An Angel's kiss.

Chapter Twelve

Heat crept onto my cheeks. “I guess they're already used to seeing young people leave after a party.”

I cleared my throat and swallowed nervously.

"U-Um... excuse me. May I ask you something?"

"Of course, ma'am. How can we help you?" one of them asked, giving me her full attention.

"Do you know Mr. Colt Rockefeller?"

The two women immediately stopped what they were doing. Their posture straightened slightly.

"Young Master is still sleeping in his room, ma'am. Do you need anything?" the woman holding the duster asked politely.

"U-Um... it's nothing important. Thank you. I should get going."

Young Master? I didn't know people still used that title. I'd only ever seen it in novels.

But why were Jacob's maids calling Colt "Young Master"? Then it hit me. He even has his own room here... in Jacob's house?

I gave them an awkward smile before turning toward the front door. I wanted to ask about my clothes, but the words caught in my throat. It was too embarrassing. Besides, I didn't want to interrupt their work over something like that.

Just then, my Uber driver called to let me know he had arrived. Since visitors weren't allowed to drive through the mansion's gate, he had to wait outside.

I hurried toward the entrance as fast as I could. The security guard looked at me with a hint of confusion but still opened the small side gate for me. "Thank you," before hurrying out.

Everything felt so awkward. I wasn't used to sleeping over anywhere unless it was at my cousins' house. Waking up in a stranger's home and meeting people I didn't know made me feel completely out of place.

By the time I reached the car, I was slightly out of breath. I slipped into the back seat and quietly closed the door behind me.

he ride home was quiet. As I gazed out the window, I could finally see and admire the neighborhood around me. Last night, it had been too dark to notice much, but now that the sun was beginning to rise, everything was slowly coming into view. Rows of enormous houses lined the streets. No... calling them houses didn't seem right. They were mansions. Their grand entrances, towering gates, perfectly manicured lawns, and elegant architecture made each one look more impressive than the last.

This village was clearly home to the wealthy. It felt like an entirely different world—one I had only ever seen in movies.

I should enjoy the view while I can. This is probably the first and last time I'll ever see a place like this. Owning a mansion like this had never been my dream. My only dream was to fulfill my mother's dream of becoming a doctor.

My thoughts eventually drifted back to Colt.

I bet he won't be one of the problems I'll have to deal with at Kingsford. After all, he's probably already forgotten about me.

I'm sure he doesn't even remember those kisses. He's probably used to things like that... except for the part where I threw up all over him.

I covered my face with my palm, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. The more I replayed everything that had happened last night, the more embarrassed I became.

I called Janice several times after I got home, but every single call went straight to voicemail. "Please call me as soon as you hear this, Ja. You're making me worry so much."

With a sigh, I tossed my phone onto the bed and headed straight to the bathroom. “Sasabunutan ko Talaga ang babaeng yun.”

I scrubbed myself twice, trying to wash away the sticky, unpleasant feeling left from last night's party. I brushed my teeth three times, but I still couldn't get rid of the sour, bitter taste left from throwing up. No matter how hard I tried, I still felt like I smelled of alcohol.

After drying my hair, I climbed into bed and did my best to push away all the worries weighing on my mind.

"I'll just sleep the whole day." Good thing it's Saturday. "I'll finish all my schoolwork when I wake up… "

I wasn't sure if it was the Advil making me drowsy or if I was still suffering from last night's hangover. At that point, I didn't even know what to blame anymore. It wasn't long before I drifted off to sleep.

Darkness greeted me as my eyes slowly fluttered open. I stayed where I was, staring at the ceiling even though I couldn't see a thing.

My stomach was already protesting from hunger, but I ignored it. The only thing I had eaten all day was a slice of toast before taking the Advil.

At least, kahit papano nakabawi ako ng tulog. I let out another yawn as I sat up and stretched my arms before reaching for my phone.

"Past three?" I slept that long?

A few missed calls and messages immediately caught my attention.

Magandang Dilag: I'm so sorry. I was dead asleep all day.

Magandang Dilag: Hey, I've been calling you.

Magandang Dilag: Are you home?

Magandang Dilag: Code red. Call me ASAP.

Then I noticed a few messages from my parents too.

Dada: Good morning, anak! Patapos na ang work ni Dada. Kamusta na ang Angel ko? Huwag kang magpapagutom at magpupuyat. Love you, nak. Miss you.

Mother: Angel, I'll be home tomorrow. Let's go to church together. Remember not to leave the lights on, and don't forget your homework. Love you.

Those messages felt like a slap across my face. My parents were always so thoughtful. No matter how busy they were, they never forgot to check on me. A wave of guilt washed over me as I lowered my head. If they ever found out what happened last night, they'd be so disappointed in me.

"I wonder what Mom would do if she found out..."

Just thinking about it sent a chill down my spine. As much as I loved both of my parents, Mom was definitely the scarier one when she was angry.

"They can never find out about last night."

I shook my head. Worrying wasn't helping. Maybe talking to Janice would take my mind off everything. The phone rang only once before she answered.

"Where are you?" she blurted out before I could even say hello.

"Nice, hello to you too, Dolly," I giggled. "I'm home. What about you, bro?"

"I'm home too!" she squealed. "Oh my gosh, Angel, you won't believe what I'm about to tell you!"

"What?" I teased. "You're pregnant?"

"Silly!" Janice burst into laughter. "How could I be? I just lost my virginity last night. Now I'm pregnant?"

My smile vanished. "Wait..." I sat up straighter. "Did I hear that right? You and Jacob...?"

"Yeah..." she admitted, unable to hide the excitement in her voice.

For a moment, I couldn't find the words. "Oh my God, Ja..." I whispered. "I... I honestly don't know what to say."

She giggled. "You sound so shocked."

"I am." I sighed softly. "I won't lie, I'm a little worried... but it's your life, and I know you wouldn't make a decision like that unless you were sure."

"I was," she said without hesitation. "And I don't regret it."

I could hear the smile in her voice. If I could see her right now, she'd probably be lying on her bed, hugging a pillow, staring at the ceiling with the biggest lovestruck smile on her face.

"You know what's making me even happier?" she asked excitedly.

"What?"

"He asked me out!"

My eyes widened. "Like... an actual date?"