Seducing the Multi Millionaire

Charlotte's POV:

"Give up the position or someone else needs to give up in your stead?"

"I'm not joining, Kye. I realized that being a musician isn't really what I wanted."

"Charlotte, what are you saying? We're finally here, why the heck are you giving up?"

"It's not like I'll be far away. I just realized I'm not meant for singing or being part of a band. You see, I'm being offered to be an actress."

"Your dream is to sing."

"Is it? I guess people change."

"Did you hear that? That's why he became famous so quickly in acting, everyone was flirting hahahaha"

"Did you see the video? Is that really him? He met *tut* their CEO, that's why he's favored hahahahah."

"I wouldn't be surprised that that girl is already broken. The innocent looking one's? They're the ones who hide a lot of stink."

"It's flirty enough to grab Jowa. When you think she's more beautiful than Mia."

"Let's break up, Charlotte."

"Kye, are you too?"

"I was fearless but after all that happened, I can't recognize myself anymore. Where's that fearless girl a long time ago? Why have I become someone who's very vulnerable to everything that surrounds me? Everything scares me."

-

"HEY!"

I opened my eyes immediately when I felt a rather strong blow on my arm, I was so shocked that my eyes barely opened.

I looked at Mama who had a bad look at me standing in front of me, did she hit me?

"Ma! Why did you hit me?", I exclaimed.

He pointed the broom he was carrying at me. Geez! He was holding a broom.

"Your cell phone has been ringing for a while, so I'm waking you up, you witch, but you don't want to wake up! It's a good thing I just hit your arm and didn't pour hot water on you. Why? Are you whining? You watch TV and then you go to sleep without turning it off? Do you know how expensive electricity is?", it litany.

Mother earth is a witch, are we just friends? It's really brutal. The water is really hot.

I examined the situation and I remembered. I was watching a teleserye in the living room and then I got bored of what I was watching, so I fell asleep on the sofa. I dreamed everything again. Every time I close my eyes? When will I forget all that? It's been 6 years. Years have passed but it's still fresh in my heart; the pain, the trauma, memories, everything about it.

Then what else is my problem? I'm 28 T_T looks like I'm really going to grow old alone. It's been more than one year since I talked to the soothsayer, I still haven't seen or met a man who entered his denescribe. Curly? Name starts with Z? Moreno, handsome and then tall... Noaaaaa!

When I was about to come back, Valerie-the one who told me about that fortune teller because it was legit-Val said that the fortune teller had closed down and moved to another country. Like what? What's up with my love life?

[ "Marites! Before we finish our chikahan this morning let us congratulate this couple ano? Stephen Kye Forrester or famously known as Kye Forrester and his long term girlfriend for 6 years Mia Peterson is now engaged!"

"Really? They've been engaged? 6 years? But aren't they fighting? They broke up and got back together several times."

"I know Sheena, but love conquers all, right? They are really destined for each other. They were both from a band called, 'Secret Keepers' right in their early days in showbiz, but before the cameras and limelights they were childhood friends by the way."

"Really? But it was famous back then, wasn't it? Kye was in a relationship with someone before he and Mia were together, it was only kept as a secret because Mia and Kye had many shippers and the woman Kye was dating at that time was a very famous personality too."

"Right, I heard that too. But it was never confirmed. If I remember it clearly, Kye was in a relationship with De-"]

I looked at Mom when she turned off the TV.

"What are you looking at? I killed you because you weren't watching. Answer your phone! Someone has been calling!"

"Skusta Clee lost to you.", I said softly but it was loud enough to hear;

"Who's that?"

"Rapper.", I answered quickly as I took my cell phone from the side of the sofa and then ran up to my room, I heard Mama screaming hahahaha I can't catch up hahahaha.

I leaned against the door of my room panting and looked at the caller, come on? I have a lot of missed calls. Ten?

From Valerie.

Valerie Jane Miller by the way is my best friend. She used to be my make-up artist before.

Valerie Jane Miller by the way is my best friend. She used to be my make-up artist before.

I haven't really introduced myself properly yet. I'm Charlotte Devin Vanidestine, 28 but I'm turning 29 not so soon but it's on its way. Jesus, my age is about to disappear from the calendar. And yeah, I used to be an actress... A famous one that is but you already know that? I'm a fallen one. I rose to stardom at such a young age of 15, I became famous immediately and as quickly as I rose to fame, I faded away just as quickly. I retired at the age of 22, 6 years after people have forgotten about me so easily even though someone still knows me sometimes.

I still take some lowkey advertisements in furnitures, restaurants looking for models to promote, I do part time modeling too with Valerie as my manager. I have my own florist shop because I love flowers, I named it, "Flower Shower".

I was talking so much, I forgot that Val is calling.

I answered her call and immediately heard her loud crying.

"Girl, damn... You're crying so loud. What's your problem?", while moving my cellphone a little away from my ear.

[CHARLOTTTTTEEEE! ALEX IS CHEATING ON ME HUHUHUHU SOMEONE SAW HIM GOING TO THE AIRPORT WITH THAT GIRL THAT HE TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT! USING THE CAR THAT I BOUGHT HIM! HE TOLD ME HE'S BUSY AND HAS A BUSINESS TRIP! WAS THAT WOMAN ON A BUSINESS TRIP AND THEN KISSING INSIDE THE CAR I BOUGHT?!]

I can't believe what I just heard that all it left is for my face to be deformed out of disbelief.

"Are you for real? Are you sure that Alex saw it?", I confirmed while looking for my heels, I have to go to the witch.

I also wore a hat just in case. I'm gone but someone still knows me sometimes, especially since I'm active on Instagram.

[Bish baklushhh saw it! I'm going to the airport right now. I'll smash that Alex's face with his hoe!]

Baklush? Jax? Jax Del Mundo, our friend who is baklush.

"Hey! Valerie get ready! Wait for me! Don't get lost in there. Valerie? Hello? Hey!"

What a girl! I was taken down.

I grabbed a taxi on my phone because I have three cars but I don't know how to drive, can you help me? Design.

I'm already well dressed, okay? Even when I'm at home, I'm always dressed like I'm leaving, why? It's because I can duh.

"CHARLOTTE WHAT? WHY ARE YOU RUNNING? YOU'RE GOING TO FALL, YOU STUPID!", Mama shouted when she saw me running by.

I couldn't say goodbye because I'm telling you, when I tell Mama, she'll come with me hahahaha.

"Brother, hurry up? It's important.", I said to the taxi driver and he understood the assignment because he immediately made his taxi pull away.

I'm calling Jax's number because I feel he and Val are together now. That witch, will rush without a plan.

