TO LOVE AGAIN

Chapter 5

HIS POV

It's been a tough week for me, but it was all worth it! Dad was so happy with my report. Hearing those words from him felt amazing. I was even happier when he told me that our client approved my project, which is worth a billion pesos!

I immediately dialed Gly's number after hearing the good news. She deserved to know first. I was excited while waiting for her to pick up; she played a big part in the proposal I made. She inspired me a lot. After the third ring, I heard her sweet voice on the other end.

I told her about what happened. "Really? Oh, God! I'm so proud of you, baby! I wish I was there with you. This deserves a celebration!" I could hear her happiness over the phone. She's in Bohol right now for work.

"It's okay, baby! Hopefully, you can join us. I plan to celebrate with my close friends, definitely still at A'choholics," I said.

"Please enjoy your day! Congrats, my baby!" she proudly said.

After exchanging "I love yous," we bid our goodbyes.

"Cheers to Jerick's success!" Justin led. We all raised our bottles and clinked them together.

We were celebrating my achievements, just like we always did—not just for me but for the whole group. One person's success was like everyone's success; we were proud of each other's achievements, and that's what strengthened our bond.

"I wish we all had billions!" Mig shouted.

"Touch wood, bro!" I laughed.

"Now tell me! Is it worth it?" Justin asked, feeling proud.

"Absolutely, bro! Solid!" I still couldn't believe it. It felt surreal that I made it! Seeing the fruits of my labor really motivated me.

"I told you, right? This is just the beginning, bro, I tell you!"

"Thanks, man!" I hugged him and lightly tapped his back.

Soon after, we decided to head out of the VIP room and went down to the first floor where there was a big stage in the middle. Adrianne guided us to a vacant couch on the first floor.

There were plenty of people around, cheering and dancing.

We joined the crowd gathered around the stage. We were dancing, enjoying life to the fullest.

Drinks here! Drinks there!

Shots here! Shots there!

We were shouting at the top of our lungs, singing along with the songs played by the DJ.

We were drinking different kinds of drinks, whatever Adrianne offered. I wondered if he was still making a profit? It was definitely a loss whenever we, his friends, were here, but A'choholic was thriving. It attracted a lot of customers. It had many branches in different parts of the city.

I started to feel a bit dizzy from all the dancing. My alcohol tolerance had decreased since I started training with SDF. Back in the day, we used to drink almost every day, but when we got our responsibilities, we hardly had time for drinking.

There were women approaching us, but I shooed them away! I was done with women! Except maybe for Nathan, because his eyes were focused on Gabby's. He was always vigilant, scaring off anyone who tried to get close to his best friend, and Justin, who was very protective of his twin, Jaslen.

I chuckled when I saw some of my friends already making out with different girls inside A'choholic.

Adrianne roamed around just to give us a shot; he was holding a bottle of Jack Daniel's in his hand. Every time we visited his bar, he always gave us special attention, making sure we enjoyed ourselves.

I chuckled when I saw him being approached by a beautiful woman. He immediately wrapped his arms around her neck and leaned in to kiss her, just like the old me. I chuckled to myself as I took a sip of my beer.

I got tired from all the dancing, so I decided to go back to the couch. I was alone, still drinking. Damn! I could feel the room spinning. I leaned back on the couch, looking up with my legs spread apart.

I looked up when a woman approached me. I already knew what she was up to, so I was ready to shoo her away, but to my surprise, she just sat on my lap. I straightened up, but she started kissing me, and I couldn't just let her fall to the ground. I was still trying to be a gentleman.

"No, miss. I'm sorry, I already have a girlfriend," I tried to turn my face away from her, but she managed to kiss my cheek. She was hot, I admit it, but I was already loyal to my Glyden. She was so persistent, trying to turn me on. She started grinding on my lap, and I cursed because, well, I'm still a man and I'm drunk. She started kissing my neck.

"Miss—"

I was surprised when she suddenly fell to the ground, and the next thing I knew, Gly was on top of her, pulling her hair and slapping her.

"You slut!"

I tried to approach Gly, but damn, I was dizzy. I saw my friends separating Gly and the woman. We were now getting the attention of the crowd.

"Let me go! I'll teach that woman a lesson!" Gly struggled to break free from Justine's grip while Adrianne helped the woman stand up.

Justine calmed Gly down before releasing her. I tried to approach Gly, but she hit me with her palm, hard, and I suddenly felt sober. I stared at her, feeling the anger and hurt in her eyes, and she was tearing up.

"We're done! Asshole!"

I watched as she stormed out of A'choholic, leaving me behind, feeling like s**t.

HER POV

MIKAEL had been busy these past few days, but he always made time for me, sending text messages or calling me through video chat.

Today was our anniversary, so I planned to cook his favorite lasagna. I had cooked it once before on our 3rd anniversary, and he loved it! So I decided to surprise him by bringing him two of his favorite things in his office: me and the lasagna. I giggled at the thought.

After finishing cooking, I took a shower, did my skincare routine, and chose an off-shoulder black fitted dress with a little slit on the side that ended above my knees. I paired it with my three-inch black sandals and applied a bit of powder to complete my look.

I placed the lasagna in my car, started the engine, and drove to his office.

I was smiling the whole time, playing a song in my car.

"Looks like we made it Look how far we've come, my baby We mighta took the long way We knew we'd get there someday They said, "I bet they'll never make it" But just look at us holding on We're still together, still going strong You're still the one I run to The one that I belong to You're still the one I want for life (You're still the one) You're still the one that I love The only one I dream of You're still the one I kiss goodnight."

