Chapter 7: Cracks in the masquerade
658 Words
The mansion was quiet the next morning, but JV’s office was far from calm. A brown envelope lay on his desk — fresh from his investigator.
JV’s jaw tightened as he slit it open, pulling out several documents.
“Gwen Ramirez…” he muttered, scanning the papers.
His brows furrowed. Ang nakasulat sa harap ay “No official record of employment, no listed family, no government data found prior to three months ago.”
JV leaned back in his leather chair, suspicion flaring. “Impossible. No one just… appears out of nowhere.”
He tapped his pen against the desk. She’s hiding something. And I’ll find out what.
Meanwhile, Gwen…
Gwen was in the laundry room, her hands busy folding clothes — pero ang isip niya’y nasa phone call kanina ng kanyang ama.
“Gwen,” malakas na boses ng kanyang father, the powerful tycoon Mr. Ramirez. “You cannot keep pretending forever. JV must know the truth. The board is waiting for this marriage to happen.”
“Papa, please…” Gwen’s voice cracked. “Hindi pa ako handa. I want to know him first… I want to know if he wants me, not just the deal.”
Her father’s tone hardened. “You don’t have the luxury of time. JV is dangerous if angered. If he finds out you deceived him—”
“I can handle it,” Gwen cut him off, pero nanginginig ang kamay niya habang ibinababa ang tawag.
She closed her eyes, tears threatening. How long can I keep this secret?
The Unseen Watcher
Habang naglalakad si Gwen sa hallway dala ang basket ng laundry, biglang sumulpot si JV sa likod niya.
“Carrying heavy things again?” malamig pero mababa ang boses nito.
Nagulat siya, halos mahulog ang basket. “S-Sir, I can manage—”
JV stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers as he took the basket away with ease. “You shouldn’t be doing this kind of work.”
“Pero… I’m just a maid, sir—”
“Don’t say that,” JV snapped, his eyes sharp. “You’re… not like them. You’re different.”
Her heart skipped. She forced a smile. “I-I don’t know what you mean.”
JV leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. “Don’t play innocent with me, Gwen. One day soon, I’ll know everything you’re hiding.”
The Possessive Strike
That evening, JV had a dinner meeting with investors. Gwen, assigned to serve wine, noticed Clarisse again — dressed in a silver gown, laughing too loudly at JV’s jokes.
Jealousy stabbed Gwen’s chest, but she kept her composure. Hanggang sa makita niyang lumapit si Clarisse at idinikit ang kamay sa braso ni JV.
Something in Gwen’s face must have betrayed her, because JV suddenly looked her way. His eyes locked onto hers — sharp, unreadable. Then, without hesitation, he pulled his arm away from Clarisse.
“Enough,” JV said coldly, standing up. “This dinner is over.”
Everyone stared, shocked. JV didn’t explain. He simply walked out — but before leaving, he caught Gwen’s wrist and dragged her with him.
In the Empty Hallway
Napasandal si Gwen sa malamig na pader nang ibangga siya ni JV doon. His hands caged her in, his eyes blazing.
“I saw it,” he growled. “The way you looked at me. The way you couldn’t stand her touching me.”
“Sir, please—” Gwen whispered, trembling.
“Stop lying to me!” JV’s voice cracked with fury and desire. “You’re mine, Gwen. Do you understand that? Mine.”
His hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer. Gwen’s breath hitched, her heart racing like a trapped bird.
But before he could kiss her, Gwen turned her face away, tears in her eyes.
“You don’t even know who I am…” she whispered brokenly.
JV froze, his grip tightening. His mind whirled. What does she mean?
- Writer
