Jenny awoke in a state of confusion, her head throbbing with a dull ache. "Why does my head hurt?" She mumbled to herself, her surroundings unfamiliar and disorienting. Fueled by a sense of panic, she quickly rose from the bed, scanning the room for any sign of her friends from the previous night.
As a cold breeze brushed against her naked body, a sudden realization struck her—she was unclothed, and the truth of her situation began to sink in."Why am I not wearing any clothes?" She gasped, her mind racing as she desperately tried to piece together the events of the previous evening. A wave of discomfort washed over her, accompanied by aching pains throughout her body, making it difficult for her to even stand. With a sense of growing dread, she examined herself, unable to recall the events that led to her current state.
Attempting to rise once more, she winced as her body protested, the soreness in her private areas sending shockwaves of anguish through her. Overwhelmed with confusion and anguish, tears welled up in her eyes as she noticed a telltale trace of blood on the bedsheet beneath her, hinting at a disturbing and unsettling reality she couldn't yet comprehend.
"No! This cannot be happening to me. No man will ever love me if they find out I was raped. Who is the wretched person responsible for this? What sin did I commit to deserve this?" She sobbed, gathering her scattered clothes from the floor and hastily dressing herself. When she emerged, the security guard appeared taken aback.
"Miss, you've been here all this time. Your friends were still searching for you at dawn," the guard said, clearly surprised. It was to be expected.
"I apologize, I dozed off. I'm not accustomed to drinking alcohol," she replied politely, even though she was being untruthful.
"Oh, I see. Wait here for a moment, I'll arrange a taxi for you. Fortunately, I haven't locked up the bar yet," the guard offered.
While seated in the taxi, she attempted to recollect the events of the previous night, but all that came to mind was the pounding in her head. Lost in thought, her concentration was broken by the ringing of her phone.
"Julie!" She exclaimed, answering her friend's call, her voice choked with emotion.
"Jenny, where are you? Why did you both leave without saying a word?" Julie inquired with concern and contemplation.
"What? Why? Where's Dana?" She asked, her voice tinged with worry and confusion, her nose starting to run. The driver continued to glance at his rearview mirror.
"She followed you last night to use the restroom because you hadn't returned after drinking the last drink the waiter gave you," Julie explained.
"What? How is that possible? Where is she? I didn't see her last night, and I'm not with her. I'm almost home!" She exclaimed, her voice betraying her exhaustion.
"Alright, give us a call when you're home, Jen. We're still searching for Dana, and Aunt Helena is already out looking for her," Julie replied, her tone laced with concern.
"Goodbye, Julie! I'm sorry for worrying you about our sudden disappearance last night, and I can't seem to recall anything today." She apologized.
"Kindly halt in front of the green gate. Thank you!" She instructed, reaching for her fare before swiftly making her way into the building.
Upon reaching her room, she found herself overcome with emotion, unable to contain her tears. 'Even though Mom won't inquire, Jared, my elder brother, would go to great lengths to uncover the perpetrator. He's the only one who genuinely cares for our family. What if I end up pregnant? I must find a means to work overseas. Yes, I'll accept the job offer in Dubai. I've already passed their exams and interviews; all that's left is to send a confirmation email accepting their offer. I believe God will watch over me there; I need to be independent now.' She contemplated.
I'm planning to inform my brother Jared about the job, just to prevent him from discovering the real reason behind my departure. My elder brother can easily discern if I'm being untruthful or withholding information. I apologize, brother Jared, but I must temporarily leave this place for the sake of our family. I don't want our parents to condemn me for my foolish actions. I will return when I am capable of handling everything. Right now, I need to mend my broken self. I love you, brother, and thank you for all the love and support you've given me! She continued to mutter to herself.
While Jenny is grappling with her thoughts, Dana has her own challenges to confront. She stretched her arms, opening her eyes and taking in her surroundings. "Looks like I overslept today. I'm already feeling hungry, and today is my physical assessment at the hotel I'm applying to in BGC." She acknowledged, rousing herself.
Her parents agreed to take on managerial roles initially to gain experience, leveraging her computer literacy. Anticipating the future, she had already formulated plans for her parents' business, foreseeing simultaneous ventures for both her father and mother. Their inseparable bond extended beyond personal relationships and permeated into their joint business endeavors.
'Wake up, Daniela, before you're late for your appointment!' She scolded herself, sensing a discrepancy as she stirred.