I sang along, smiling and feeling deeply in love with the person in my mind as I drove. Parking my car beside Mikael's Range Rover, I entered the lobby with the lasagna in hand.

The staff greeted me warmly, offering to assist with the lasagna, but I politely declined, thanking them instead. With a smile, I greeted everyone back, feeling the kindness radiating from them, perhaps because I was Mikael's girlfriend and soon-to-be wife.

Entering the elevator, I pressed the button for the highest floor where Mikael's office was located. As the elevator doors opened, I was met with more friendly staff, exchanging greetings before making my way down the hallway to Mikael's office.

Denise wasn't there, which puzzled me. Frowning slightly, I noticed a sign on Mikael's office door that read "DO NOT DISTURB." Despite this, I decided to enter, thinking that Mikael would be pleasantly surprised to see me.

Pushing open the door without knocking, I was careful with my steps, but when I finally looked up and saw Mikael...

I was the one who was shocked.

I dropped the lasagna I was holding, my heart pounding in my chest as I witnessed the most horrifying scene of my life right before my eyes.

Mikael was seated in his swivel chair, with Denise straddling his lap, nearly naked. Her skirt was hiked up, exposing her nearly bare body. My boyfriend was groping and kissing her, while she moaned in pleasure.

Then, he glanced at me. It was as if he had seen a ghost. He looked shocked, caught in the act.

My heart was racing, my hands trembling, tears streaming down my face as I turned my back and fled from the room as fast as I could.

People stared at me, confusion evident in their eyes, but I paid them no mind. I ran away from those two betrayers, feeling utterly betrayed, as if my heart had been ripped out, destroyed, and desecrated.

It felt like I had been slapped in the face with the truth, so hard that it made me question my worth. Damn it! All this time, they had been fooling me behind my back! How could he make me feel so loved while satisfying himself with someone else?!

I heard him calling my name, but I didn't listen, nor did I look back. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, desperate to escape that hell. But when I reached the elevator, it was closed. Damn it! Someone was using it. I repeatedly pressed the down button, but it wouldn't open! I kicked the elevator door in frustration, creating a loud noise that attracted even more attention. "Open, damn it!" I kicked it again, feeling frustrated and helpless. I heard Mikael's footsteps approaching.

My anger boiling over, I was furious. I was so upset!

He reached me, trying to touch me. "Baby, please, listen—"

But I cut him off, slapping him hard across the face with my palm. His face twisted in pain as my hand connected with his cheek. I heard gasps from some of his employees.

"You asshole! You f*****g beast!" I snatched my arm away from his grasp, pushing him away with both hands. I slapped him again, alternating between my palms. I unleashed all the anger I felt towards him! I angrily pointed my finger at him. "You bastard! Do you want me to listen to you? To listen again to all your lies? To all your sweet f*****g words again?! Fine, explain to me now the filth I saw you commit with your slutty secretary! Did it feel good?! Did you f*****g like it? Did you get off?! Answer me!" I sobbed, tears welling up in my eyes again, my heart constricting so tight I could hardly breathe. "You're good at this! You're good at fooling people, you beast!" I clutched at my chest when I felt the pain surge again. "I gave you my whole heart, I loved you truly, I supported you in everything! I followed you like a fool! You made me believe that you respected my decisions! Why, Mikael?! Why did you deceive me?! f**k you both! You're both disgusting beasts!" Tears continued to flow down my cheeks as I poured out my anger at him. He stared at me, his eyes filled with guilt, but it was meaningless! "Why did you betray me?! Answer me! Answer me!" I pounded his chest with my fists several times, and he didn't stop me, accepting all my punches. He stood still, letting me release the pain I felt. "Why did you do this to me?! Why?! I loved you, you beast! It hurts... it hurts so bad." I sobbed against his chest, exhausted. He tried to hug me, but I moved away.

"I'm sorry, baby... I'm just a man. I was tempted," he cried.

"That's bullshit! So, what, you expect me to forgive you because you couldn't control your f*****g d**k when she undressed in front of you?! Is that it?! Just because you're a man?! Are you f*****g kidding me?!" I shouted, never imagining myself being so vulgar. I was raised well by my parents. I choked back a sob, wiping the tears from my eyes. I took off the ring he gave me and threw it at his face. "I'll cancel our f*****g wedding!"

"No, please, baby. Please, no... please give me another chance." He approached me, trying to hold my hands, but I disgustingly pulled my hands away from his grasp.

The elevator door suddenly opened, and the employees rushed out as they saw us at the entrance. With a quick move, I got inside. "Don't you dare come inside or even try to follow me! I'll f*****g kill you, asshole!” He obeyed me; I pressed the close button, and he just stared at me until the door closed, and I could see him no more.

My knees trembled, feeling numb, and I leaned against the wall to stop myself from falling.

The pain I'm feeling right now is excruciating; it’s unbearable, distressing, and torturous.

I got back into my car. I don't know how I managed to walk from the elevator to the parking lot. I drove as fast as I could. I was scared of dying, but not as scared as I was today! I pressed down hard on the accelerator, wanting to die to avoid feeling the pain piercing my heart right now.

My speed increased, but I quickly hit the brakes as a child suddenly crossed the road. My wheels screech on the concrete pavement. I heard the tires growling; I could have hit the child if I hadn't swerved. I quickly turned the steering wheel to change the direction of my car.

The last thing I knew, my car crashed hard into a tree, and my airbag exploded, the stinky liquid dripping down my face before everything went black.