[Oh my god Devina! Thank god you called! I'm with Valerie right now- AHHHHHHHHH! WHAT THE HELL! FIX DRIVING! Ghurl you need to come for me, okay? We're close to the airport and I don't know if we'll make it there alive, that witch friend of yours blocked everyone in the way and overtook her! I still want to be HAAAAYYYYY WHAT THE HELL VALERIE JANE! Charlotte I love my life, I don't have anything like you yet, I still have many dreams in life. Get ready to drive Valerie! I'll fix you, look! More-]

I was sitting in the backseat of the taxi with my cellphone still in my ear. Before I could speak, Jax immediately scolded me and then as if I didn't really say anything because the call was cut off. What did I hear? It just so happens that my friends are the same breed as me, the screw is loose.

Manong Driver almost flew his taxi because I was really speeding up. Who wouldn't panic? Jax has been texting me non-stop.

Manong has not been able to do well

driver when we arrived in front of the airport, my eyes immediately caught Valerie outside and a little distance from the airport entrance, with Jax standing behind her.

Val is facing Alex with a girl.

I paid the man and I almost tripped when I got off because I was in a hurry.

I paid the man and I almost tripped when I got off because I was in a hurry.

"How dare you! I gave you everything, even bought you your dream car and then you do this?", Valerie to Alex.

I braked behind Jax and he turned to me; His whole face lit up when he saw me.

"Thank goodness, you're here! I can't control this witch! You take care of her!", Jax simultaneously pushed me closer to Val.

I glared at Jax, you witch! If pushed.

"It's not what you think, Val. I told you! I'm going in a business trip.", Alex explained to Val while the woman with him was hiding behind him.

"Do you think I'm stupid, Alex? Business trip? With that woman? What? Don't tell me she's a business partner this time? When I caught you together, what did you say? That she's a friend... Someone that I shouldn't be worrying about and I believed you because I love you! Are you still going to make me a fool? Are there friends kissing in the car that I bought for you myself?!", Valerie shouted furiously as she looked at him. those who pass by us. The others have already stopped watching.

Oh my god, too much attention.

I hold Val's arm to calm him down because it seems like any moment from now he will punch Alex and the girl with him, but Val avoids his arm when I hold him.

This is how Val gets angry, if she's so angry, she can't listen to anyone else because her anger is eating her up.

"Val, let's take this somewhere else because we're already looking at each other.", I whispered to Val but he didn't look at me.

"I thought we had trust for each other. Can you really believe that gay friend of yours? You're gay, you really want to destroy our relationship, you're really a scourge on society!", Alex said to Jax while pointing at him Jax.

Jax was surprised because he was involved, he kept holding his chest with a facial expression "why am I being involved here?"

But did he just call Jax, 'social scourge'?

"Hey! Don't even try blaming others for your filthiness. Why don't you tell me if you had that flirt with you on your business trip?", pointing at the woman behind Alex.

I saw how he raised his eyebrows then pulled Alex behind him so that he could face Val.

"Did you just call me flirty? You're asking who I am? If there's sex between the two of us, you're the girl hahahha. Before you became Alex's girlfriend, I was his girlfriend- hey! Don't touch me! I can't take this anymore, Alex! This woman needs to know who I am!", she angrily pushed Alex's hand when he stopped her speaking.

"What do you mean?", Valerie asked in confusion, and I was also moved to tears by what I heard.

"I said what I said. Alex is just using you, he's dating you because of your money. Love? He doesn't love you because he loves me."

My ears perked up when I heard it. The audacity!

Valerie was suddenly depressed upon hearing this.

"What? Are you speechless? Thank you, I'm lending him to you."

I stepped between the two and pushed the woman hard, thankfully Alex's trash was behind her but she could kiss the floor.

"Hey. Are you proud that you tolerated the sht of this guy? You cheated both my friends and you're acting so confident as if what you did was right?", I asked angrily as I looked back and forth between the two of them. .

"Did you just push me?", he asked in disbelief as he straightened himself up after I pushed hard.

I came closer to him, the kind of guy who was going to stick his forehead to my eyebrow because I was a little taller because I was wearing heels.

"Why? You want me to repeat it to make you aware? Huh?", I pushed him twice, enough force to make him back away.

"You know what I hate the most? People getting caught cheating and then they act like they didn't do anything wrong."

He grabbed his right shoulder because I was pushing him there;

"Push me one more time and I'll kill you girl!"

I laughed;

"Why what are you going to do? Thanks to you, I'm just pushing you with your shoulder, irritating my face so pale, I'm shaking and blushing with my palm."

"You bit*h!"

She attacked me. Since I was wearing a cap, he pulled the strands of my long hair, pulling me closer with my hair.

"LET GO OF YOU, MY FRIEND! LET GO!"

I don't know what's going on, Valerie suddenly rushes in while Alex is holding his girl.

I can't untangle this thread because I have both hands on my hat because I don't want it to come off and someone might recognize me.

"LET GO, MY FRIEND! LET GO! YOU'RE Flirty! YOU SHOULD BE KISSED ON THE GROUND EH! LET GO!", Valerie tweaked the girl and then Alex pushed her, look at this trash! Definitely siding with trash like him.

"Don't push, it smells like earth! Don't say!", Jax reacted while hitting Alex's hand to stop Valerie from pushing.

Do you know that? My head is already hurting because of the strength of the girl pulling her hair, then it hurts more because my hand is itching to adjust her too but I can't let go of my hat.

We're making a lot of noise here, but no guards have noticed yet, no one is reporting because the marites are happily watching!

"A-AHHHH ARAY! THE PAIN IS A DEMON!", I screamed in pain because it was really strong, it felt like my scalp would come off!

"Excuse me, you're blocking the way right now."

"Excuse me, you're blocking the way right now."

We all stopped and turned to the man in a black hoodie, wearing a face mask while he was dragging a suitcase in his right hand and his left hand was stuffed into his hoodie.

His eyes looked at each other with no appetite. He thinks that you will really realize your mistakes in life and you will be ashamed.

I felt Alex's woman let go of my hair so I immediately fixed my hair and fixed my hat.

When I look at it, the road is very wide but this is where he thought of passing by the very place where someone was tweaking?

Valerie was able to let go of that woman and everything was fixed.

We only see his eyes, but if he can look, it's like he's judging our whole personality, as if he's criticizing us.

It shook its head;

"I can't believe that I have to witness all of this the moment I came back. Tsk.", he said softly but we all heard because he was close to us, then he walked and passed through the center as if nothing had happened. .

"Kuya is very stubborn.", Jax said in a whisper.

We all looked at each other.

It was a moment of silence until Valerie spoke.

"I'm breaking up with you and I don't ever want to see your face again. Go with that girl. You're nothing but trash. I want my car back, before this day ends she should be in front of my house with the key or else... I'll hunt you down. Let's go.", Val said firmly in a very low voice to avoid attention.

Val walked out first and Jax immediately followed him.

I looked at the two then struggled.

"Zach! Hey Zacharias! You idiot! I said I was just going to buy water and then you disappeared!"

Zach?

I turned to the man who, even though he was out of breath, was still running while carrying a bottle of water.

He's running towards.... THAT guy. The guy earlier.

He stopped walking and looked at the man who was calling him.

