bad to her. Especially since no one knew what his face looked like-she might have even crossed paths with him already, and wouldn't know if he was out to hurt her.

"Mel's, what should I do?" Gypsy asked, her voice filled with worry.

"Take back your lie," Melissa advised, her tone serious.

Gypsy realized Melissa was right. Before things got more complicated, she needed to take back everything she had said.

"Mel's! Call Reporter Reyes. We need to hold a press conference," Gypsy urged.

Without wasting any time, Melissa called their friend, Reporter Reyes.

While Melissa was on the phone with Reporter Reyes, Gypsy was restless, unable to calm down.

"Gyps, it's too late. Your mom beat you to it."

"What do you mean? Be straight with me," Gypsy demanded.

"Your mom already called a press conference earlier this morning. She confirmed that you and Drake Mortel are in a relationship."

"WHAT?"

Truly this is a big trouble and yet, she's not ready to face the new adventure of her lovelife.