'Why do I feel like I've been hit by a bulldozer, with my head throbbing like never before? My thighs seem ready to give in with every movement. What's causing this unbearable pain in my lower body? Ugh!' She sighed, rolling her eyes and surveying the room with a groan.
An unexpected scream escaped her lips, her eyes widening in disbelief. 'Oh no!! Where am I? What am I doing in this room? This is not my princess-designed room!' She exclaimed, startled, just as the doorbell rang.
'Wait, doorbell?' She pondered in confusion, almost reaching for the door before realizing she was still unclothed. She let out a loud cry as she scrambled to put on her clothes one by one, stumbling due to the intense pain coursing through her entire body!
As she opened the door, the room service greeted her with, "Good afternoon, ma'am. It's time for your checkout. Is everything alright? Would you like me to bring you some food before you leave?" His polite questions.
"I'll just check out, but my card isn't here. I'll call my dad." She began, but her words were cut off by the room service.
"No problem, ma'am. The bill has been settled. Your food expenses are covered until lunchtime as well. The gentleman left his card in this paper bag, and he instructed me to give it to you when you woke up. He was in a rush to catch his flight." The room service personnel explained, handing her the ATM card and the paper bag. Still disoriented by the situation, she accepted the bag and the card, eager to depart.
"I'll hold onto this credit card as evidence that he was with me all night. Dana, you planned to keep this for Prince Charming. Why did you forget?" She chided herself, her voice filled with desperation.
Tears cascaded down her cheeks one after the other, yet no amount of weeping could reverse what had transpired. She longed for a world where mistakes could be effortlessly erased like words on a page, but reality proved unyielding.
The paper bag contained an assortment of underwear, each in different sizes, a stark reminder of the violation she endured the night before. "That pair was my favorite Victoria's Secret." She lamented, her voice tinged with frustration."Enough self-pity, Dana!" She scolded herself, determined to pull herself together.
"Get dressed and leave, ensuring not a trace of evidence remains for the cleaner. Don't forget to bring the torn underwear and bra." With a bitter resolve, she prepared to face the world outside, steeling herself against the lingering turmoil within.Dana Pov... Upon arriving home, I immersed myself in forwarding my resume and sifting through my emails for job applications. Opting for a day of rest, I abandoned my pursuit of a position at the Hyatt Hotel in BGC. I felt as though an eighteen-wheeler truck loaded with cement had plowed into me. Letting out a deep sigh, I acknowledged the necessity of nourishment to ward off any potential illness. Sulking wouldn't alter the situation, I reminded myself."Good day, Auntie Lydia. What's on the menu today?" I queried our long-time housekeeper, a cherished member of our extended family, just like her husband, Uncle Kanor, who served as our personal driver.She responded with a smile, "We have your favorite, pork binagoongan.""Fantastic! How about mom and dad? Where did they go?" I inquired suddenly."They left without a word, but your mother was in tears. I overheard from Kanor that they had an urgent matter." She relayed.After my meal, I retreated to my room to relax and review my jo
Jenny Pov...Dubai ranks among the top destinations you should consider visiting.Sir Axel's advice resonated with me as I recognized the need to acquaint myself before diving into work. Fortunately, he granted me some time to familiarize myself. It was reassuring that he had already briefed me about my new workplace.Navigating through this job presents challenges, for various individuals both inside and outside the workplace. However, I was assured that the employees were well-trained in handling discrimination issues.A proactive and respected CEO, Sir Axel's dedication to his work is admirable. If he has a wife, she must consider herself fortunate to have such a hardworking and strikingly attractive husband.Jenny, don't let your friend's infatuation cloud your judgment. I chuckled to myself. While I'll miss my life in the Philippines, it's time for me to chart a new course.At the beach, I admired the luxurious surroundings, watching people interact and soaking in the beauty of t
Dana Pov...Days and months passed swiftly, marking my third month at this job. Adjusting was a breeze due to the professionalism of my colleagues and the comprehensive training Montecillo Corp provided. I aimed to integrate these practices when managing my parent's business, a responsibility I couldn't evade; they relied solely on me. If only I had a brother, the burden wouldn't weigh as heavily.Lately, I've noticed some peculiar changes within me, like unexpected cravings for Japanese food and strong drinks, although I usually prefer homemade meals."Good morning, Ms. Dana. You seem tired." The hotel manager remarked, noting my fatigued appearance."Good morning, Mam Rayver. I may have skipped breakfast again." I replied, trying to compose myself."Please don't skip meals, Dana. Take care of your health and appearance. You are on the face of our hotel." She advised before leaving.As the staff prepared for an upcoming wedding event, I began feeling faint, likely due to skipping lun