He looked at me for a moment before he transferred it to the man carrying bottled water.

He took the bottled water from the man who was chasing him; he removed his face mask and then lowered his hoodie.

"We're not close, why do I have to pick you up?"

"Who said that you should really pick me up? You can't. Brain, Dave.", he replied to his companion then drank the water from the bottled water.

I froze where I stood.

Moreno, curly hair, tall, handsome and above all a name starting with the letter Z...

No way... Is it him?

Finally? I've found a guy that fits all of the distinct description that lady gave me.

"Hey, let's go. That woman over there is staring at you weirdly.", I heard Dave say that he should have just whispered to the max level right? Because I heard it!

He looked at me again.

"I can't even catch a break.", he replied to Dave then walked away first and followed him immediately when he was with him.

Wait.

Is he leaving?

"Hey! Come on! I thought you were gone because you didn't follow us! The fight is over, witch!", Jax suddenly appeared and pulled me so that I could look at him so when I looked there again in the direction of the man it suddenly disappeared like a bubble.

Not allowed. No!

"Besh, wait. I'll follow. I can't let him go!"

"What? You're talking? Is that an aftershock of your tweak?"

"No! You go first, I'll follow later, just text me.", I hurriedly answered then ran in the direction where I last saw Zach.

I can't let him go. Whether it was true or not, what the soothsayer said... I still need to try.

There's no harm in trying.

I need to get that guy's number or anything that will bring communication towards us.

I saw them again when the man was with her and I sped up my pace, it turns out I was wearing heels at the wrong time T_T

They turned into a parking lot area and when I turned I couldn't catch them.

Noooooo, I can't lose him!

I went around the entire parking lot hoping to see a car leaving because maybe it was them but there was none. But here they come in! Where are they?

I stopped in the middle because I felt tired and then my ankles started to hurt.

I bent down to look and my left ankle is bleeding. Are you running here, running there?

I'm so disappointed because I might never see him again.

*BEEP! BEEEPPPP! *

I'm so disappointed because I might never see him again.

*BEEP! BEEEPPPP! *

My eyes widened in shock when someone honked loudly, I looked ahead and there was a car coming towards me at a fast pace, I was standing in the middle of the parking lot.

For the second time, I hurried to leave the center with a mixture of nervousness because I felt like I was going to be run over when suddenly someone pulled me to the side.

I closed my eyes when he pulled me so fast, just as he pulled me, the speeding car passed by as if if I hadn't been pulled, I might have been run over.

What's wrong with that driver? What a reckless one!

I gasped because of the nervousness I leaned against the nearby wall when I let go when my wrist pulled me.

"Thank you.", I said while catching my breath.

I felt a presence in front of me, so close that I opened my eyes. I looked up and my eyes widened when I saw that it was that guy... The guy named Zach.

He looked at me in such an intimidating way, the kind of person who shrinks from yourself.

I almost held my breath as to what he did next.

He bent forward with enough space between our faces and peered at my face, because I was wearing a hat and it was down too much since I'm being careful with people recognizing me.

"W-what are you trying to do?", I stuttered.

"Who are you? Why are you following us?", he asked and we adjusted after he peeked at my face.

I looked over there and saw his companion watching us inside a car.

"Following?", me.

"Yeah, don't even try to deny it. My partner and I have been watching you in the car like crazy looking for us. What do you need?"

This guy is so straightforward and I want to return the favor.

I swallowed my saliva then adjusted my stance.

I looked around for a moment to see if there was anyone else and after confirming that there was none, I removed my hat.

He stared at me with no change of expression, does that mean he doesn't know me?

He stared at me with no change of expression, does that mean he doesn't know me?

"Hurry up. I don't have much time for this childish behavior.", he said while looking at me unimpressed.

I lost my hair.

I thought it was easy to do things like this but it's not. Don't want to come out of my mouth, it's embarrassing!

"5 seconds."

5 seconds?

"Huh?"

"I'm giving you 5 seconds to answer and if you fail to do so, I'm going to report you for following us in a very strange manner."

The heck? This person is serious! It's not that deep!

"Report?!", I couldn't believe I reacted.

"5... 4..."

Wait, is he really serious? Calm down Charlotte, say you're a witch!

"3... 2..."

"H-hey, wait.. "

"1. Time's up."

He grabbed my wrist suddenly.

"In case you run away.", he said and took his phone from his pocket using his free hand and dialed a number.

Before he could call that number, I mustered up the courage to say my specifics.

"Can I have your number?", I asked him without blinking.

He stopped dialing the number and looked at my face. I felt his grip on my wrist loosen up.

"What?", he asked with a frown.

I turned to his companion in the car and he was laughing while looking at us.

Maybe because I said it so loudly, he heard it too.

"You heard it right. Can I have your number?"

His grumpy face changed to confusion, he let go of my wrist.

"Y-you followed us here and you almost got hit... Just to get my number?".

The expression on his face seems to say that it is even worth it.

I nodded in response.

"Why?", he exclaimed as if he's very frustrated by it.

Why? What should I answer? The answer that will convince him to give me his number.

I bit my tongue, and yes, it's not a dream so get over it.

"Why don't you want to? It's okay. Just take my number."

My brain floats, with everything that can be answered. That's all my brain can handle.

Will he give it to me? If I can't have his number, then I have to get his full name.

I've long waited for a guy that perfectly fits the description of that fortune teller, and now that I've finally found one... There's no way I'm getting him go. There's not a chance.

I need to make this guy mine.

------------

Zach's POV:

(A/N: We don't need an introduction for Zacharias Ford Silvius aka Zach, what? We all know him from "Pregnant with My Professor's Child" and most especially in "Wanted: Father of my Child" where he was the unproblematic second lead even though he never developed feelings for Bleu. So if you haven't read both stories, you have to. So that you don't get confused with other parts of this story because this is the third and last series of "The Baby's Father" Series".)

"You should've seen her face hahahah. You don't reject a woman like that, Zach."

The guy next to me said laughingly, still hitting the steering wheel because he was laughing so much. Did he forget that he was driving?

"Yeah? You're not expecting me to be all nice and give her my number after she followed us sneakily."

I crossed my arms then closed my eyes.

"Come one, she just wanted your number.", he answered me.

"That's a shtty reason Dave. She almost got hit."

I thought the idiot would be quiet because I wanted a quiet ride home, but it suddenly became quiet so I thought it was over;

"You could've rejected her nicely then."

I opened my eyes and saw my own reflection in the side view mirror.

"I know why you got mad. She followed us and got almost hit by a car just to get your number. Bleu oftentimes talk about how much you care for everyone regardless of whether you know them or not but earlier... You were harsh. That woman might have been still in shock that she almost got hit."

I gasped and closed my eyes again. This guy talks so much.

-- Earlier

My head got hot when I heard his reason.

She could've gotten hurt. All for just a fucking number!

