CHAPTER 16
1501 Words
Perv’s POV
I HAD just arrived at my condo building, ready to head inside, when something unusual caught my eye. Several luxury cars were parked outside—ones that looked eerily similar to Granddad’s fleet back home. Even the limousine, the Fords, and the SUVs—each one a perfect match.
But that was impossible. My parents hadn’t tracked me down in almost four years. They had no way of finding me now.
Still, the thought sent a ripple of unease through me. I quickly shook it off. There were better things to focus on—like how good today had been. A smirk tugged at my lips as I strode through the hall, replaying every satisfying moment in my head.
The second I reached my unit, I fished my keys from my pocket, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. I flicked on the lights—
And froze.
Two figures stood in the middle of my living area, waiting for me.
“Good evening, Pervince Tristan Olivander Wilm Thellerius Zeajan Amadel Beaurlington,” my father’s voice rang through the space. “You’ve finally come home.”
I clenched my jaw.
“Oh, my son… how are you?” My mother’s voice cracked as she stepped toward me, tears brimming in her eyes. Before I could react, she pulled me into an embrace.
For a moment, I was too stunned to move. Then, instinctively, I pushed her away.
“What the hell are you doing here?” My voice was cold, sharp.
She flinched at my reaction.
“We came for our son,” my father answered, his tone unreadable.
“Son?” I scoffed. “Who?”
A flicker of pain crossed my mother’s face. “Pervince… what happened to you?”
I laughed humorlessly. “Simple. I changed.”
“You! Insolent boy!” My father’s voice rose, his anger finally breaking through.
I took a threatening step forward. “Don’t you dare call me insolent! You’re the one who made me this way! And how dare you raise your voice in my house?”
My mother backed away, returning to my father’s side as silent tears slipped down her cheeks.
“What happened to you, son?” His voice was softer this time, almost regretful.
I let out a dry chuckle. “Son? You have no son here.”
“For God’s sake, Pervince!”
I folded my arms, meeting his furious gaze with nothing but cold amusement.
“I’m not repeating myself,” I said smoothly. “I already gave you my answer.” Then, with a pointed glance toward the door, I added, “So if you don’t mind, you can leave now.”
“We’re not going anywhere until we resolve this,” my father insisted.
A sharp spike of irritation flared in my chest.
“Get. Out.” My voice was steel.
They didn’t move. They just stood there, rigid and unmoving.
I let out a slow, sarcastic smile. “Not leaving, huh? Fine. Then I will.”
With that, I stormed out, slamming the door behind me. I heard my father barking orders behind me.
“Jims! Follow him!”
But I was already halfway down the building, hailing a taxi before they could catch up.
“To *** Avenue, sir. Take the shortcut,” I told the driver.
As the city lights blurred past, I exhaled slowly. They found me. Damn it.
But no matter. I had other places to be tonight.
Saphire’s POV
Thank God Ruby wasn’t home. If she had been, I’d be drowning in a million questions right now.
I had just gotten back myself, but instead of resting, I went straight downstairs after a quick change. My body still ached from earlier, a dull sting lingering in places I refused to think about.
Sighing, I made my way to the kitchen. “Manang Lucing, can you make me some juice?”
“Of course, dear,” she said warmly, already moving to prepare it.
I plopped down on the couch and turned on the TV, letting my thoughts drift.
Minutes later, my father arrived.
I stood, greeting him with a kiss on the cheek before taking his briefcase. He nodded in appreciation and headed upstairs to change. When he returned, dinner was already set on the table.
“Sir, the meal is ready,” Manang Lucing informed him.
“Good, good.” He draped an arm around my shoulder. “Where’s Ruby?”
I cleared my throat. “Oh, she texted me earlier. She went to visit her family in Laguna.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Why didn’t she ask for a driver?”
“She had plans to meet some friends first before heading there,” I lied smoothly.
He hummed in response but didn’t press further.
As we sat down to eat, he suddenly said, “Saph, I have something to discuss with you.”
I paused, my fork hovering mid-air. “What is it, Dad?”
“I’m flying to Australia tomorrow afternoon.” His voice was calm, measured. “I’ve already assigned a manager for the main coffee shop, but one of our other branches is left vacant. Perla resigned.”
I blinked. “I think you mentioned that before… but I don’t really remember.”
“Well,” he continued, slicing into his steak, “I want you to manage that branch.”
I nearly choked. “What?”
“It’s all settled,” he assured me. “And if you’re worried about your modeling career, don’t be. My men—Guiller and the others—will still be around to watch over you. You’ll be well-guarded.”
I frowned slightly. “But Dad… what if I get pregnant?”
He took a sip of his wine, completely unfazed. “It’s just for a month, Saph. By then, we’ll have a permanent replacement.”
I sighed, mulling over his words. I supposed it wasn’t a bad idea. At least it would give me something to do while waiting for… well, things to unfold.
“Alright,” I agreed eventually.
A satisfied smile stretched across his lips. “Good. The staff already knows about it. I informed them long ago that my daughter would be stepping in.”
I exhaled, nodding. “Alright then.”
We finished dinner, and I excused myself, heading straight to my room.
Tonight, sleep wouldn’t come easy.
Perv’s POV
“Seriously, man? They actually found you?” Rex asked, his brows knitting together in concern.
I had just finished telling them everything that had happened, leaving no detail out.
“Yeah,” I confirmed, exhaling sharply. Both he and Sophia sighed at the same time, clearly processing the situation.
“Can I crash here for the night?” I asked. “I’m sure by tomorrow, they’ll be gone from my condo. They never have the patience to wait around for too long.”
“Of course, man,” Rex said without hesitation.
“Have you eaten yet, Perv?” Sophia suddenly asked, her voice softer.
I shook my head. “Not yet.” I wasn’t even going to pretend otherwise—I was starving.
“In that case, let’s eat together,” she said.
“Yeah, let’s dig in,” Rex added.
As we moved toward the dining table, a rare smile tugged at my lips.
“The food smells amazing,” I remarked, eyeing the spread in front of me. My stomach grumbled in anticipation.
Sophia rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh, right. This i***t loves adobo.”
Rex and I chuckled.
“Man, my timing is impeccable,” I joked, momentarily pushing aside the storm brewing in my head.
Truth be told, I wasn’t going to let myself stress over them. They were the problem, not me. So, why should I be the one to carry the weight of it?
They probably thought they could just waltz back into my life like nothing happened. That I’d be easy to convince. That I could forget everything. Were they insane?
But fine. If they wanted to chase me, let them. If they wanted me back, they’d have to earn it.
Not that they ever could.
Oh, and one more thing—Pervince Tristan de Realonda? That’s just a name I made up. A cover.
My real name is Pervince Tristan Olivander Wilm Thellerius Zeajan Amadel Beaurlington.
I am the grandson of the owner of Meopdiod Iallagant Condominium. And no one—not a single soul—knows the truth except for Rex and Sophia.
Starting tomorrow, things are bound to change now that my parents have tracked me down.
But just as I told them before—I’ll keep ignoring them.
Until they’re the ones who finally give up.
After all, my father, Groderick Ivor Ozai Wolfrick Thylord Zayn Berqez Beaurlington, son of Godric Ivan Olivander Wilm Thellerius Zeajan Beaurlington, and my mother, Kate Nadele Amadel, should have known by now—
I’m not someone they can control anymore.
- Writer
