A Story of Love, Lies, and Loyalty

Chapter 31

Millie's POV

I'm here at XYLO with my friends. I don't drink much—it's too early to get drunk, haha.

I'm just enjoying watching them. I glanced around and saw someone familiar walking straight to the bar counter. I followed with my eyes and realized it's Bea. She's here early; she must have another problem with Jho.

I shook my head and decided not to drink. I'll just keep an eye on my good friend.

I remember there was a time when we had extra baked goods from our business event, so I gave Bea one since we're neighbors. I didn't want it to go to waste.

I remember she hesitated to accept it because she thought I was interested in her haha she's married na daw. Eventually, she took the blueberry cheesecake I offered and apologized to me.

There's nothing between Bea and me. I actually have a boyfriend. The reason we're close is that we have a deal: if she manages to fix things with Jho, she'll franchise our pastry shop for her. Jho loves pastries, but she has her limits. How did this deal happen?

One time, I was jogging alone on a Sunday, my day off from baking. I ran into Bea, and she still seemed a bit shy around me. Of course, I understood why she initially thought I had feelings for her.

Who wouldn't be suspicious if someone they just met gave them a blueberry cheesecake the next day, haha. So, I talked to her, and we became close. We often jogged together.

She eventually met Isaac, my boyfriend. I think they're working on a business together, but I'm not involved. I just told them to make sure it's legal.

Then Bea told me she and Jho weren't on good terms. So, I often invited her out to help take her mind off things. After all, it's tough being a martyr.

Flashback...

It's Sunday and sabay kami magjogging ni Bea. Nakita ko siya nasa labas na ng house nila, nag-sstretching. Kaya agad na ko bumaba kasi ayaw niya matagal nagaantay. Pero kapag si Jho, ay okay lang kaya pinagttripan ko na din minsan.

"Ui, bad mood na naman tayo ah," I said, iba kasi aura ng mukha niya. Then she shook her head.

"Ako pa niloko. Hulaan ko, late na naman umuwi si Jho? Kasama niya na naman si Ysay?" I said, and she sighed tapos iniwan na ako at nagsimula magjogging. Yes, I know, kasi ako nagpakilala at nagbigay ng calling card ni Jeff sa kanya.

"Hoy, wait, sandali lang 'to naman," sabi ko, nagdahan-dahan naman siya.

"Alam mo, Millie, kung aasarin mo ko, iiwanan kita dito," she said, kaya naman tumawa ako.

Hanggang sa maka-10k kami, as usual si Jho topic namin. Baka nga kako nasamid na yon and we decided na bumalik na.

Tumawag si Isaac sakin kanina, then itong si Bea nakisali na sa bahay na lang nila ako magaantay. So ayun, dito kami dumiretso, pinapasok ako ni Bea. Second time pa lang ako pumasok dito, first birthday ng anak nila ni Jho na si JB. Malaki na yung anak nila, malikot din, tapos kamukha ni Bea. Sabi ko nga sa kanya, sana lang kako hindi mana sa kanya. Tawa siya ng tawa kasi kanya daw yon magmamana, pogi. Kapal niya kako.

Nandito ako sa living room nila, inaantay ko si Bea. Ang tagal bumaba, tinignan ko na lang mga pictures nila, nakita ko na lahat, wala pa din kaya naisip ko na puntahan siya sa room niya, tinuro naman niya kasi.

Bago ako pumasok, kumatok muna ako syempre, bakit ako papasok agad mamaya kung ano pa makita ko, jusq.

"Pasok, bukas yan," Bea said, kaya I opened the door, di ko na cinlose. Nakita ko si Bea naka-sports bra. Walang bago kasi naka-sports bra naman siya minsan kapag nagjojogging.