"Listen, woman. If you have a lot of time to spare then why don't you use it to help make the world a better and a safe place? Hmm? Don't just waste your time running around asking for men's number as if you're a call girl or something. That's a piece of advice as I'm genuinely concerned."

I eyed her from head to toe before turning my back on her and getting into the car.

"Let's go.", I said to Dave looking straight.

"Calling her call girl is too ha-"

"Would you rather me call her prostitute? Escort? Or hooker?", I turned to ask Dave.

"Well, those you just mentioned would be more harsh to listen to but isn't it the same thing?"

"It's the nicest way I could ever think to make it sound less offensive."

He shook his head.

"Or... You shouldn't have called him that?"

"Just drive. Okay? Drive."

--- PRESENT

Was I too harsh?

Well, I guess I was. Now I feel bad, because this man reminded me.

I can't sleep because I'll feel the need to apologize.

I didn't like how she acted and how she almost got hit just for an unworthy reason but I shouldn't have let the heat get into my head and call her something offensive.

Whatever. It already happened. Trash behavior, Zach.

Charlotte's POV:

"ARGHHHHHH!", I was like a leech bathed in salt scurrying around my bed.

I look like a panda because my lower eyelid is black because I haven't been able to sleep well for two days.

"Say what? Call girl? A call girl wearing prada shoes is social! Ha! I'm seriously HAHAHAHAH? Call girl? AHHHHHHH I'm shivering!"

I'm pinching my pillow because I'm going to cry. My combative nature can't accept that they called me a call girl after that attempt and I didn't answer!

This is how I should answer it;

"Hey! You're not fucking handsome, you can call me a call girl! Maybe you thought I wouldn't judge you because you speak English? I can speak English too! Do you want a sample? You're nothing but a second great, trying hard copycat! Oh? Are you mad? You thought I had nothing to say? How dare you, dare me! You handsome rude thing!"

That's how it should be... That's all... It stopped in my brain, it didn't come out of my mouth.

"AHHHHHHHH!", I shouted again with a bang, I looked at my door and I almost died of shock when I saw Mama there, leaning against the door while looking at me weirdly.

"W-have you been there before?", I asked him.

"Are you being possessed again? Inform me in advance so I have time to call the priest."

I sat down.

"Mom. Can you knock first before you open my room?"

Automatic and faster than a flash, my whole body was turned away when I saw Mama bent down while taking off her household slippers.

Unfortunately, I was too far ahead that Mama was removing her slippers and avoided my whole body, so the ending when she threw her slippers at me hit me all over the face.

"MA! Don't make a mess of my face, okay? Don't throw that channel-WAHHHHH MA! JUST A JOKE! JUST A JOKE! THIS IS SERIOUS!"

Do you think that? I don't even want to speak. He just threw his slippers at me, and he plans to throw the rest of them at me.

"I knocked, girl! But as usual, you're deaf! I screamed at you to eat! You really made me come up here to your room and then catch you looking like a snake sprinkled with pepper? Are you ticklish?"

Wow? It's a snake, it's still tickling.

I took the pillow that I was pinching earlier and covered my face while slowly walking backwards to my bathroom, throwing everything away from my face.

"Didn't I say I was going to eat at my shop? I need to open the door-AHHHHHHSSSS!", I ran to the bathroom because I could clearly see that Mama was already focused on throwing her slippers.

I locked the bathroom. I'm really busy here at home, I'm glad I'm still alive.

I locked the bathroom. I'm really busy here at home, I'm glad I'm still alive.

"I'm telling you, Devina! When you're crying because of the ulcer, don't face me because I'll make you cry even more! You're so thin that you haven't eaten properly. What else? you're going on a diet? When are you going to eat properly when you're skinny? You're neglecting yourself"

I thought I was about to come out of my room, I was able to rap.

"I will eat at my shop."

"Just make sure! Remember, get ready!"

I'm really going to eat. If I know, he will order Jax to send pictures of me eating.

Jax works at my flower shop because I'm not there every day. He's the one assisting me there.

I just took a shower then got dressed, then got ready.

After I cleaned up, I took a selfie.

"Selfie because I'm beautiful.", I read in the caption I put on my selfie.

When will I do it again? It's a bit painful to hear hahahaha but like I said, I'm old but I have loyal fans even though you're not that dedicated to me they always want to see my posts on IG and they like my posts.

I looked at myself in the mirror, red top paired with fitted jeans covered in a long black trench coat and silhouette ankle boots from louis vuitton and to add some cutesy, I wore a beret from a thrift shop.

Yes, you read it right. A thrift shop. OKAY-OKAY. Why? Just now you saw someone wearing louis vuitton boots and then the beret was okay? You're still wondering, I actually have three cars and I don't know how to drive.

Well, it doesn't matter 'cause I'm killing this look.

I grabbed a taxi again. My flower shop is not far from us, but it's a distance that needs a ride, especially since you're wearing boots with high heels like me.

I said goodbye to Mama before leaving but she didn't hear me because Mother Earth was busy doing zumba.

I really need to learn how to drive, that's bullshit hahahahaha I just need to learn.

I quickly arrived at my flower shop and it's already open, Jax arrived earlier than me hahahah.

I was about to enter when the door suddenly opened and a man came out carrying a bouquet of roses.

"Thank you, sir. Come again!", said Jax who was just after this man who came out.

"Hey.", I called the man and he looked at me in surprise.

"Make sure you give flowers to just one specific person that is dear to your heart, not send to many. Do you understand?"

He frowned as if he couldn't understand where I was saying that and why I was telling him that.

The next thing I know, Jax's hands are all over my face and he's pulling me into the flower shop. I winced because my face was turned into a hand because that's what he pulled.

"Omg beks! What the hell! I'm very sumimasarreh, sir. My frenny lacks care. Gomenasarreh really."

The man had to nod and continued walking while Jax pulled me all the way inside.

"You're a witch! I smudged my make-up, you're gaga!", I said irritated then hurriedly looked for my cellphone in my purse to turn it into a mirror and look at my face.

"That's not Alex, okay? You're okay. You're going to fight with every guy you meet."

I looked badly at my own reflection on my cellphone;

"I look like Harley Quinn, where did my lipstick go all over my face!"

My face only got worse when my phone lit up when I received a new notification that someone had commented on my IG post.

[So, you can't take a selfie if you're ugly? Feeler.]

My blood boils. So I replayed it.

"Yes, that's why you're doing the right thing. Just cover your face. Don't waste money, load and data.", I replied.

Please put away the camera, I'm going to hit you with the truth. His display picture is because his hand is covering his face.

"Yes, that's why you're doing the right thing. Just cover your face. Don't waste money, load and data.", I replied.

Please put away the camera, I'm going to hit you with the truth. His display picture is because his hand is covering his face.

I pulled my hair hard.

"I don't eat hair. Pwe!"

I laughed a little because my hair went into Jax's mouth hahahaha.

"Desurhbbbb! (Deserve)", I said and then pulled back my hair before leaving him to fix my make-up inside my right-sized office here at the shop.

