As Victoria continued to discuss the future plans of Mr. Axelsson's business with Greggy, she couldn't help but notice his intense gaze. His eyes seemed to linger on her face, studying every feature as if he was trying to memorize each detail-the curve of her smile, the arch of her eyebrows, the way her hair framed her face.
For a moment, she faltered in her speech, slightly raising an eyebrow.
"Is everything alright, Mr. Araneta?" she asked, her tone curious yet polite.
Greggy blinked, snapping out of his trance. He forced a smile, embarrassed to have been caught.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare. It's just... you remind me of someone I used to know" he said, his voice trailing off.
Victoria tilted her head slightly, a hint of a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Is that so?" she replied. "Well, I hope it's a good memory."
Greggy nodded, swallowing hard as he tried to regain his composure.
"Yes, a very good memory" he said quietly, though his mind was racing.
Victoria, noticing the shift in his demeanor, continued speaking, but now with a more guarded expression. She couldn't quite place what was going on in Greggy's mind, but she sensed that he was seeing something-or someone-beyond her words.
After several minutes, they finally wrapped up the meeting. After countless discussions and negotiations with Mr. Axelsson, he had finally agreed to the business proposal.
Victoria stood up, a satisfied smile on her face, and extended her hand toward Greggy. He reached out to shake her hand, and as he did, he couldn't help but focus on the texture of her skin-soft yet firm, warm, and oddly familiar. It reminded him so much of Irene's touch, the way her hand used to feel in his. The familiarity sent a shiver down his spine.
"Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Araneta" Victoria said, her eyes meeting his with a grateful look. "We're looking forward to working closely with you on this project."
Greggy forced a smile, nodding slightly.
"Yes, likewise. I'm looking forward to it, Mrs. Axelsson." he replied, though his mind was far from the business deal. He was lost in thought, still trying to understand why shaking Victoria's hand felt like holding on to a piece of his past that he thought was long gone.
~
While Stelle and Luis were relaxing in the living room, enjoying a quiet moment together, their attention was suddenly drawn to a figure that appeared at the doorway. Luis immediately greeted the person with a smile, and the woman returned the greeting warmly.
Stelle's expression, however, was far less welcoming. She raised an eyebrow, her gaze running up and down the woman, taking in every detail from head to toe. Luis noticed his sister's demeanor and nervously reached out to touch her hand, trying to silently calm her down, but Stelle's infamous attitude was already kicking in.
"Siya na ba si Celestielle?" the woman asked, her tone polite, though clearly testing the waters.
Luis nodded, "Yes tita, si Stelle."
Stelle didn't say a word, locking eyes with the woman as if sizing her up, analyzing every inch of her presence in the room. It was clear from her stare that she was already passing judgment.
"Luis" Stelle said finally, her voice cutting through the tension, her eyes never leaving the woman's face,
"Who is she?"
