CHAPTER 28
1924 Words
Perv’s POV
“ARE you really okay?” I asked her again, unable to hide my concern. She had been feeling dizzy since this afternoon, and this morning, she had thrown up.
She let out a soft chuckle, reaching out to cup my cheek. “You’re so cute when you worry,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Are you sure? Maybe we should go to the hospital,” I insisted, my brows knitting together.
She turned toward Mr. Guiller, who was leaning casually against the doorframe, watching our exchange with quiet amusement.
“I’m really fine. See? Now you’re just embarrassing yourself,” she whispered playfully, tilting her head toward the others.
I followed her gaze, only to find them quickly looking away, trying to suppress their laughter.
“Young Master, we’ll notify you immediately if anything happens,” Mr. Guiller assured me from behind.
I sighed, reluctantly letting go of her hand.
“What if you take a break? Let’s go on a short vacation—how about Boracay?” I suggested.
“But what about the shop? Who’s going to manage it? And I just took a leave recently,” she said, frowning.
I leaned in, my lips brushing against the shell of her ear.
“Hon, just ask Ruby to cover for you. It’ll be just two days,” I coaxed.
She hesitated. “But we were supposed to go for an ultrasound the day after tomorrow,” she reminded me.
“Oh, right,” I nodded. “Okay, then we’ll go after the ultrasound.”
She sighed but smiled. “Fine, I’ll talk to Gats.”
“Where is she, by the way?”
“She left. Probably off chasing men,” she joked, making me laugh.
I studied her face once more. “Are you absolutely sure you’re okay?”
She nodded. “Yes, I promise.”
“Alright, I’ll head out now.” I leaned in closer, capturing her lips in a lingering kiss.
“Pffft.”
“Bye,” I whispered, pulling away with a smirk.
“Drive safely,” she said, watching me go.
After saying my goodbyes, I finally left.
After parking my car, I headed straight for the elevator. For some reason, I couldn’t stop smiling, thinking about her. I didn’t even realize how ridiculous I must’ve looked grinning like an i***t alone in the lift.
When the elevator doors slid open, I stepped out and made my way down the hall. But even from a distance, I immediately recognized the people waiting outside my condo door. My smile vanished instantly.
What the hell are they doing here now?
“Young Master,” they greeted in unison, bowing their heads slightly.
I let out a sigh, swiping my access card against the scanner. “Jims, what are you doing here?” I asked, pushing the door open.
Jims stepped forward. “Tristan, we need to talk. It’s important.”
“Come in.” I led him to the living area, taking a seat on the couch.
He hesitated before speaking. “Your father called. He wants you to move back home.”
His words made my brows draw together.
“What makes him think I’ll do that?” I said, standing up in irritation.
“It’s for your sake,” Jims said calmly. “For Lady Saphire’s… and your baby’s.”
I froze mid-step. My gaze snapped to his, eyes narrowing dangerously.
“How the hell do you know about that?”
“Tristan, you know better than anyone—there are always eyes watching. Nothing stays a secret for long.”
I clenched my jaw, about to argue when he spoke again.
“The media doesn’t know yet, but if the news breaks, it could ruin her career.”
That made me pause.
“What do you mean?” I asked cautiously.
Jims stood up, facing me directly. “If the public finds out she’s pregnant, the headlines will be relentless. And when they discover you’re the father? Speculations will fly. The media has been obsessed with your sudden disappearance. If this story blows up, they’ll dig up everything from your past. And trust me, you won’t like what they find.”
I fell silent, his words sinking in.
“Your father knows what’s coming,” he continued. “That’s why he wants you home—where the media won’t be able to reach you.”
I ran a hand down my face. It was true. If this got out, Saphire would be the one to suffer the most. I could handle the backlash, but she didn’t deserve that.
“And… it’s not just about the media,” Jims added.
I looked at him sharply. “What do you mean?”
He met my gaze firmly. “It has something to do with your family history.”
My chest tightened. “What?”
“Only your father can tell you the full story,” he said. “But Tristan, listen to me. This isn’t just about you anymore. It’s about Lady Saphire… and your child.”
I exhaled slowly, my thoughts racing.
Was there even a choice to make?
“Tomorrow,” I finally said.
Jims frowned. “Tomorrow, Young Master?”
“Come back early in the morning. Help me pack. I need to tell Saphire first,” I instructed.
A small smile appeared on his lips. “As you wish, sir.”
“Now, leave,” I muttered. “I need to be alone.”
Jims nodded before bowing slightly and exiting the unit.
The moment he was gone, I sank onto the couch, pressing my palms against my face.
I felt… exhausted.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?