"Do you have a walk ghurl? Why don't we come here today?", Jax shouted because I was already inside my office while he was left outside.

"Yeah, I'm meeting Valerie at a resto today to talk about an advertisement that I might take or might not. I just came here so I can contribute as the owner of this shop, get?", I answered but I didn't yell, let him adjust hahahahaha

"It's good that you still remember that you have a shop."

"Ay gaga!", I jumped and looked behind, it turned out that this baklush was following me.

"Can't I come?", he asked with a sneer.

I smiled at him very sweetly while swaying my way towards him, then I pinched his muzzle with my hand.

"No.", I answered with a poker face.

He retreated so I let go of his muzzle, he wiped his muzzle;

"Bastard huh? Why not?"

"Is that even a question? Girl, look at you! Look at yourself. You are really the reason why I am not enjoying myself, not the curse of our family."

He looked at himself in confusion while I started to fix my make up.

Jax doesn't wear girly types of clothes, except for his baklush speech if you don't know him you'll mistake him for straight.

Mind you, regular customers of my shop are mostly women because Jax is coming back.

How many times has he been mistaken for my jowa? So no man approaches me because they think I'm taken?

That's why we hang out a lot indoors.

"And you're another lukaret! Who will guard my shop? Aber? Who?"

He made me suffer. How old!

"You're right in the head, tse!", he answered me and walked out.

I didn't answer back because I needed to finish fixing my make up because Val is brokenhearted, it irritates everyone when the heart is broken so let's not add to his temper.

My wrinkled beret would have been nice, but I need to change it to a hat that will cover my face. It's okay, I ranted again hahahahah.

Zach's POV:

"Where the fu-", I stopped and looked at his face, I closed my eyes for a moment and let out a breath.

"Where are they? The head chef is nowhere to be found while the newly hired servers are late. You're the general manager, you should've done some follow up. Look at the mess outside... The other branches are doing well, what have you been doing all this time?", I pointed at the door to the kitchen.

Ensuing my return here in the Philippines, I didn't do anything else but to travel all the 21 operating branches of Namescape to check if there has been a problem while I was away, if there has been an improvement and how is its management. I also visited the upcoming 5 branches of Namescape that are still under construction. I traveled it all in just 2 days after I came back here.

Then out of all the branches, the main one is the one with the problem.

(A/n: Namescape by the way is the unknown restaurant in Book 1 that Zach's Grandfather bequeathed to him, the one that Zane used to bring to Bleu. It was that lowkey restaurant back then that Zach grew and now have 21 branches and 5 upcoming ones.)

That's why I'm angry right now because there are a lot of customers outside and a lot of people are also complaining about how long their orders are taking because we're short of people. The Head Chef is absent and then the 3 newly hired servers are still absent.

"Because the three servers I hired are friends, Sir Zach. They're together right now after the car they were riding in broke down."

I was caught in my own senses while taking a deep breath because I was trying to prevent myself from exploding because it will not give any help in this situation right now.

"Where's the assistant manager?", I asked him.

He bit the lower part of his lip while pointing outside, I followed that and saw the assistant manager taking orders.

"Dammit.", I let out crisply.

"Ma'am Gracia, aren't the new servers here yet? Table 18 is getting impatient because they haven't received their orders yet," said one of our servers, who was still carrying a tray of food, peeking through the door. in his two palms.

How many times have I breathed a sigh of relief?

"We're not taking more customers at 4 o'clock, we're closing early today at exactly 5 pm. No one is allowed to leave after that, we're having a general meeting.", I said pointing to Gracia, she's the general manager I'm talking to.

I didn't wait for him to answer and I left the kitchen to look for Table 18.

When I opened my eyes, I immediately saw the woman sitting there who was bored, not only her forehead was wrinkled but her entire face.

I went towards him carefully because I didn't want to bump into the servers and runners of my restaurant who almost fell due to panic.

"My apologies for the inconvenience and for the long wait. May I take your order?", I said when I got to the front of his table.

"What is the service of your restaurant? Why is it so slow? I'm going to die in the gu

.... Tom.", he was stunned when he looked at me, does he know me?

"I'm really sorry that you had to wait. To make it up to you, we'll be serving you our best-selling dessert for free together with your order.", I promised.

His frown was replaced by a wide smile. He suddenly laughed causing my forehead to frown;

"Ahahahah what are you hahaha it's just a joke! It's okay! Even if you give me my order tomorrow hahahaha there's no problem with me sleeping here. Best-selling dessert? You don't have to give it for free... I'll pay ."

I could even see his gums in the width of his smile.

I scratched my ears.

"Hey you witch! I just cr, you flirted with the server. You were emote-emote a while ago! Sorr- huh? You?"

I shifted my gaze to the woman who had just come from the restroom.

I shifted my gaze to the woman who had just come from the restroom.

"You know me?", I asked him.

She lifted her hat a little so I could see her face and my face fell, it's that reckless woman.

What are the odds?

"Are you a server here?...", he stopped speaking for a moment to observe the surroundings;

"... It must be difficult, isn't it? You have many customers now.", he continued.

Why is she talking to me so casually as if I didn't say anything bad to her?

"Yeah. Anyway, can I have both of your orders?"

The two of them looked at each other and his companion suddenly laughed again.

"Ah yes, we ordered hahahah wait...", his companion looked at the menu.

"Don't you have a list?", he asked me.

"No, I can memorize it. Take your time in choosing."

Charlotte's POV:

"Hey! Who's that? Do you know? Where? How?", this woman's mouth was like a shotgun, immediately showering me with questions as soon as Zach left.

I suddenly remembered that his name was Zach, that's what the man with him called him at the airport.

Before I could answer, Valerie inhaled while covering her mouth. He turned aggressively in Zach's direction.

"Curly. Tall. Moreno.... Handsome...", he looked back at me;

"Is the letter Z before his name?"

I laugh at his face because his eyes are shining.

I nodded.

He almost lost his seat, but I stopped him, he would have stood up hahahah

"See?! Didn't I? I told you the fortune teller is not a scam! I proved and tested it! You finally met him!", she said artfully then she fanned her eyes using her right hand as if she's stopping herself from crying , the OA is actually the witch.

As I've told you guys, he's the one who told me to go to the fortune teller because it's legit. He gave me the address and I said try and see it for myself.

Because he has been there several times and it is said that there is no mistake and all his predictions come true.

"What? What have you done? Have you made a move yet? There's nothing wrong in trying! He might be the answer to your prayers."

I looked over there in the direction that Zach had taken earlier after taking our order.

That infamous curse within my family where I will become an old woman if I pass twenty-five and still have no husband. I'm already 28.

Mama, she also passed twenty-five and she never got married or even had a boyfriend but she had me because she wanted to be a mother. I'm not ashamed of it but Mom got pregnant after looking for a sperm donor.

I don't care about getting married or not, just like Mom, I want to be a mother too and I can just do what she did... But... I can't...

