CHAPTER 17
2688 Words
Perv’s POV
“SOPHIA, where’s Rex?” I asked as I descended the stairs.
“He went jogging early,” she called back from the kitchen, where she was busy cooking.
I glanced at the clock. Guess he was sticking to his routine.
“Sophia, I’m heading out. Tell Rex thanks for letting me crash here,” I shouted, making sure she heard me.
She immediately stepped out of the kitchen and walked over.
“You’re leaving already? Stay for breakfast. Let’s wait for my husband,” she urged, her eyes practically pleading.
I shook my head. “Nah, thanks, but I have to go. I’m hoping they’ve left my condo by now.”
She sighed but nodded. “Alright, Perv. Take care.”
I gave her a small smile before heading out.
Because of last night’s mess, I’d ended up leaving my phone at the condo. Which meant I hadn’t texted Saphire. She was probably fuming by now.
I took a cab back to my place, scanning the surroundings as soon as I arrived.
The limo was gone.
But the SUVs were still there.
I ignored them and went straight inside.
The moment I stepped out of the elevator onto my floor, I spotted them—my parents’ so-called henchmen, sprawled out across the hallway like exhausted soldiers after a long battle. Some were even asleep.
My stomach twisted in irritation. God, what a sight.
One of them, Jims, noticed me and immediately stood up, his sudden movement making the others stir. Soon, they were all alert, scrambling to their feet.
“Good morning, young master,” they greeted in unison, bowing slightly.
I rolled my eyes and walked past them, wanting nothing more than to put space between us.
“Young master,” Jims called after me.
“Not now, Jims. Don’t ruin my morning,” I shot back, my voice clipped.
Back in London, despite him being our head butler, Jims had been more of a guardian to me than my own father ever was. He had taken care of me, been more responsible for me than the man who should have been.
I heard him sigh.
“Pervince, come on,” he continued, his tone almost pleading.
I pulled out my keys and unlocked my door. Just as I was about to shut it behind me, Jims stuck his hand between the frame, stopping it from closing.
I clenched my jaw but stepped aside. Hurting him wasn’t an option—I owed him too much.
He stepped in, closing the door behind him.
I crossed my arms and met his gaze. “Why are you still here, Jims?” My voice was cold, detached.
He sighed. “Pervince, all I want is for you to reconsider your parents’ apology.”
A dry laugh escaped me. “You’ve been brainwashed too, huh?”
“I’m not here as their butler. I came as your friend,” he said, his eyes sincere.
I let out a slow breath.
“So, you managed to slip past my oh-so-loving father?” I said, voice dripping with sarcasm.
“They left for London early this morning,” he admitted.
“Oh? So if they’re gone, why are you guys still here?” I scoffed.
“I stayed because I want to check on you,” he said. “Not as your parents’ butler. As your friend. As your best friend. Remember?”
Tsk. He really had to bring that up, didn’t he?
Jims had always been the only one who genuinely looked out for me, even when I was a kid. But even so, I wasn’t ready to let my walls down.
“As noble as your intentions are, Jims, I honestly don’t know if I deserve your concern,” I told him flatly.
“We’re not forcing you to forgive them, Pervince. Just… think about it.”
“I don’t know,” I said after a beat. “Right now, I can’t see myself forgiving them for what they did to me five years ago. I grew up without them. Matured without them. And honestly? I don’t think I need them now either.”
Jims simply smiled, stepping forward to clap a hand on my shoulder. “Give it time. Things will sort themselves out eventually.”
I didn’t respond.
“Have you eaten?” he asked.
“No,” I admitted.
He nodded, then turned toward the door.
“John!” he called out.
“Yes, sir?” A man quickly approached.
“Bumili ka nga ng umagahan para sa young master,” Jims ordered, handing him cash.
John nodded. “Right away, sir.” Then he left.
I leaned against the wall, arms still crossed.
“You speak Tagalog well,” I commented absentmindedly.
“My father was your family’s head butler before me, remember? I picked up a lot from him,” Jims replied.
Right. His father had been one of the few decent people in my life. When he passed away, Jims had taken over seamlessly.
Minutes later, John returned with food. I looked inside the bag. Ham and fried chicken? What am I, a kid?
Oh, well. Food was food.
As I ate, Jims spoke up again. “We’ll be back later. Old Master Groderick sent something for your parents.”
I froze mid-bite. “Wait. You mean… my grandparents?”