Saphire’s POV
“Oh my… Oh my God!” Ruby shrieked, bouncing excitedly around my room like a child who had just been told she won the lottery. I had just told her I had been feeling nauseous and even threw up this morning.
“Shhh! Will you calm down? You’re making me dizzier,” I scolded, rubbing my temples.
“Wait—are you absolutely sure? Like, no doubts at all?” she pressed eagerly, practically vibrating with excitement.
“Yes, I am sure,” I replied, grabbing her hand and pulling her down onto the bed beside me.
“And? What did Pervince say?” she asked, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
A soft smile played on my lips. “He was happy.”
Ruby’s face lit up even more, her expression melting into something almost dreamy.
“He’s really serious about you,” she said, nodding to herself.
I frowned at her tone. “What’s with that? You sound like you had doubts.”
She straightened up, suddenly looking a bit sheepish. “Well… it’s just that I grilled him with questions about you the other day.”
I raised a brow. “And?”
“I asked him how serious he really was.” She twirled her fingers together, hesitating.
“And?” I prompted again.
“Ugh, never mind,” she groaned, covering her face. “I’m just getting giddy all over again.”
I smirked. “Spill it, Ruby.”
“Fine, fine. I don’t want you stressing over curiosity—wouldn’t want you miscarrying just because I refused to talk,” she teased with a mischievous grin. “He said he’s as serious as a storm when it makes landfall.”
A warmth spread through my chest. “I already knew that,” I murmured, more to myself than to her.
She suddenly gasped dramatically. “Oh my God! You used to just look seductive in your poses, but now it’s confirmed—you really are flirty!” she accused, pointing at me.
Smack!
“Ow!” she yelped as I playfully hit her arm.
“Will you stop screaming?” I scolded.
She grinned. “Just adding emphasis.”
I rolled my eyes, but then remembered something. “Oh, by the way, Hon has a favor to ask you.”
Her face lit up instantly. “What is it?” she asked, eyes practically twinkling like a kid waiting for a present.
“He’s asking if you can manage the shop while we’re gone.”
“Well, duh! Of course, I can!” she said proudly. “Wait—where exactly are you two going?”
“Boracay. Just for a little vacation,” I said casually.
Her face instantly dropped.
“Wait, wait, wait! Why didn’t you tell me that first? If I knew you were going to Boracay, I would’ve turned down the request and invited myself instead!” she huffed, crossing her arms.
I chuckled. “Well, I didn’t think to mention it at first. And besides, you already agreed—no take-backs.”
“You little—ugh!” she groaned.
I just laughed at her frustration.
Suddenly, the shrill ring of my phone cut through our conversation. I quickly got up and answered it.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Hon, it’s me.”
Perv.
“Hey, love. Why are you calling?” I asked.
“Just wanted to let you know—I might only be able to drop by the coffee shop for half a day tomorrow. I’m moving out of my condo. I’ll be staying at the house from now on,” he explained.
Ah, so he’s finally moving into his family’s place in Makati. That was probably for the best—no one knew he was from there, and it would be easier for him to lay low.
“Really, Hon? Do you need help packing?” I offered.
“No, no. I don’t want you getting tired. Jims is coming over to help tomorrow.”
“Ah, okay,” I said, though I felt a small pang of disappointment. “I’ll miss you. I won’t get to see you tomorrow.”
I heard him chuckle on the other end. “Alright, alright. I’ll come straight to work afterward, so you don’t miss me too much.”
I grinned. “You better. And go straight to the office when you get here, okay?”
“Okay, okay… Now, have you eaten?”
“Yes. We just finished dinner. What about you?”
“Yeah, I just did. Ordered pizza. Was too lazy to go to the kitchen,” he admitted with a laugh.
I laughed too. “Aww, poor baby.”
“Oh,” he said, amused. “Alright, I should start packing now.”
I pouted, even though he couldn’t see me. I still wanted to talk, but I didn’t want to disturb him.
“Okay, fine. Good night, Hon,” I said softly.
“Good night, love. Sweet dreams. Don’t let the bed bugs bite. I love you.”
My heart did a little flip.
“I love you more.” And with that, I hung up.
I sighed contentedly and flopped onto my bed.
“Hey, hey! What are you doing?” Ruby demanded.
“Going to sleep. Hon told me to,” I mumbled, cuddling my pillow.
“It’s still early!” she argued.
I sat up, stared at her, and deadpanned, “Master said so.” Then I flopped back down.
She sighed dramatically. “Fine, fine.”
“Good night, Gats,” I murmured.
“Good night,” she muttered back before walking out of my room.
I pulled my blanket over me, smiling to myself.
Hon told me to sleep—so I shall.
- Writer