I don't want my child growing up without a father like me. I don't want her to grow up craving the love of a father.

"Hey! What's up? Why are you stunned?", Valerie woke me up so I returned to my trance.

I was stunned.

"Let's not talk about it. Let's talk about the advertisement. What about it?", I changed the subject.

Valerie immediately got serious when I opened up the advertisement.

What's up?

What's up?

- Few Hours after -

Valerie and I were sitting alone at the table. He left first because he had something else to attend to.

I was thinking so much about what we talked about earlier that I didn't realize the time.

It's almost four.

I hung my shoulder muff bag on my shoulder and stood up. Valerie already paid for the food before she left.

I slowly walked out of the restaurant and remembered what Val had told me;

[ I know that we shouldn't be talking about this and I should've straight refused the offer instead of saying that I'll think about it but it really pays so well and it's the first advertisement after almost 5 months of getting none. He's only 20 seconds, Dev... But.. You're doing it with Mia. I want you to think of it thoroughly, message me your response.]

Mia... Mia Peterson.

That last time I saw her was in a club where I used to sing secretly 3 years ago. I stopped singing in clubs secretly 9 months ago? Because Valerie caught me. I was in the middle of singing and saw her in the crowd and she immediately recognized my voice so I immediately ran outside.

While it's been exactly 6 years since I last saw him.

I stopped in a little shade in front of the exit of this restaurant and looked up at the cloud.

Shady The rain is coming.

It's like that day. The day he left me crying alone in an isolated street where I could see nothing but darkness, heard nothing but the strong rain and the loud noise of the thunder, and felt nothing but numbness and pain.

I looked down at my hand when my cellphone rang, I looked at it and Valerie was calling. I answered that.

[Where are you? You're already home, right? The skies are dark. Stay home and listen to any kind of music at the fullest volume. Will you be okay or do you want me to go there?]

I smiled.

"I'll be fine. Carry on with your matters. I'm already at home and it's not too shady here, maybe just over there."

I lied 'cause I don't want her to worry.

[Call me, okay? I'll fly over there, I'm just one call away.]

"Yes, let's go. Be careful wherever you are. Bye!"

I hung up and put my cellphone in my muff bag.

I looked up at the cloud again.

You'll be fine, Charlotte. It's not raining yet, there's no thunder. You can still go home fine.

I was about to step out under the shade that was at the exit of this restaurant when suddenly there was thunder.

I flinched so hard and hugged myself.

"Please... Not now."

I took a deep breath and stepped forward as the thunder roared again but this time it was very strong.

I was able to hold back my own screams but I was so shocked that I almost fell down because of my retreat, luckily I was able to grab hold of someone for support.

That's thunder. I'm going to have a heart attack!

Wait... Soft hard? Huh?

I groped for the support I held before I looked at it and I immediately covered my mouth when I saw that it was not any pole that I groped for and used as a support.

"Ah t- hin- ano...", I can't speak properly because I didn't mean to T_T

His jaw was stiff as if he's clenching his teeth so hard while his eyes burned with annoyance as he looked straight ahead.

It's not a pole T_T it's her thigh that I touched then right near what she was touching me T_T that's why it's soft and hard because I touched her thigh!

"F-first of all, it wasn't intentional. I didn't-", I didn't finish because he looked at me badly.

Hallelujah! Save me, Lord T_T

"Maybe you're planning to let go?", he said firmly.

Let go?

I looked at my hand and all this time the one I used to cover my mouth was my one hand and the other one I still haven't removed from her thigh. I immediately took it back.

"Promise! Even if you fall now, I really didn't mean it!", I said in panic with my hand still up.

"I tripped?", his eyebrows furrowed.

"Oh sorry, I mean me!"

I haven't been able to move on, I'm still confused because of what I did when it thundered loudly again, I really screamed and then I almost held on to him, but my hands turned and I hugged myself.

Oh my god. It looks like it's going to rain.

Oh my god. It looks like it's going to rain.

"W-what, I'm really sorry. I-I need to go.", I muttered and then looked back and forth at his face and then at the cloud.

I was about to run away when I felt his warm hand on my wrist.

I looked at him in shock.

"Let's go.", he said.

"Where?", I asked confused.

"I'll take you home. I won't take no as an answer. Take it as my apology for calling you a rude term."

Although confused by the quick incident, I let him drag me to the parking lot to his car.

He opened the car door for me and what's more is that he covered the top of my hat using his hand as I entered his car assuring that I wouldn't get bumped.

What's wrong with this guy? He's acting very differently compared to what he showed last time.

Is he really a gentleman or is he just doing this because as he said, he's apologizing.

I secretly looked at him beside me while he was putting on his seatbelt.

"Stop looking at me and wear your seatbelt.".

My eyes widened as I looked away, he noticed my furtive glances.

After I put on my seatbelt, I was just looking at the window on my side, staring at the window even though there was no good view outside.

Why the heat? Ahhhh because I'm wearing thick, yes, it's thick.

What is it again? window? windshield?

Zach's POV:

I was looking down at him from here in the receptionist area.

I glanced at the time on my watch for a moment then looked at the clouds outside.

When I looked back at his table, he was no longer there, so I was able to fix it.

I looked around the entire restaurant and seemed to see him come out of the exit.

I raised my hand and motioned the receptionist to take over. Why am I here if there is a receptionist?

Let's just say that I'm observing.

I immediately followed him to the exit. I've been restless for a while, I just really feel the need to say sorry.

[I'll be fine. Carry on with your matters. I'm already at home and it's not too dark here, maybe just there.]

I heard him say to the person he was talking to on the cellphone.

I looked up at the cloud. Not shady? It's not enough rain.

After her call, I saw how worried her face was while looking up in the sky. She's holding a tight grip on the sling of her bag.

Okay, Zach listen, you'll just apologize, okay? Nothing more, nothing less.

You have nothing else to do but apologize for what you called him at the airport.

"Please... Don't now.", she said in a wavering voice while hugging herself after flinching so hard because of the sudden noise of the thunder.

I should just say sorry...

"Tsk. Screw this.", I whispered to myself as I took my car keys from my pocket and approached him.

----

Zach's POV:

I offered to take her home but she insisted to drop her in front of a shop where someone fetched her. It was a guy, I don't know if it's her boyfriend but on the other hand I don't think so since she asked for my number, right? She couldn't be going around asking for a guy's number if she already has a boyfriend so maybe it's just her friend.

Well, I don't know why I'm telling all this to you guys. It's not my business and I couldn't give a damn. I stayed in my car and left as soon as he got out.

I didn't really plan to deliver him, I just wanted to apologize. I don't know what's her deal but she looked so scared and worried that time. I don't know what he went through, we all have experienced such kind of events, happenings, tragedies or incidents in our lives that might have resulted in a great fear or trauma like what I noticed in him earlier.

What I'm trying to say is that we all don't have the right to judge someone purely based on their actions if we know nothing. Respect is the bare minimum and it's a basic decency.

