Whimps of Heart (VALENTINE SERIES #2)

Chapter 1

O N E

PS: Unahing basahin ang Addicted Love.

Iris's Pov

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the girl looking back at me. I wasn't Iris Valentine tonight. No, I wasn't the perfect daughter, the dedicated student council president, or the puppet my parents expected me to be. Tonight, I was just... me.

The soft glow of the lamp illuminated the silk of my dress, the fabric hugging my curves in a way that made me feel bold, dangerous even. The dark lipstick I'd chosen was a statement of a rebellion.

For once, I wanted to escape the suffocating responsibilities, the constant expectations, and just live.

"One night of freedom," I murmured, imagining the pulse of the music at BGC, the laughter, the drinks. I needed this.

Reaching for my purse, I felt a small thrill run down my spine. No one would know. I'd just disappear for a few hours-lose myself in the chaos, away from the Valentine name.

Malayo sa presensya ng tatay ko.

"Iris." I froze, heart pounding, before turning slowly to see Ate Elle standing at the doorway, arms crossed and a curious look in her eyes.

Mukhang galing pa ito sa office niya dahil sa suot niyang damit, habang na tagal minsan ang sungit ni Ate simula nung anim na buwan na MIA si Juliana.

"Saan ka pupunta?" she asked, her tone casual but the question heavy.

I swallowed, quickly trying to think of an excuse. My mind raced. Damn it, Ate Elle was always good at seeing through me.

"Ah, Ate... just going out with some friends. Nothing big." I forced a smile, hoping it was convincing.

But I could tell by the way her eyes flickered over my outfit, the mini dress, the heels that she wasn't buying it.

"With friends?" she echoed, her eyebrow raising slightly. "Dressed like that?" Dagdag niya pa.

I bit my lip. Busted.

Ate Elle raised an eyebrow, but instead of the lecture I was expecting, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Take care, ha." Her voice was softer at natatawa pa, she understood exactly why I needed to get away.

"Oh, and heads up. Your bodyguards are outside. Mukhang alam na nila na tatakas ka na naman." She smirked, and my heart sank. Of course, they knew. I had tried to pull this off too many times, and they were always one step ahead.

"Seriously?" I groaned, dragging a hand through my hair. My plans of slipping away unnoticed had just hit a wall. Hanggang kailan ba ni Daddy papa-sundan ako sa mga tauhan niya? Ako lang ba ang anak niya dito?

"Good luck with that. But hey, if you really need this, I won't stop you. Just... be careful, Iris." Paalala ni Ate Elle sa akin.

Agad naman akong tumango dito at hinalikan siya sa pisnge.

"Thanks, Ate." Saad ko dito at dali-dali ng umalis lalo na at dumating na ang grab na binooked ko.

The music pounded through the bar, the bass shaking the floor as bodies moved in sync on the dance floor. I had thought I could lose myself in the crowd, but every time I glanced over my shoulder, my bodyguards were still there, weaving through people, their eyes locked on me.

"Damn it," I muttered under my breath, pushing deeper into the mass of swaying bodies. The lights flickered across faces, and I blended in as best I could. But it was no use-they were trained for this, always a step ahead, always watching.