Some Kind of Love

Chapter 1

I felt a deep, real fear the moment my eyes met Atlas’s for the first time. It’s been ten years, yet I still clearly remember the contempt in his eyes—the way he looked at us before he left for America. He didn’t accept us. And he made that perfectly clear.

For an entire decade, he never once set foot in the mansion. Until now.

I don’t know why he’s here—or for how long. But one thing’s certain: as long as he stays, he’ll make our lives a living hell.

And judging by the way he still looks at us, nothing has changed. In his eyes, we’re nothing but gold diggers—leeches who only came for the money.

If it were just up to me, I would’ve left this place long ago. But how can I, when this house is where my mother’s happiness lives?

Tito Ernesto is the only man who’s ever made her smile like that. So even if it hurts, I have to stay—for her.

“Anak, you don’t have to do this. I can bring those towels instead.”

Mama gently tried to take the clean towels from my arms.

But there was no way I’d let her. I know Atlas hates us. I can’t let my mother walk into the lion’s den.

I’d rather face him myself. He can insult me, but if he ever disrespects my mom—I don’t think I could forgive that.

“Ma, I’ve got this. I promise. I can handle it.”

I smiled to reassure her, even though my heart was pounding like a drum.

“You sure, anak?”

“Ma, I don’t think he’s literally a lion. Pretty sure he won’t eat me. Relax. Go back to Tito Ernesto. I’m sure he’s looking for you by now. I’ll take this to Atlas’s room.”

I could tell she was worried, but I didn’t give her a chance to protest. I turned and made my way to his room.

Three knocks.

No answer.

Is he okay?

I twisted the doorknob. It was unlocked. Maybe he left it open on purpose so I could drop off the towels.

I stepped inside carefully and gently closed the door behind me.

“Are you in here?”

Still no reply.

I shrugged. Maybe it was better this way. I placed the towels on the large bed and turned to leave—only to catch sight of a family photo on the bedside table. Curiosity got the better of me.

I walked over and picked it up.

It was the El Fabian family.

They were all smiling—genuinely. Artemis and Atlas were so young. Atlas especially… he was actually smiling. Who knew he could?

“It’s pretty bold of you to enter a man’s room alone, looking like that.”

I jumped in panic at the sound of his arrogant voice. I felt like a cat caught doing something wrong. My body went cold.

“S-sorry. I was just bringing the towels you asked for. I’ll go now.”

I spun toward the door—only to find Atlas standing right there.

Wearing nothing but a white towel around his waist.

My eyes widened.

I’ve never seen a half-naked man up close before. I could even smell his aftershave.

“So this is how you seduced my brother? Well, you can try your luck with me now.”

His words hit me like a slap.

What?!

Does he really think I’ve been seducing Artemis? Over my dead body. I would never let myself be associated with them like that.

“Whatever you’re thinking, it’s not true.”

I tried to sound brave, but my knees were trembling. One wrong step and I’d either crash into him—or fall backward onto the bed.

“So what is the truth then? Enlighten me… my little vixen.”

I gasped when he gently brushed a few strands of hair behind my ear. The touch of his fingers sent a strange sensation through my body—foreign, intense, almost paralyzing.

“Look at you. You really expect me to believe you don’t know what you’re doing?”

His tone was taunting, almost cruel. I was growing more confused by the second.

He hates us. That much I know. But this… he was implying something else, and I didn’t understand it.

“I don’t know what you’re trying to say. Just leave me alone!”

I pushed against his chest—but the moment I touched him, it felt like a jolt of electricity surged through me.

I stared up at him, wide-eyed, while he just gave me a mocking smirk.

He was completely unaffected.

Meanwhile, I was unraveling.

“You’re bolder than I thought. Maybe you should give me a welcome gift. Ten years gone—I think I deserve something. Maybe something you’re already giving my brother?”

His voice dropped to a husky, suggestive tone.

This wasn’t right.

This was danger.

“I’m leaving.”

My instincts screamed at me to run. I headed for the door—but before I could reach it, a strong hand yanked me back.

Before I could react, I was already lying on the bed, Atlas hovering over me.

I could feel his muscular thigh pressed against mine, my dress having ridden up in the struggle.

I wanted to scream, but no sound came out. I was too shocked to even speak.

“This is your last warning. Don’t even think about using my brother. Do I make myself clear?”

I didn’t even hear the words.

All I could feel was the heat of his body—his weight, his presence.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Let’s seal the deal, then.”

Before I could guess what he meant, his lips were on mine. At first, it was just pressure—but then he kissed me. Deeply. I gasped when I felt his tongue trace the edge of my bottom lip.

It was like being splashed with ice water.

And then he whispered—“I’ll always leave my door open for you. Just stay away from my brother. Got it?”

I gathered every ounce of strength I had and pushed him away.

“You’re disgusting!”

I rushed out of his room, tears burning behind my eyes.

“Thanks for the little gift, my dear stepsister!”

I heard him call out mockingly after me.

I used to believe—maybe—there was still a shred of goodness in him.

Tito Ernesto is kind. Artemis is sweet.

But Atlas?

Atlas is a monster.

He’ll do anything to protect their wealth and name—even if it means destroying us.

He can choke on it for all I care.

I locked myself in my room and let the tears pour freely.

I’ve never felt so small.

For the first time, I truly realized—some people will never see us as equals. To them, we’ll always be less. Lower.

What would it take for him to be at peace?

For me to disappear?

A decision formed in my heart.

I have to leave. This hell is no place for me.

Tito Ernesto will protect Mom. I know he will.

By hook or by crook… I’m leaving.

I wasn’t ready to face Atlas again, but I couldn’t let anyone suspect what happened.

I fixed myself up and joined them at dinner.

Everyone was there.

I sighed in relief as I noticed Atlas was not around. But moments later, he came down and joined the table.

“What did I miss?”

He took the seat beside his brother.

“We were talking about Zia. She’s turning down Dad’s job offer at the company,” Artemis said.

“And why is that?”

Atlas’s tone was laced with sarcasm as he casually filled his plate.

“Didn’t he offer good pay and a solid position?”

I tightened my grip on my utensils.

“Will you stop that, Atlas?!” Tito Ernesto snapped.

“Kuya, please,” Artemis added, frowning. “Let’s just eat in peace. You just got here.”

Atlas paused. Then he sighed.

“Okay. I’m sorry. You win.”

He didn’t say another word after that.

But the tension at the table was suffocating.

Even Tito Ernesto fell into a heavy silence.