"Hello?", I answered the call.

[Are our voices stuck?]

I immediately smiled when I recognized his voice. New number?

"You changed your number?", I asked.

[Just a week ago. Anyway, you know why I laughed, right?]

I bit my lower lip as I let go of a half-suppressed laugh.

"I know and I'm sorry. I won't explain anymore because that will just end up as an excuse."

[It's okay hahaha I know you took care of a lot when you got back. * 'Who are you talking to?' ], another familiar voice suddenly snapped.

[Your sibling. Have you two met already? The kids can't wait to see him.], I heard Bleu reply to the answer.

[Your sibling. Have you two met already? The kids can't wait to see him.], I heard Bleu reply to the answer.

Yeah, I'm talking with Bleu right now. Laine and Tobi already know that I'm back but because I need to catch up on the business I left here in the Philippines, I only saw Dave because he picked me up at the airport.

[Zach?], he called my name. Bleu's phone was actually stolen.

"Brother.", I answered.

When I call Zane ng Kuya, it depends on my mood. Sometimes Kuya, sometimes just Zane.

[I know you're busy but you just came back. Have a proper rest.], it instructed me.

"I know, I just need to fix some few things and I'll do that. I'll visit the children as soon as possible."

[I just told you. Welcome back.]

"Thank you. Alright, I need to focus on driving.", I said goodbye.

[Zach! Chocolates? Be careful!], Bleu continued and I just laughed.

I hung up the call and focused my full attention on driving.

Charlotte's POV:

What am I going to do today? Except that I don't have a job, my shop is closed now because Jax has a walk with Val, they don't want to take me because it's always been raining lately.

You might be all wondering why I'm so afraid of thunder and rain but I'm not really ready to tell everything yet. Like I said it happened 6 years ago but it's still fresh to me, it's still hunting me up to these days.

Mom is also not there because she is at the mall. Life is really sad.

Zach suddenly popped into my head. What is it doing now? It's good that when he brought me, it didn't really rain, it was still pouring last night.

An evil smile occurred in my lips... Should I like pretending to eat at the restaurant where he worked? Because honestly I'm hungry too, I can eat my lunch there.

He won't think I'm stalking him or something right? I don't want to be creepy. As long as he works there, I don't need his number because at least I know where to find him.

I immediately got up from the bed and rummaged through my closet to find something to wear. I looked outside from the window in my room.

I think the weather is just fine, not that hot and it seems like it won't rain at all.

I smiled when I saw the red sleeveless knee-length dress that I bought a long time ago but I haven't worn it yet.

Without any hesitation, I grabbed the dress and put it on. I partnered it with a black open toe heels and a black cute envelope clutch, of course I won't lose my hat hahahah

Before I left the house, I managed to take some pictures near our gate just so I could post something on instagram hahahaha.

[Look who's hotter than the sun! ☀] - my caption on IG. 'If someone yells again, I won't back down.

When I got close to Namescape it just crossed my mind that what if he had a day off today? What if he's not there now?

Sometimes my brain works really late.

I was surprised when Kuya driver suddenly stopped because we're not at Namescape yet.

"Why brother?", I asked in surprise.

"My taxi is cheating again, ma'am. It's been a long time, I'm really sorry, just walk, we'll be close again. Don't pay me.", Kuya Driver answered me with a problem.

I looked at his face and he was wiping sweat while trying to start his taxi again. Maybe because I was so excited to get to Namescape, I didn't notice that his taxi's air conditioner was broken because it hadn't been on before.

I opened my clutch and took out some money then handed it to him.

"It's okay brother, I can walk but I'll still pay. Just keep the change because I'm in a hurry.", I said handing him 1k, when he reached it I hurried out of the taxi so he wouldn't have to -insist if ever to reciprocate that.

I scratched the back of my neck. Should I take a new taxi or just walk? I'm so close...

"Ma'am! Ma'am!", called me.

I turned to Kuya taxi driver, his head sticking out of the window of his taxi;

I turned to Kuya taxi driver, his head sticking out of the window of his taxi;

"Thank you for this!", he shouted while waving the 1k I gave him, I laughed at him.

I nodded and waved my hand in response, I smiled at him before I turned to walk down the road to Namescape.

I'm already regretting what I'm wearing, earlier it wasn't that hot outside and now my shoulders feel like they're going to burn, I'm still wearing heels. But then, when did I go out without heels? I'm not tall, so I feel tall when I wear heels.

Namescape is close, but when I'm still riding in a taxi, now that I'm walking it doesn't seem like I'm that close.

I stopped walking, I hadn't walked that long but I was tired. What is this? Exercise?

It's breathless to walk.

What the heck! Will I go there sweating?

You really have a lot of art in life, Charlotte! Just keep walking until you get there and you can sit down and enjoy the air conditioning!

"Damn it!", I still tripped, why is the road here so rough? Not even!

The cuts on my ankles from the airport incident aren't even fully healed yet and then there's something new!

It's your decisions in life, Charlotte! There's no one to blame but you so bear with that, you're an artful woman!

I'm fighting myself again.

Shall I continue? I've lost my appetite. This disgusting feeling from my sweat because it's too hot and then it looks like it's getting hotter because I'm red?

"Bwiset!", I muttered to myself as I stomped my right feet to the hard ground which wasn't a good idea because it just added pain to my already scratched ankle.

I'm used to wearing heels again, but I'm still quick to get injured and bruised, especially since my skin is really thin.

I bit my lips because of the pain while holding my heel.

"I'm terrified of you..."

I turned around behind me when someone spoke from there.

I blinked twice as I'm hugging my clutch while looking at him leaning against a tree with his arms folded.

I'm not even moving, I'm still hugging my clutch above my chest except for my eyes that are looking everywhere.

"W-have you been there before?", I asked and he immediately shook his head.

"Who is your enemy?", he asked as if laughing, no? At the same time, he stood up properly and walked towards me, then he looked around as if he was looking for something.

I'm not even moving, I'm still hugging my clutch above my chest except for my eyes that are looking everywhere.

"W-have you been there before?", I asked and he immediately shook his head.

"Who is your enemy?", he asked as if laughing, no? At the same time, he stood up properly and walked towards me, then he looked around as if he was looking for something.

"Do you see something that normal people don't?"

Is it teasing? T_T

I retreated when the distance between the two of us narrowed, I couldn't smell myself, I didn't know if I smelled like sweat or not!

"You! Why are you here? Shouldn't you be at the restaurant? Are you absent?", I changed the conversation.

I'm actually talking to that guy right now, Zach.

"Absent?", he asked confused.

"Won't your manager scold you that they might be busy at the restaurant right now and you're just hanging out?"

The expression on his face was just more confused, should I English it? After a while it was as if he suddenly got something.

"My day off.", he promised.

"Day off? Why are you outside near the restaurant?", I think it's jino-joke time.

"Because I'm going to eat there?", he answered with his hands in his pockets.