He nodded. “Yes, young master.”
“I thought they were in Australia?”
“They returned five years ago when they found out your parents were sending you here. You were supposed to stay with them, but you disappeared at the airport before we could reach you.”
I let out a small ah of understanding.
I set my fork down. “Don’t tell them you found me. I don’t want them coming here.”
“As you wish, sir.”
“And another thing, Jims.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Don’t come back until I call you.”
Jims bowed slightly. “Understood.”
I hesitated for a moment before pulling out a piece of paper and scribbling something on it.
“Here’s my number. Don’t give it to my parents. You and the others can contact me, but that’s it. I trust you, Jims. Don’t let me down.”
He took it with a nod. “As you wish, Pervince.”
Just as he was about to leave, he stopped. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a card case and handed it to me.
“In case you need a substantial amount, use this,” he said. “Your parents know you never used your old card, so they had a new one made for you. The pin is the same.”
I stared at it in my hands. The same pin? That meant it was still linked to the family’s fortune. Tsk.
Jims left, and I was finally alone again.
Sighing, I dug into my food.
Just as I was about to take another bite, the phone rang.
“Cringgg! Cringgg!”
I wiped my mouth and picked it up. “Hello?”
“Bro!”
I immediately pulled the receiver away from my ear. “Why the hell are you yelling?”
“Why’d you leave before I got back? I could’ve given you a ride!” Rex complained.
I rolled my eyes. “I took a taxi. I’m not a beggar, Rex.”
“Still! Oh, by the way—”
“What?”
“Our new manager starts today,” he said, excitement clear in his voice.
I smirked. “She’s a model, right?”
“Obviously.”
I chuckled. “Then she’s probably hot.”
“That’s all you’re gonna say?! Dude, you’re so cold!”
“What do you want me to do? Squeal in excitement?”
Rex groaned. “Ugh, whatever. Just get to work early, okay? First impressions count. Plus, extra points if she likes us.”
I snorted. “You act like you’re not in a relationship.”
“Hey! That’s not what I meant! What if we get promoted, huh?”
“Oh. That’s what you meant.”
“What else did you think I meant?”
“Nothing, nothing.”
“Anyway, see you later.”
I hung up.
Finishing my meal, I stretched before heading for a shower.
Saphire’s POV
I helped Dad pack his things, carefully folding his clothes into the suitcase.
“Dad, is this everything you’re bringing?” I asked, eyeing the luggage.
“Yes, sweetheart. I’ll just buy new ones when I get there,” he replied.
A soft sigh escaped my lips. “Take care, Dad.”
He gave me a warm smile before placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. “I will, my daughter. And you take care as well.” Then his expression turned playful. “Let me know once you're pregnant so I can officially hand over the company to you.”
“Alright, Dad,” I answered, feeling relieved. It took a lot of convincing, but he finally agreed to my unconventional choice—no marriage, just a child.
I glanced at my watch. “Okay then, Dad. I need to get to the shop now. Have a safe flight.” I leaned in and kissed his cheek.
“Alright, honey. If anything goes wrong, call me immediately, alright?”
“I will.” With that, I left the house, stepping into the waiting car. Mr. Guiller held the door open for me, and as soon as I was settled inside, we drove off toward the shop.
Perv’s POV
“Hey, man!” Rex hollered the moment he spotted me.
“What took you so long? That Ms.—whatever-her-name-is—should be arriving soon,” he chuckled.
I smirked. “Idiot.”
“Come on, get changed already.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
I made my way to the locker room and quickly changed into my usual work attire—black slacks, a crisp white shirt paired with a tie, and a black apron. No matter what I wore, my physique carried it well.
Stepping out, I took my place behind the counter alongside Rex, both of us positioned at the far end.
“Bet you she’s gorgeous,” Rex mused, leaning in.
“Of course. Didn’t you say she’s a model?” I shot back, grinning.
A few minutes later, the atmosphere shifted. The entrance doors opened, and everyone instinctively straightened in their spots. Conversations quieted.
Then, she walked in.
Time slowed.
She was breathtaking.
Wearing an elegant blue hat that shimmered under the lights, a sky-blue dress that clung to her curves in the most tantalizing way, and shades that undoubtedly cost a fortune, she exuded an aura of effortless sophistication. A sleek purse hung on her arm—a design eerily similar to one I had seen before. My brows furrowed slightly. Could it be…? No. A lot of people owned the same brands.
