MY BEWILDERED HEART

CHAPTER 17

RACHEL'S POV

The event is done and right now, I just want to escape and head straight to my room. I was about to leave the venue when Zax stopped me.

"Rachel, let's head to the bar counter together," he said, and I looked at him, confused.

"Didn't you promise me earlier?" AY! O nga pala, I almost forgot because I was so nervous earlier.

"Oh, yes. Sure, let's go." I clung to his elbow and hurried him along to the place we were supposed to meet.

LUKA'S POV

Where 

is

 that

 girl

RIGHT NOW?

I've been calling her repeatedly, but her phone is always unattended. I decided to go back to my room, thinking she might come later. I did my beauty routine, removed my makeup, took a full bath, dried my hair, and put on my sleeping clothes. After everything, I made myself some green tea while waiting for Van and sat on the couch watching TV.

I checked my phone again, but still no reply from her. I also checked the time—it was already 9:30 PM.

Nasaan na ba ang bruhang yun?

I set a deadline for myself: if she doesn't show up by 10 PM, I'm going to her room.

It's already 10 PM, and STILL NO PRESENCE OF VAN here in MY ROOM!

I had no choice. I turned off the television, grabbed my sling bag with my phone and room keys inside, locked my room, and started dialing Van's number again. But still unattended pa rin ang gaga. I began to worry—what if something happened to her? Negative thoughts flooded my mind, but I brushed them aside because I knew Van could defend herself if needed. However, I couldn't shake off the unease, so I ran towards Kylie's room, hoping Van might be there.

I knocked on the door, and Kylie, with a towel on his head and already in his pajamas, opened it.

"Uy Sis--"

"Do you know where Van is? I've been calling her, but her phone is always unattended," I asked and didn't let her finish her sa gustong niyang sasabihin and my frustration is evident.

"Oh, Chel didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?" I almost shouted, my patience is wearing thin right now.

"Wait, Luka, can you just chill? Because you—"

"TELL ME WHAT, BES?" I snapped, my voice rising. My patience has already snapped and I. AM. REALLY. FURIOS. RIGHT. NOW!

"Nagkita kami kanina sa may bar counter kasama yung boyfriend niya," Kylie explained, looking surprised at my outburst.

"Chel didn't tell or message you? Kasi sabi niya nagmessage na daw siya sa'yo?" I didn't receive anything! I shook my head, unable to speak due to the anger and betrayal I felt.

"Hala! Or baka na lowbat si Chel, Luka. As far as I remember, she asked me earlier if I had a charger for an Android, but you know I only have Apple gadgets kaya," Kylie continued, but I wasn't listening anymore. I was too furious.

I excused myself and headed running straight to the bar counter at the resort. Sure enough, there was Van and that Zax, 

Hugging. Again.

RACHEL'S POV

I hugged Zax and said my goodbyes.

"Van, I think we won't see each other for a while because I'm going back to London tomorrow," he said, and I pulled away from the hug first.

"Yeah, it's okay. We'll just message each other when we have time. I'm going to be busy this week, and I'm sure you will be too," I replied, smiling, but his smile slowly faded.

"Van, do you want to come with me to London? There's a great job opportunity there. A friend of mine is looking for a makeup artist. He's not just any friend; he's often hired for drama and movie sets, and he's a top-notch makeup artist." WOW! It sounded amazing...

"I'd love to, Zax, but I can't leave my siblings here."

"You can bring them to London. You can stay in my pad; no one is living there right now," he offered, but I was under contract with Luka, and breaking it would cost me a lot of money.

"It's really okay, Zax. The job I have now offers good benefits, but thank you so much," I declined, not wanting to owe Zax anything. I could take care of my siblings on my own.

"Yes, I understand. But if you ever finish your job here, don't hesitate to call me ha" he said, and I nodded, grateful.

"Okay, I'll go ahead. See you soon, Van," he said, smiling as he waved goodbye. I watched him walk away.

I'm really grateful to Zax. He was there for me when my parents died. He even confessed that he liked me, but I rejected him because I felt he deserved someone better. He accepted my rejection and pleaded to remain friends, which I agreed to.

We're still friends, and I know he has feelings for someone else now. He told me earlier, and I'm happy for him. I even gave him tips on how to woo her because he plans to court her soon.

As soon as I lost sight of him, I started to head back to my spot when someone grabbed my hand. I struggled a bit but stopped when I saw who it was.

Oh shet! I was supposed to meet Luka! SHET! Nakalimutan ko! I'm so dead!

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Thanks for reading guys! 

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