Karera | [ Stacey x OC (F) ]

C16 - Found Out

Third Person's POV

3:09 am - KTV & Resto Bar

Louise leaned over the billiards table, lining up her shot while Gwen, Javi and Kai sat back, laughing about some joke Colet had cracked earlier. The mood was light and carefree, exactly how they liked to spend their evenings at their favorite resto bar. This place was their haven, where they could just be themselves without worrying about anything serious.

"Masasablay mo 'yan." Gwen teased, grinning as Louise focused on her shot.

Louise smirked, then took the shot, sending the ball into the corner pocket with precision. "Well."

"Oo na, oo na." Javi said, rolling his eyes. "'Wag mo itatak sa ulo mo, baka lumaki 'yan."

Everyone laughed, the sound echoing through the lively bar, drinks in hand, just enjoying the night. But their light-hearted vibe was soon interrupted when the door swung open and in walked Donny, flanked by a few of his friends. He spotted Louise and her group immediately, that familiar smug look plastered across his face as he swaggered toward them.

Louise's jaw tightened the second she saw him, but she forced herself to keep her cool. "Great." she muttered under her breath, straightening up from the table as Donny approached, his hands casually stuffed in his pockets.

"Colet, Gwen, Javi, Kai... Louise." Donny greeted each of them with a fake, saccharine smile. His friends stood behind him, smirking in that same irritating way. Louise didn't bother responding, her eyes narrowing as she stared at him.

"You look like you're having fun." Donny said, his voice dripping with condescension. "Too bad you're out of the loop on some things."

Louise exchanged glances with Javi, her patience already wearing thin. "Ano nanaman bang gusto mo, Donny?"

"Oh, wala naman." Donny began, his smugness growing more apparent with every word. "Naisip ko lang na baka gusto mong malaman... since involved dito ang mahalagang tao para sa 'yo." He paused dramatically, savoring the moment.

"Stacey and me, our families are arranging a marriage.”

Javi nearly choked on his drink. "Gago ano?!" he sputtered, his eyes wide as he looked at Louise, trying to gauge her reaction.

Louise's hand tightened around her pool cue, her face expressionless for a moment as Donny's words sank in. But she forced herself to stay calm, though anger flared in her chest. "You're full of shit."

"I'm dead serious." Donny said, taking a step closer, that annoying grin never leaving his face. "Hindi ba nasabi ni Stacey sa 'yo? Our parents have been planning it for a while now. A little partnership between our families... na naging marriage."

Louise's heart raced, though she kept her exterior cold and controlled. She didn't believe a word out of Donny's mouth, but the mere thought of it made her blood boil.

"Why didn't Stacey mention anything?"

Donny chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Guess you're not as close as you thought, huh? I mean, dapat ikaw yung unang naka alam diba?"

"Donny." Colet interrupted, standing up from her seat. "Nasobrahan na 'yang pa-welcome mo, kung hindi ka o-order ng drinks o maglalaro manlang, pwede ka ng umalis."