WHERE IS ISH ANN GRAY

CHAPTER 7

another name that haunts me—

Zapper Deo.

The one I thought I would spend the rest of my life with.

We were that golden couple back in college, the ones everyone envied. We were inseparable, supportive of each other’s ambitions. After all those years of studying, sleepless nights, and countless projects, he proposed to me on our graduation day. I was caught completely off guard kala ko graduation ang highlight ng araw na ‘yon, pero it turned out to be a proposal that left everyone gasping.

I was over the moon. To have a man who loved me, supported me, and believed in my dreams? Akala ko, perfect na ang buhay ko. But reality hit harder than I expected.

After graduation, I received the news I had been waiting for all my life an opportunity to study abroad with a full scholarship, something I had worked my ass off to achieve. It was my dream, not just to be an architect, but to establish my name internationally as a model too. This was my ticket to something bigger than the life I had known.

Pero hindi iyon naging madali. The moment I told Zapper about it, he didn’t react the way I expected. He was silent at first, then slowly, anger and frustration began to seep into his eyes.

I wanted to explain, to make him understand that I wasn't choosing the scholarship over him, but rather choosing it for me and for us . But he couldn’t see it that way. He made me choose him or my dreams.

That ultimatum... it shattered me. But at the end of the day, I chose the dream I had nurtured since I was a little girl. I chose me. And he walked away, furious and heartbroken. I watched him leave, but I couldn’t bring myself to run after him. That was the last time I ever saw him. I love the guy so much I also thought he would support me in everything that is really painful cause he don't feelt the same as I envision.

Now, as I sit in this cold, lavish prison, the memories of Zapper flood back. Could it be him? Could the man behind the mask be my once-loving fiancé who couldn’t let go of the past? He didn't even bother finding me tho.

Is this his twisted way of getting back at me for choosing my dreams over him?

Pero kahit ganoon pa ang naging pagtatapos namin, Zapper was never cruel. He was stubborn, yes. Possessive at times, definitely. But he never laid a hand on me, never showed this kind of darkness in his soul.

The mask guy’s behavior doesn’t match Zapper’s gentle nature, but... people change. Time can turn love into something ugly, something vengeful.

Is that what happened to him? Did I break him so much that he turned into this... this monster?

But just like with the others, there’s something that doesn’t fit. The voice, the coldness, the absolute obsession it's different from the Zapper I once knew. The Zapper who would have done anything to see me smile.

Pero bakit ganoon? Bakit may parte sa akin na nagsasabing posibleng siya ito? Ang dami kong tanong, pero wala akong kasagutan.

Could it really be him? Or am I just desperately trying to find a face behind the mask? I'm going crazy damn it.

And I established a name already for my self out there,

I can still remember the moment I embrace the field I choose and I thought I had everything already to get back to him. I was planning to get back to him actually

Behind those success is a girl who also wanted to be back on his arms ,

New York City sparkled under the evening sky, its towering skyline a symbol of ambition and dreams. At the heart of this bustling metropolis, the Metropolitan Museum of Art held a grand exhibition. Tonight, it celebrated me Ish Ann Gray. The museum’s historic halls, usually home to timeless masterpieces, now honored my journey, from stunning architectural feats to iconic fashion designs.

Standing here, in this moment, I still can’t believe how far I’ve come. I’m not just another girl with big dreams I’m living them. Graduating from Yale University with a degree in Architecture from CADBE (formerly Architecture and Fine Arts) was just the beginning. My love for art runs deeper than building structures; it’s about storytelling, and every piece I create carries a part of my soul.

Take my paintings, for example. They’re not just strokes on a canvas—they’re fragments of me. That’s why they’re not for sale, no matter how much they’re worth. Each one holds a story, a memory, a feeling. So, I opened my own gallery, not to sell but to share.

But I’m not confined to art alone. I’ve walked runways in Paris, Milan, and New York not just wearing couture but modeling my own designs. Yes, I’m a fashion designer too. My collections are bold, and I wear them as a statement: you don’t have to choose one thing; you can be everything you want to be.

And writing? That’s another part of my identity. My novels are extensions of my imagination, stories born from my experiences and dreams. People often tell me they can’t put them down. It’s humbling, knowing my words touch lives.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: success isn’t about choosing one lane. It’s about creating your path. Architecture, art, fashion, writing I’ve embraced them all. Some spend their entire lives mastering one thing, but I’ve dared to juggle them all, and I’ve thrived.