Jay Pov...In three months, the upcoming branch of the resort in Palawan, which Daniel and I have been developing, will be completed, allowing me to return to Canada. Although I could choose to remain there, as it offers a peaceful environment, I often find myself missing my mom during my stay. Her premature passing due to cancer left a void, even though she managed to rectify a mistake before departing. Despite this, I'm not prepared to confront my biological father yet. I encountered him during my first year of high school, and to this day, I still feel unprepared to face him. Introducing myself to him was necessary to dispel any assumptions about my intentions, even though he never showed any signs of suspicion. I've chosen to be self-reliant, simultaneously pursuing my education and employment at a hotel and resort. This was a significant reason for my collaboration with Daniel Montecillo in this business venture.Reminiscing the past reminds me of my one-night stand. I frequent
Dana Pov...I feel a deep sense of gratitude for Daniel's unwavering support since he found out about my pregnancy. I shouldn't burden him as he doesn't have time to commit to himself busy looking for me but I can help as well and he insisted on helping me until we find the father of my child, though, I'm not hoping so much not to hurt myself.Without him, I believe I would have been struggling to make ends meet, possibly facing homelessness and more than what you think for leaving outside your comfort zone alone. He has been my guardian, ensuring that I will not only keep my job but also receive the necessary care. When he was around missing my parents hurt less.Fortunately, my baby's cravings are manageable, and I don't experience frequent bouts of nausea or dizziness which are common to pregnant people. Daniel has been by my side for every monthly checkup, and he even enrolled me in a yoga class for added support. He is not a parent yet but he knows how to treat a woman. I wonder
Daniel Pov...I still have a week left before my brother arrives. I don't want Dana to freak out when she sees him. How did he get those pictures? Fuck! I cursed continuously bothered as I know my brother well.I was on my way to the parking lot when my phone vibrated one after another."Daniel, where are you? I haven't heard anything from you in two days." A message from Dana. Worried about my brother I forgot about Dana.Fuck!"Daniel, the baby is coming, please follow us in the hospital. Be careful." Another message from her.Shit!!! She's going to give birth, I need to be there! I panic as I enter my car key. Fuck! Daniel, calm down you can't start a car when you panic like a girl. I cursed and relaxed before starting my car."Princess, sorry I'm on my way! Just relax and I know you can do that." I replied it doesn't matter if she reads it.When I arrived at the hospital, she had already given birth to a healthy baby girl. I am happy watching them while the pedia cleans the baby.
Jay Pov...Ever since the day I saw them together, my life has never been the same. I know, I feel like a dead man entering my office just to follow the normal routine. I spent days, weeks, and months hiding from them, my heart and brain were not yet ready to see them up close. The excitement I felt coming home and to see my favorite buddy again shattered just like that turning into a regrettable and remorseful feeling. Pain keeps on chasing me just like that and it's exhausting this time.Whenever I see them together at my favorite Coffee Shop, at the Japanese Restaurant, and in the park near here in my suite as well as Daniel’s taking her monthly check-up. It's too painful to handle the pain, drilling your heart into pieces and making you break. I could feel my heart slowly tearing a part that I couldn't breathe leaving me helpless as I get suffocated and frozen. I can't prevent my tears slowly falling thinking of them. How can I run from this excruciating pain that I always feel ev
Daniel Pov...Dana had given birth already, but Jay was still nowhere to be found. I almost bumped into brother Axel, I just got lucky one of her staff needed his assistance. I might kiss that woman who saves me from dangerous hell. I don't know what will my brother do this time! I want Dana to gain her strength before meeting brother Axel. It will be chaos since they think I impregnated her. I sighed. I need my favorite buddy right now. The only person who can stand my stubbornness and craziness. I'll just send an email to Jay. I miss him too. Fuck! What's taking him so long to come home? Three months is already over!To: Jay FuentabellaBuddy, how are you? When are you coming? If, you're already here, meet me for lunch at the same place and spot. Call me when you get this buddy. I need to see you, buddy. See you!It's been a week since I sent emails and messages to Jay but couldn't hold off on him. My anxiety is killing me and needs a diversion. This is the moment I needed him. I s