Fire&,Lie

Chapter 9:The Trap of truth

The air in the mansion was heavy the next morning. Gwen could feel it — the way the staff moved nervously, the way JV’s eyes followed her every step like a predator stalking its prey.

She was serving breakfast when she felt his gaze again. Napalunok siya, pinilit mag-focus sa pagbuhos ng kape sa tasa niya.

“Good morning, sir,” she said softly.

JV didn’t answer right away. Instead, he stirred his coffee slowly, eyes never leaving hers. Then, almost casually, he said, “Do you like roses, Gwen?”

She blinked. “R-Roses, sir?”

A smirk tugged at his lips. “Yes. Red ones. They’re beautiful… but their thorns can draw blood. Don’t you agree?”

Her hand trembled slightly as she set the pot down. “I… suppose so.”

JV leaned back in his chair, studying her like she was a puzzle only he could solve. “Strange. When I hear the name Ramirez, I also think of roses. Sharp. Elegant. Dangerous.”

The word hit Gwen like a slap. Her heart stopped, but she forced herself to smile, bowing her head quickly. “I-I wouldn’t know, sir.”

But deep inside, she was screaming. He knows…

The Possessive Push

Later that afternoon, Gwen was in the garden trimming hedges. She tried to calm her racing mind. Did Papa say anything to him? Did JV find something out?

She didn’t notice JV approaching until his shadow fell over her.

“You’re trembling again,” he said, his voice low, dangerous.

“I’m not,” she denied quickly, setting down the shears.

JV stepped closer, trapping her against the garden wall, his hand brushing over hers. “Liar. I can feel it. Your pulse…” he pressed her wrist lightly, “…it’s racing every time I’m near.”

Her breath hitched. “Sir, please—”

“Why do you keep pretending?” His voice grew rough, his eyes burning into hers. “Do you think I won’t find out who you really are? Do you think you can keep lying to me forever?”

“I’m just a maid!” Gwen cried, desperate. “Nothing more!”

But JV’s lips curved into a dark smile. “No, Gwen. You’re much more. And I’ll prove it.”

The Test at Dinner

That night, JV hosted another dinner with business partners. Gwen, once again, was ordered to serve. But this time, JV was testing her.

One of the guests mentioned Don Emilio Ramirez’s name casually. JV’s gaze flickered to Gwen instantly.

She froze, almost dropping the wine glass in her hand. JV’s smirk deepened. He knew he had her.

“Do you know him, Gwen?” JV asked smoothly, his tone calm but loaded with meaning.

Her throat went dry. Every eye turned to her. “N-No, sir. I… I’ve only heard the name.”

JV leaned back, sipping his wine, his eyes never leaving her trembling figure. “Strange. You looked as if you’d seen a ghost.”

The guests laughed lightly, dismissing it, but Gwen’s heart was pounding so loud she thought everyone could hear it.

The Silent Confrontation

After dinner, Gwen rushed back to her small room, tears stinging her eyes. He’s toying with me. He knows something. How much does he know?

But when she opened the door, she froze.

JV was already inside, sitting on her small bed, his long legs stretched out, looking completely at home in her private space.

Her voice trembled. “S-Sir, what are you—”

“I wanted to see where you hide,” JV interrupted, his tone low and dangerous. His eyes scanned the humble room before returning to her. “Funny. A girl like you… doesn’t belong in a place like this.”

He stood, stepping closer until she was backed against the door. His hand lifted, brushing her cheek.

“Tell me the truth, Gwen,” he whispered, his voice like fire. “Who are you really?”

Her lips parted, her heart aching. She wanted to tell him everything — but she couldn’t. Not yet.

So she whispered the only thing she could. “Just… your maid.”

JV’s jaw tightened, his eyes dark with frustration and desire. Then, with a growl, he pressed his forehead to hers.

“If you keep lying to me, Gwen… I’ll make sure the truth comes out my way. And when it does… you’ll never escape me.”