How Did It End? (HamBebe)

I Fell For You Faster Than I Fell Apart

The air is alive with excitement. For days, Jhoanna, Staku, Ate Colet, Ate Maloi, and even Ate Aiah have been swept up in a whirlwind of curiosity and endless chatter about Sam. Yet amidst all the buzz, Sheena feels a quiet detachment, as though watching it all unfold from the sidelines.

Now, as they prepare to meet him officially, Sheena's mind lingers on their first encounter. She tries to find cracks in his charm, searching for reasons to dislike him. But Sam is disarmingly respectful, effortlessly gracious, and so deeply captivated by Gwen that any resentment melts away. It is maddeningly hard to hate him.

"Bebe, are you ready?" Gwen's voice jolts her back to the present.

Sheena looks up and forces a smile. "Yeah, just grabbing my bag."

When they arrive at The Ritz, Sam is waiting for them in the grand lobby, his easy smile instantly winning over the girls. He greets each of them warmly, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries.

"You must be Stacey, right? Gwen talks about how you're the life of the party," Sam says, making Staku laugh nervously.

"And Maloi, the artist. Gwen shows me some of your work—it's incredible," he continues, leaving Ate Maloi stunned and mumbling a shy thank you.

As he works his way through the introductions, Sheena stands back, observing. She can see the way he effortlessly charms them, how they all lean in, captivated by his every word. She feels like a spectator in her own life, watching as Sam cements his place in their circle.

Sam finally turns to Sheena, giving her a knowing smile. "Good to see you again, Sheena."

"Likewise," she replies, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her.

After the introductions, Sam surprises them by announcing that he has arranged for them to stay overnight at The Ritz.

"Consider it a small getaway," he says, his tone casual as if this kind of luxury is second nature to him.

The girls are ecstatic, their excitement spilling over into hugs and squeals. Sheena, however, feels a pang of inadequacy. She has worked so hard to achieve even a semblance of stability in her life, and here is Sam, effortlessly offering them an experience she could never dream of affording.

"You okay, Bebe?" Jhoanna asks, noticing Sheena's silence.

Sheena nods quickly. "Yeah, just taking it all in."

The evening unfolds like a dream. Dinner is an opulent affair, with Sam treating them to a private dining room and a menu that seems straight out of a food magazine. He even introduced his best friend, Marcus, who immediately hitted it off with the girls.

Sheena tries to focus on Marcus, on the possibility that he could be a distraction from her tangled feelings for Gwen. But every time she glances at Gwen and Sam, her chest tightens. They are a picture-perfect couple, laughing and whispering to each other like no one else exists.

After dinner, the group gathers in the lounge, sipping cocktails, and sharing stories. Sam is the center of attention, effortlessly weaving humor and insight into every conversation.

At one point, Marcus leans over to Sheena. "You're quiet tonight," he says, his tone gentle.

She shrugs. "Just tired, I guess."

He tilted his head, a playful smile lighting up his face. "Fair enough. I hope you can still unwind and enjoy the rest of the evening."

That coaxed a small laugh out of her. "I'll try."

But her thoughts are relentless. She replays all the moments she and Gwen have shared over the years. And now, all of it feels like a distant memory, overshadowed by Sam's presence.