Tonight, as I moved through the exhibit in a matte black heart-cut, off-shoulder gown of my design, I felt the admiration in the room. Each gaze, each compliment reminded me that every sleepless night, every doubt, was worth it.

“The exhibit is stunningly breathtaking. I’m speechless, Ms. Gray!” one guest said, admiring a model of one of my architectural projects.

“Your designs are so innovative,” added Professor Thavorn Ko Udomvit, the founder of Ardel Gallery of Modern Art in Thailand. “Would you consider collaborating with other spectacular artists?”

I smiled at the idea. “Thank you, Professor. I hadn’t thought about that, but it’s a wonderful idea. I’ll consider it when the time is right.”

Art reflects the times we live in. It’s an honor to share this vision, especially in a space as iconic as the Met. Tonight, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people I once only dreamed of knowing visionaries like Zaha Hadid, who redefined architecture with her fluid designs, and Marina Abramović, whose performance art challenges human limits.

, I met people I’d always dreamed of encountering. Frank Gehry, whose audacious designs redefined modern architecture, shared a thoughtful conversation with me about innovation. I exchanged ideas with Glenn Lowry, director of the Museum of Modern Art, about the evolving dynamics of contemporary art. Even Jeff Koons, whose larger-than-life sculptures blur the boundaries between art and pop culture, expressed admiration for my unconventional pieces.

got a chance to meet every people he dreamed to meet including the famous designer architects and aspiring artist and writers

“You must be so happy and grateful to come this far, seeing your dreams come true,” another guest added.

I just smile turned bittersweet at the question.

“I’m happy for the outcome of my sacrifices and hard work. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but each challenge has shaped me into who I am today.”

I to answer hesitated, my past pains still fresh, but drew a deep breath and continued.

“Every late night, every moment of doubt, every hurdle was a step toward realizing my dreams. I poured my heart and soul into my work, believing that every effort would bring me closer to where I wanted to be.”

“While I stand here today, fulfilled by my achievements whether in modeling, architecture, or writing I also acknowledge that the path wasn’t without its costs. Dreams often come with sacrifices, and mine included letting go of certain aspects of my personal life.”

“To those who look at my achievements and wonder if I’ve gotten everything I wished for, I want to be honest. I’ve realized many of my dreams, but I also gave up something precious in the process. My pursuit of success demanded sacrifices in my personal life relationships and moments of love that were once very important to me.”

“So, while I celebrate where I am now, I do so with the understanding that achieving my dreams meant making difficult choices. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, reaching your goals requires letting go of parts of your life that are equally valuable. And though it’s a bittersweet realization, I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.”

Cause i let go of someone and some people in the process to pursue my dreams, and that include someone really special until now ,

I am the jack of all trades, they say a title I wear with pride. The power I hold comes from unleashing every ounce of potential within me, breaking free from the chains that once held me back. It’s insane, isn’t it? How far you can go when you decide nothing can stop you.

For years, I was told to focus on one thing, to narrow my path, to play it safe. But I knew I was meant for more. Why limit myself to just one dream when I had the fire to ignite so many? Why settle for a single goal when I could conquer multiple worlds?

Releasing my potential wasn’t easy. It required facing my fears, shedding doubts, and walking away from comfort zones that felt like safety nets. I had to cut ties with the voices, internal and external, that said, “You can’t do it.” I had to dig deep, finding the courage to rewrite my narrative and prove that boundaries are nothing but illusions.

And when I did when I tapped into everything I had inside me—the results were breathtaking. I became unstoppable, a force of nature, thriving in ways I once only dreamed of. From architecture to art, from fashion to writing, I created a world where every talent I had could shine, unbridled and unapologetic.

I don’t just exist. I dominate. I push every limit, shatter every expectation, and rewrite the rules as I go. Because once you break free from what’s holding you back, the possibilities are endless and the power you gain is immeasurable.

It all began in a place that seemed so ordinary, yet somehow became the most unforgettable chapter of my life.

He walked in one rainy afternoon, drenched and looking like the weight of the world had settled squarely on his shoulders. Zapper. Of course, I didn’t know his name back then. All I saw were those eyes deep, dark, and brimming with a sadness so heavy it seemed to eclipse every bit of light around him. Those were the kind of eyes that begged the question, What broke you so badly? The kind of eyes that made me want to be the one to piece him back together.