As she stepped forward, a soft smile graced her lips.
“Good morning,” she greeted, her voice smooth yet commanding.
Something in me jolted. The way she spoke—it was familiar. Too familiar.
We all bowed slightly in greeting, but my heart was pounding.
Then, with deliberate grace, she removed her shades. And then her hat.
The breath hitched in my throat.
“Saphire?” I blurted out in disbelief.
Rex whipped his head toward me, confusion and shock flashing across his face. “You know the manager?”
Oh, right. I hadn’t told him.
I leaned in. “She’s the one,” I muttered.
His eyes widened. “No way!” He smacked my shoulder. “Damn, man. You’re something else!”
Saphire approached, extending her hand to each of the staff members in greeting. Some of them, like total idiots, sniffed their hands after shaking hers, while others pressed them to their lips as if savoring a divine touch. Absolute perverts.
Finally, she reached Rex.
“Wow! I’m honored to meet you, Ms. Saphire. I’ve heard so much about you,” he said enthusiastically.
I narrowed my eyes at him. I knew exactly what he meant—he was referring to our moments. I discreetly kicked him, making him jerk forward slightly.
“Really? Well, thank you,” she replied, her laughter light.
Then, it was my turn.
I dipped my head slightly in a bow before slowly raising my gaze to hers. A small, knowing smile played on my lips. “Ms. Saphire Ravens.”
She froze.
Her eyes widened, lips parting in pure shock.
“Pervince…” she whispered. “You work here?”
“Yes.”
People were already staring at us. She hesitated before extending her hand, but instead of shaking it, I leaned in, my lips brushing against her cheek in greeting.
She stiffened.
I took the opportunity to whisper, “Can I see you in your office later? There’s something I need to explain.” My tone was deliberately low, teasing.
She swallowed. “Sure,” she murmured, her voice softer than before.
I stepped back, meeting the incredulous stares of my coworkers.
Grinning, I got back to work.
One hour later, the café was packed. It always got busy in the mornings, given its proximity to my grandfather’s company. Not that anyone knew I was his grandson—I had never stepped foot in his office.
My coworkers wouldn’t stop bombarding me with questions.
“How do you know Ms. Saphire?”
“When did you meet?”
“Where?”
“Why?”
Idiots.
I smirked. “No idea. She just appeared, wrapped up like a present, on my doorstep.”
They groaned at my vague response but laughed anyway.
I took the opportunity to slip away, making my way upstairs.
Her office door was guarded by two of her PSGs.
Clearing my throat, I said, “Ahem. Ms. Manager called for me.”
One of them peered inside. “Lady Saphire, there’s a crew member here who claims you sent for him.”
I stepped forward just enough for her to see me.
“A-Ah, y-yes! Yes, I did,” she stammered.
I smirked. She was flustered. Adorable.
The guards stepped aside, letting me in.
As I entered, she looked at me with an unreadable expression.
“Mr. Guiller, can you leave us for a moment?” she asked.
“As you wish, my lady,” he responded before bowing and exiting.
“And Mr. Guiller,” she added hesitantly.
He paused.
“Make sure the PSGs step away from the door as well,” she instructed.
“Yes, my lady.”
The shadows outside the frosted glass vanished. We were alone.
She exhaled, her hands resting on her desk. “So, what did you want to explain?”
I didn’t respond immediately. Instead, I reached up and untied my apron, slipping it off.
Her eyes darted to me in confusion.
Then, I loosened my tie and tossed it aside.
Next, I began unbuttoning my shirt.
Her breath hitched. “W-What are you doing?”
“I told you I wanted to come here. You agreed,” I murmured, stepping closer, mischief dancing in my gaze.
She instinctively took a step back, but I caught her wrist, pulling her into my arms and pressing her gently against the wall. One hand braced against the surface beside her head as I leaned in.
Her breathing grew uneven.
I tilted my head and kissed her—first on the lips, then her cheek, her forehead, her chin. Each touch deliberate, slow.
I deepened the kiss, tasting her, feeling her respond as our tongues entwined.
Then, I lifted her leg, positioning it against my thigh, pressing my body closer. The heat between us was undeniable.
“I feel restless today,” I whispered against her lips. “What about you?”
“I-I don’t know,” she stammered.
I smirked. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you do.”
And with that, I kissed her again, this time with no restraint.
She was already breathless.
- Writer