Will he eat there? Huh? Where did he work? Then on his day off? It's so right.

But I notice how well he talks now compared to our previous encounters. What's that? Does it depend on his mood? Is he in a good mood today because it's a day off?

"Just so you know employees in Namescape have the privilege to eat at the restaurant for free on their days off if they want to visit."

"Really?", me.

"Of course.", he answered proudly.

He must really love working there for him to be so proud. Cute.

"But anyway, you're on your way there?", he asked with raised eyebrows.

I sighed as I removed a strand of my hair that was covering my face.

"Yeah, I'm hungry because it just happened that he's near my house.", I said with an artful accent, like hello? Why should I admit that he is the reason why I go to Namescape? I don't want him to feel uncomfortable around me.

My plan is to befriend him first, win his heart and 'when we get a little close, I will try to flirt with him until he falls for me, but of course while I'm trying to win his heart, I'll also do some subtle flirting,' just the lowkey one. BWAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA my devil listen hahaha

"Okay.", he answered briefly, shrugging his shoulders and passing me.

Wait? 'That's all? okay? Will he leave me here? He won't even invite me since he just came there? ah!

Wait? 'That's all? okay? Will he leave me here? He won't even invite me since he just came there? Ambastos ah!

"W-wait... ", I called him softly, why is that? My one step is like his two steps? It's hard to reach!

I stopped while looking at his far back, I was adjusting my heels because it was painful.

Is he really hungry and can he walk fast? But in truth, he doesn't walk fast, his steps are just long.

"Wait... Isn't that Devin?"

"Who's Devin?"

"Devin Vanidestine! He was a famous actor in my teenage days! He was the leading lady in almost all MVs back then hahahah."

"That?! Is it him? It doesn't seem like it."

"Because I followed her on IG, then look... Wait... I'll show you. She's wearing the same thing, right?"

"Oh yeah! It's him!"

I froze where I stood. Two women passed by me and I think one of them just recognized me.

I even lowered my hat, only my mouth could be seen, then continued walking as if I heard nothing.

"What are you going to do? Shall we approach? Are you a fan of his?"

"No! I can be Mia and Kye's shipper."

"Why do you follow her on IG?"

"Nothing, just so I know if he has a new post. It's fun to read hate comments. It's good for him. It's been said that he has a bad habit, his head has grown. He's jealous of Mia, so he bullies her because she's more popular. he was."

I stopped walking.

"Gaga, come on! I heard you!"

"What about now? Did he get hit? He flirted with everyone who was famous when he was also famous, then even directors. They had a s*x scandal when the CEO of Mia and Kye then gave him many projects. Social climber."

I held my clothes tightly. 'Don't hit it, Charlotte. You know the truth and the moment you speak you lose.

"Is it true that he and Kye were together? The three of them are younger than Mia, aren't they?"

"No! Kye wants Mia all along, so he's bullying Mia because he can't accept it. It's an illusion. Let's go."

"Maybe not, he seems nice."

My mouth trembled so I bit the lower part of my lip to stop it.

"Hey."

Third Person's POV:

"Hey.", a familiar voice called attention to the two women who were about to leave.

They turned around and immediately their eyes lit up when they saw who it was.

The two women elbowed each other, as if they were ashamed to answer the one in front of them.

"Gwapooooo...", the girl in the ponytail next to him whispered in excitement before he answered.

"B-why?", a woman answered like a trapped mouse while still pinching the person next to her.

Charlotte looked up to see what was going on and was surprised to see Zach standing in front of the two girls earlier.

"Do you guys want some piece of advice?", Zach asked with a slight grin on his lips.

"Sure!", quickly answered the girl in the ponytail, it's the girl who followed Charlotte in IG just to see the hate comments for Charlotte in her posts.

"You...", Zach pointed at the girl in the ponytail.

"Why don't you help save the earth?"

The girl in the ponytail frowned...

"Huh?"

"Ask me how.", Zach.

"W-what?"

"Clean up litter, throw it in the trash and cover it well to prevent foul and pungent odors."

The two women looked at each other as if they couldn't understand where Zach was saying or why he was saying it.

"Ahhhh hahaha I understand.", he just answered.

"Really? You understand?", Zach as he snickered.

Charlotte didn't know what was going on so she just looked around to see who was going to speak.

"Yes?", the woman in the ponytail answered twice.

"No you don't.", Zach responded seriously as the grin on his lips faded.

"What I'm trying to say is shut your stinky mouth if you don't have anything good to say and don't litter the road because you're one of the ones adding to the pollution. Save earth by being a better person, don't litter a lot Do you understand?", Zach preached in a condescending voice.

"What?!", couldn't believe the reaction of the woman in the ponytail.

Charlotte bowed and laughed softly, she didn't expect that.

I looked behind me and luckily there aren't many passing by so it's not causing any traffic.

What happened? Is the driver drunk?

I removed my seatbelt and was about to get out to talk to the taxi driver when I was stopped by the woman who got out of the taxi.

I followed him with my eyes and he didn't seem to know what to do.

Why am I meeting or seeing this woman so often? Is it the third time?

"Ma'am! Ma'am!"

I looked back at the front because of the sudden shout I heard, turns out it's the taxi driver.

"Thank you for this!", he shouted waving with a thousand in his hand?

I looked at that girl again and she's smiling as she waved back before she turned and walked away.

I parked my car first then went to the taxi driver.

I knocked on his car window.

"Sir?", he greeted when he opened his window, why are you so sweaty?

"I almost crashed your car, you stopped suddenly.", I told him.

"Come on, sir! Are you okay? I'm really sorry, sir? Oh! I'm really unlucky. Will I have to pay something? It was my first trip when I got out of my car earlier, sir. It's only 1k I have it.", he said with great concern on his face.

"My taxi is quite old because it stops suddenly. I shouldn't use it anymore because it's dangerous but because Sir, I have to go home with a dish. My two children haven't been able to eat properly for three days." He was sweating while his eyes were red as if he had been crying.

"Single father?", I asked and he nodded.

"My children and their mother left us because I'm just a taxi driver, I can't find where Sir is."

I slowly nodded.

"Anyway, I'm not asking you to pay. But what happened earlier? That was dangerous. If we were unlucky, three of us would be in the hospital right now. I understand your situation, but many innocent people will be hurt if you continue using it's a taxi. I hope you get my point."

He bowed and nodded to me while wiping his sweat again.

I took my wallet from the back pocket of my pants, then something was taken from there, I handed it to him.

"What is it, Sir?", he asked.

"It's my calling card. Call me tonight, I'll give you a job."

Its eyes widened.

"Really, Sir? Seriously?", this tearful reaction to me.

"Yes."

He tried to start his taxi and with a few more attempts it started again, before he said goodbye to me he caught a glimpse outside his window;

"Did Ma'am get to where she was going? She still gave me 1k even though I didn't deliver her.", he said softly to himself so I looked where he was looking.

That woman... Is surprisingly nice.

--