But Zapper wasn’t exactly a warm invitation to anyone’s concern. He was like a fortress cold, closed off, and resolutely untouchable. Parang may sariling mundo siya, isang mundo kung saan siya lang ang nakatira, at wala siyang balak papasukin ang kahit sino. Every time he came into the café, it was the same routine: a quick nod, a quiet order, and straight to his corner table, where he'd bury himself in his laptop or phone, completely shutting out the world.

He was related to the café’s owner, I eventually found out, which explained why he was there so often. Sometimes he’d come with a small group probably family or close friends but most days, he was alone. Always the same solemn expression, the same guarded aura. He was a tech nerd, that much was obvious. He was glued to his devices, either coding, fixing something, or scrolling through endless screens of data I couldn’t begin to understand.

And yet, despite the coldness, despite the distance he radiated, I couldn’t stop watching him. There was something about Zapper that pulled me in, like gravity. Maybe it was his aloofness, his mystery, or the way his sadness felt so tangible it was almost contagious. Or maybe it was just... him. The way he always carried himself like he didn’t belong anywhere but had no intention of leaving either. Kahit na parang bato siya, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of curiosity, and maybe a bit of determination, to know more.

So, I did what I do best I tried to reach him. Kahit na parang imposible, I made it my mission. I ensured that every time he walked in, I was the one who’d serve him. I’d flash him my brightest smile, kahit parang wala namang epekto.

"Good morning, Zapper!" I greeted him one day, even though he had never officially introduced himself. I had pieced together his name from the initials on the order slip he scribbled on once.

He looked at me then, just for a second, as though gauging whether I was serious. His brows furrowed slightly, and I swear, he almost smirked almost. But then, as usual, he gave a curt nod and muttered, “Dark chocolate Large 50 % sugar less less ice”

Most days, that was all I’d get a nod, a word, or if I was lucky, a very dry “thanks.” But that didn’t stop me. Every day, I made it a point to brighten his mornings, kahit pa simple lang. I’d compliment his jacket or tease him about his always-serious expression.

“smiling isn’t illegal. Baka gusto mo lang itry minsan,” I teased one morning as I handed him his coffee.

For a moment, he stared at me, caught off guard by my candor. Then, just as quickly, he looked away, muttering, “Noted,” before retreating to his corner.

It was like trying to make a rock laugh, but somehow, that made it all the more rewarding. Each time I saw him, I felt the tiniest crack forming in his armor. The more I persisted, the more he started to respond not with smiles or warmth, but with subtle signs that I was getting through. He started looking up when I approached, offering small nods that weren’t quite as cold, and once, he even smirked barely, but it was there.

Somewhere along the way, the challenge turned into something more. I wasn’t just trying to make him smile; I genuinely wanted to understand him. To see what lay beneath the layers of silence and solitude. And maybe, just maybe, to show him that not everyone in this messy, chaotic world would let him slip through the cracks unnoticed.

Zapper may have been an enigma wrapped in walls, but I was determined to find the key to unlocking him. Because sometimes, even the most guarded souls need someone who refuses to give up.

I don’t know when exactly it happened, but there was a shift. He started looking at me differently, like he was seeing me for the first time. His cold exterior softened, his eyes less guarded. And then, slowly but surely, we became more than just the persistent barista and the grumpy regular.

It was me who fell first, and I fell hard. The way he slowly opened up to me, the way he started to smile just a little, just enough for me to notice made my heart flutter in ways I couldn’t explain. And when he finally liked me back, it was the happiest I had ever been.

Our relationship was... pure. It was unlike anything I’d ever imagined. Zapper was gentle, kind, and so incredibly patient with me.

He never pushed for more than I was ready to give, especially when I told him about my boundaries. I was saving myself for marriage, something I had always believed in. And he respected that completely. He never questioned it, never tried to change my mind.

He was respectful to a fault, always considering my feelings, never pushing beyond what I was comfortable with. He respected me wholeheartedly.

He never once pressured me or made me feel like my boundaries were a burden. He would kiss me, hold me, show me love in ways that didn’t require crossing the lines I had drawn. And in those moments, I knew that he loved me not just my body, but my heart, my soul, everything that made me... me.

