His Virgin Stripper

03

V

I took off my heels and stared at my reflection in the mirror. Nasa loob ako ng washroom, finally getting a moment to breathe.

"It's okay, Valerie. Do this for your freedom... at least freedom at night." I scoffed at myself, gripping the sink as I tried to push back the tears. "Wag kang umiyak, baka humulas ang makeup mo." I slapped myself.

A sudden sound outside made me freeze. Footsteps. Someone was coming.

Mabilis kong isinuot ulit ang sapatos ko, pinilit ang sarili kong magmukhang normal. Then—knocking.

"Give me a minute," I called out, hastily wiping away the tear that had escaped. I forced a smile, trying to steady my voice.

The door swung open before I could even move.

"What took the fuck so long? I can't hold my horses," a familiar voice slurred.

I looked up—and my breath hitched. It was him.

"Oh—I'm sorry," I mumbled, offering a small smile as I tried to slip past him. His body was blocking the door, his stance loose and unsteady. Lasing siya.

"Hey."

I stopped. Slowly, I turned back.

"Uhh, what is it?" My voice came out softer than I intended. He looked drunk. Cute, even, in a messy kind of way. But there was something in his eyes—something unreadable.

"Nothing." His lips curled into a smirk. "Get out now."

I blinked, caught off guard by his words. His tone was lazy, but the way he was looking at me sent a strange chill down my spine. One more thing, the restroom he just entered was the ladies room.

I swallowed and nodded, remembering my role. Celestine is shy. Celestine doesn't fight back.

So, I walked away without another word, pretending not to feel his eyes still on me as I stepped back into the ballroom.

As I stepped back into the ballroom, I let out a quiet breath and smoothed down my dress. Relax, Valerie. Act normal. The last thing I needed was to draw attention to myself.

The music played softly in the background, and laughter filled the air. People were too busy talking, drinking, and pretending to enjoy each other's company. I should be doing the same.

I reached for a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, lifting it to my lips even though I wasn't really thirsty. It was more for show—something to do with my hands. Celestine would sip champagne and smile. Celestine would act like she belonged here.

But as I lowered the glass, a strange feeling crept over me, parang may nakatingin.

I casually glanced around, letting my eyes scan the room.

And then I saw him.

Leaning against the bar, a drink in his hand, was the same guy from the washroom. He wasn't talking to anyone. He wasn't drinking, either. He was just... watching.

Me.

Mabilis akong umiwas ng tingin, pretending I hadn't noticed. Okay... weird.

I wasn't scared, just curious. Did I do something off? Did I break character? Or was he just one of those guys who liked staring?

I took another sip of my drink, my mind racing.

Baka lasing lang siya. Baka ako lang 'to, nag-ooverthink.

But something about the way he looked at me—steady, focused, like he was trying to figure something out made me feel strangely exposed.

Still, I wasn't about to let some random guy mess with my night. If he wanted to stare, fine. I had bigger things to worry about.

So, I lifted my chin, put on a small, polite smile, and turned back to the crowd. If he had questions, he could ask.

I slipped away from the ballroom the moment I had the chance, my heels clicking softly against the polished floor as I made my way down the quiet hallway. Alam kong hahanapin ako ng adoptive mother ko kung hindi ako magpapakita kahit sandali.

And sure enough, as soon as I reached the lounge, she was there—seated elegantly on the velvet couch, a glass of wine in hand. Her posture was perfect, her expression unreadable.

"You disappeared," she said without looking at me, swirling the wine in her glass.

I pressed my lips together. Ano na namang problema? "I just needed a break," I answered, keeping my voice even. Celestine is soft-spoken. Celestine doesn't argue.

She finally turned her gaze to me, eyes sharp. "A break?" she repeated, raising a brow. "From what, exactly? Standing there and smiling?"

Putangina. Napakagat ako sa loob ng pisngi ko, swallowing back my irritation. "No, of course not," I said quickly. "I was just fixing my makeup."

She studied me for a moment before setting her glass down. "You did well tonight. You acted just like Celestine."

I nodded, forcing a small smile. Gusto mo ng medalya? "Thank you."

Then she leaned forward, her expression shifting into something almost amused. "But I saw you looking at someone."

My stomach twisted. Ano na naman 'to? Bawal na rin tumingin?

"Don't be foolish, Valerie." She reached for her glass again, taking a slow sip. "We gave you a home. The least you can do is not ruin what we built."

I clenched my fists but kept my face neutral. Home? Kung bahay lang ang usapan, mas mabuti pang bumalik ako sa ampunan.

"I understand," I murmured, kahit gusto ko siyang sagutin.

She smiled, satisfied. "Good. Now, go back to the party. And remember—no one should ever question who you are."

I turned to leave, but before I could step out, she spoke again.

"Oh, and Valerie?"

I stopped, not bothering to look back.

"Make sure you don't disappoint me. You wouldn't want to see what happens if you do."

Wow, ang bait mo naman.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to nod before walking away. The promise of freedom dangled in front of me like a cruel joke.

Do your best, I repeated bitterly in my head.

I walked back to the ballroom, pero hindi ko na naririnig ang music o ang usapan ng mga tao. My mind was still stuck on her words. You wouldn't want to see what happens if you do.

Napangisi ako ng bahagya. As if may choice ako, di ba?

I grabbed another glass of champagne from a passing waiter, pero hindi ko na talaga alam kung lasang alak pa ba siya o lasang inis.

Lumingon ako saglit, scanning the room. Everything was the same. People talking, laughing, pretending. Pero may isang bagay na hindi nagbago.

O mas tama sigurong sabihin—may isang tao.

He was still there.

Same spot. Same drink. Same steady stare.

This time, he raised his glass slightly, almost like a silent toast.

Nagtagal ang tingin ko sa kanya ng ilang segundo bago ako umiwas. I wasn't in the mood for games.

Not when I was already playing one I couldn't win.

As if I had a choice.