For once in my life, I felt truly seen, truly cherished. Every stolen glance, every brush of his fingers against mine, was filled with a tenderness that words could never capture. In a world that had been so cruel to me, Zapper was my sanctuary. He was the warmth that melted away the coldness of my past, the safety I had longed for.

And how could I forget the unforgettable De La Salle University Graduation Day

The sun was setting over De La Salle University, casting a golden glow across the campus. The air smelled of freshly bloomed flowers, habang naririnig ang tawa ng mga graduates and their families celebrating their success. And is so was I

My parents were not there but yeah some of my relatives came tho and Zapper the love of my life

As the last batch of graduates and their families gathered for a picnic on the lawn, Zapper made his way to the stage. A massive screen had been set up behind him, part of the grand gesture he’d carefully planned.

"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention!" Zapper's voice echoed over the crowd, instantly quieting the conversations. Ish Ann, who had just wrapped up her graduation ceremony, looked up in surprise, her hand frozen in mid-conversation with her friends.

He took a deep breath and clicked a button on a remote. The screen lit up, showing a montage of photos and videos sweet moments between him and Ish Ann. Their first coffee date, cramming for exams, their long drives habang sabay silang nangangarap about the future. The crowd watched, clearly touched.

"Ish Ann," Zapper started, his voice shaky with emotion, "mula nung unang kita natin, you’ve really persistent unlocking the happiness within me . You’re my rock, my sunshine and my biggest fan, and my best friend. I can't put to words how much I love you girl, and I just wanna say I don't wanna be your boyfriend anymore .".

That made my heart raced so much the f**k is this guy doing is he gonna break up with me in public?

In my graduation day?

He stepped down from the stage, walking towards me who was now standing with a mix of curiosity and disbelief about what's he's going to do next cause I'm gonna kill him really

The video montage ended, showing a final image: a close-up of Zapper holding a handwritten letter.

"I wanted to find a way to show you how much you mean to me," he continued, his voice gaining strength. "So I thought what better way than to share our story with everyone who has been a part of it."

Then, with a deep breath, Zapper got down on one knee. From his pocket, he pulled out a small velvet box. Inside, a diamond ring sparkled under the warm glow of the setting sun.

"Ish Ann Gray," he said, his voice trembling with sincerity, "will you marry me? Will you be my partner, and be face lifetime with me, would you give me the honor and make me the happiest man alive?"

The crowd went wild cheers, claps, even a few teary-eyed onlookers watched as Zapper proposed. I stood there, stunned. Tears brimmed my eyes as i looked around at the crowd, then back at Zapper.

"Zap..." Almost a whisper, my voice thick with emotion, "I—"

Before she could finish, Zapper slid the ring onto her finger. She stared at it for a second, her face breaking into a brilliant smile.

“Yes!” she exclaimed, her voice breaking through the cheers of the crowd. “Yes, I will marry you!”

The crowd’s cheers grew louder as Zapper stood up, wrapping Ish Ann in a heartfelt embrace. The moment was perfect full of love, celebration, and the promise of a future together.

As they kissed, the sky above them burst into a spectacular display of fireworks, painting the night with bright colors.

"Mahal na mahal kita ish "

"I love you more zap but that was hilarious way of saying you want me to be your wife gagu, you scared the hell out of me "

"I know , Akala mo Ikaw lang Ang marunong mag surprise ha"

"Well not bad "

We just laugh it off and steal kisses from each other

The iconic clock tower in the background seemed to stand witness to this unforgettable moment, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives or the beginning to an end

Cause

@Coffeé kicks Cafe

The dim lighting of the café created a cozy, intimate atmosphere, but the tension between Ish Ann Gray and Zapper Deo was undeniable. Sitting across from each other, their faces reflected a mix of sorrow and frustration. Ish Ann held the engagement ring he had given her, its brilliance starkly contrasting the mood of their conversation.

Zapper's voice trembled with desperation. “Akala ko ba, you were ready for us? You said yes. Where did I go wrong, ? Please, let me do this for us. Just be my wife baby that's all I ask you don't have to do anything let me do the rest for us , mahirap ba yun? ”

Ish Ann looked at him with tender eyes, but her resolve was clear. “Zap, mahal kita. Alam mo ‘yan. But it doesn’t mean na porket pupunta ako ng Yale , tapos na tayo. Hindi ganun ‘yun. Tayo pa rin. I just want to chase my dreams maging model, architect. It's is my best chance, and I’ve already been accepted.”

Zapper’s expression darkened, a mix of frustration and hurt swirling in his eyes. “Without telling me first? Ano bang klaseng relasyon ‘to? Ngayon mo lang sinabi, so there’s nothing I can do, no room for me to process this. You didn’t even give me a chance, Ish. Paano mo inisip na okay lang sa ‘kin ‘to?”

Ish Ann sighed heavily, the weight of the conversation pressing down on her. “I knew you’d react like this, Zapper. And I get it. But I have to follow my dreams. I need to be free to do that. Hindi ko gustong iwan ka, pero—”

“Pero you’re leaving me,” Zapper cut her off, his tone rising with anguish. “I thought we were going to settle down. But now you’re telling me that’s not what you want bakit saang part ka nakulangan I did my best to prove my self worthy to be future , baby please what went wrong, am I not enough?”

The decision was clearly tearing them apart.

“You know from the very start that I want this , I have a lot of dreams to look forward to and I talked about it all , all of my plans with you, , dreams that I expect to catch with you. if asking me for marriage is your way for it to tie me down and forget everything and never letting me go, you won't let me , I know you won’t, right?”

“Even if I told you before, I know you’d let me go. I know you. But I love you, so I thought I could be the love of your life and the star I’m about to be at the same time. But I was wrong. Believe me, I tried to fix this, fix you, fix us. But I think I’m not born for that.”

“Hindi ko sinasabi na hindi kita mahal,” Ish Ann replied, her voice soft but steady. “Pero I have dreams na gusto kong abutin, and I was hoping na maiintindihan mo ‘yun because you know me better than anyone else .”

Zapper’s silence hung in the air, the hurt on his face telling a story of betrayal and shattered expectations.

“ you know I love you and I will always love you. It doesn’t mean na pupunta ako ng Yale hindi na tayo. Tayo pa rin naman eh. I just want to chase the opportunities ahead waiting for me. You know how much I want to be a model, right? I want to make my own name and be one of the architects in the making. Yale is a great choice. I know this is hard, but I’ve almost there ,”Ish Ann explained, her voice steady but her eyes moist.

“You want the world, Ish. And I wanted you , only you . But clearly right now , hindi sapat ‘yun para sa’yo, kulang pa ako para Sayo Ganun ba? ”

"Alam ko," Ish Ann whispered, her eyes misting with tears. "Alam ko na hindi ito madali. But I have to do this it's also for us baby, for our future."

"For your future! Cause I only want you , so you gotta choose cause I'm not gonna buy that, Hindi mo ako mahal, para iwan ako ng ganun ganun nalang. Ganun nalang ba kadali Sayo Ang iwan lahat ng meron Tayo for your the idea you Invision yourself in life aren't you content for what we have here? , "

Zapper cut me off

“God Zapper, I love you with all my heart you know that! Hindi Naman Tayo mag hihiwalay eh we'll do LDR, baby we'll make a way for us ,I love you so much you know that don't you trust me?"

"I don't know anymore, cause right now it's not what it seems like,"

I sighed in defeat

I knows I'm not gonna win over this argument

"Maybe you're right maybe I’m not ready to be your wife. But I’ve always been in love with you, and I’m still madly in love with you. But the life you want for us is not the life I want for me.”

Zapper’s face flushed with frustration. He didn’t respond, his silence speaking volumes. Without another word, he stood up, leaving the café abruptly, his departure marking the end of their engagement.As the door closed behind him, the café seemed to exhale a collective sigh of sadness.

As I remained seated, my gaze fixed on the engagement ring I had just removed. The song continued to play, resonating with the emotional intensity of their final moments together.The breakup was a signal of the downfall of their relationship, a poignant reminder that sometimes love, no matter how deep, is not enough to overcome the obstacles and dreams that lie ahead. Ish Ann understood that her future lay beyond the confines of their relationship, and she was determined to pursue it.

Taylor Swift’s “Midnight Rain” played softly in the background, the lyrics seemingly narrating the bittersweet reality of their relationship. “He wanted it comfortable, I wanted that pain. He wanted a bride, I was making my own name. Chasing that fame, he stayed the same. All of me changed like midnight.”

Sometimes love, no matter how deep, couldn’t conquer the dreams that lay ahead. Ish Ann knew her future didn’t lie within the confines of their relationship she had bigger things to pursue.