Careless Whisper

7 - Chocolate

Samantha's POV

"I'm serious... I think it's best for me to revive the dead hotel," I murmured, my hands trembling as they wrapped around the back of her neck, my face pressed against her skin. It felt like a confession, one I wasn't sure she was ready to hear, or that I was ready to voice.

The weight of my words hung in the air, heavy with the promise of something I wasn't sure I could deliver.

"I know you're a woman of your word, but I have to decline your request to make me your personal secretary. I work for your father, Madame Sam. I can assist you with many things, but not that," Jezreel's deep voice cut through my thoughts, sending a shiver down my spine and igniting a fire within me.

I felt uneasy and hot, unsure if it was the alcohol blurring my senses or the intensity of the moment itself.

"But you're the only one who can speak to me without trembling. You dominate me more than my father ever did." My words tumbled out before I could stop them, revealing a vulnerability I rarely let show.

"You're drunk, Madame. The alcohol is affecting you. I suggest you stay quiet, or I'll leave you here," Jezreel said, her tone firm and unyielding. I pouted, breathing in her vanilla scent, feeling an odd mix of safety and tension in her presence.

"See, you're dominating me... And I'd like to be dominated by you." The confession slipped out, raw and unfiltered, exposing a desire I hadn't fully acknowledged until now.

"Unnie, don't let your thoughts dominate you!"

"Ahh!" So-yeon's voice jolted me back to reality, and I screamed, my words from a week ago replaying in my mind like a broken record.

My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I hopped around like a bunny, covering my face with my hands.

"What the heck, Unnie. Stop screaming, we're at a five-star restaurant!" So-yeon dragged me down, seating me in a corner and pulling my hands away from my face.

The reality of our surroundings crashed down on me, the elegant setting contrasting sharply with my internal chaos.

I can't believe it took me a week to remember that. Why do I keep doing stupid things when I'm drunk?

"I don't want to go home. Let me disappear now. Oh god, please make me vanish," I muttered, hiding my face in So-yeon's chest as I hugged her tightly. To make matters worse, some customers in the restaurant stared at us, their curiosity palpable.

I can't believe this. Is this why she's been bossing me around these past few days? I noticed she's been a bit meaner, sometimes grumpy. What if I made her uncomfortable?

"Unnie, I told you, don't let your thoughts dominate you."

"Could you stop using that word? I don't want to hear it anymore," I said, feeling my face flush with embarrassment.

The word "dominance" echoed in my mind, a reminder of my own foolishness. I took a moment to calm down before releasing So-yeon from my grasp.

She sat beside me, her worried look unmistakable. Knowing that look, I spoke first.

"I don't want to talk about it... So, when will I meet this investor you mentioned? Some memories came back to me a few days ago, and I'm serious about handling that building." My resolve solidified, a sense of purpose cutting through the haze of my embarrassment. I was determined to see this through, no matter the cost.

"In three days, at the five-star restaurant in Manila."

"But you said he lives here. Can't we just meet somewhere in Baguio?" I wasn't trying to be difficult, but meeting him alone felt overwhelming.

I didn't have a car or a driver's license, and I was hopelessly lost in this place. Traveling wasn't my thing; I wasn't exactly the adventurous type.

"He said he's only free in the afternoon, and then he has errands in Manila at night. Is that a problem?"

"No... not really. I'll head home now." I stood up and walked away, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. Catching a cab, I went straight back to our villa, my mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming meeting.

As I entered the house, a pink Lamborghini parked next to our van caught my eye. It was something I hadn't noticed before meeting my friend. A sudden curiosity and confusion washed over me.

"Manong Chad? Manong Chad!" I called out as I wandered through the house, searching for the old man.

The silence was unsettling; the couple who lived here were known for their love of loud music. It was unusual for the house to be so quiet.

Manang Tricia once told me that music brought them joy and energy. Without it, the house felt lifeless and empty.

"Manong-"

"He's at the hotel tonight, on guard duty. What do you need from him?" The voice belonged to the one person I least wanted to see. My blood ran cold, and my breath caught in my throat, my feet feeling like they were rooted to the spot.

"I, uh, just wanted to ask about the car outside," I stammered, cursing myself for stumbling over my words. It was so embarrassing.

"Didn't Mr. Second Baek tell you?"

"Tell me what? I haven't spoken to him since I was cast out."

"Your brother sent that car as a good luck gift. Your father agreed with your hotel plan." My eyes widened, and my heart finally settled into a normal rhythm. Relief and excitement surged through me.

"Really? That's great!" I was about to hug her but stopped when I saw the disgusted look on her face. She stepped back as I moved forward. She really did hate me.

"Really great. He also said you need to get a license before you drive it, so I suggest you get one soon." Her tone was icy as she walked past me and disappeared from sight. But I was too ecstatic to care about her attitude.

I rushed to my room, feeling a newfound determination. I changed into a black cropped leather jacket over a pink turtleneck sweater that hugged my body.

I paired it with pink fitted pants, a black belt, and black heels. I let my hair down and curled it slightly to match my light makeup.

As I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt a sense of confidence I hadn't felt in a long time. I looked perfect.

But beyond the surface, there was a deeper resolve taking shape. This was my chance to prove myself, to show that I was capable of handling the responsibilities that came with reviving the dead hotel.

I thought back to Jezreel's deep voice, the way it had sent shivers down my spine and ignited a fire within me.

Her words, her presence, they had a way of challenging me, pushing me to confront my fears and insecurities. And now, standing in my room, dressed and ready, I felt that same fire burning brighter.

The meeting with the investor loomed on the horizon, and I knew I had to be at my best. This wasn't just about the hotel; it was about reclaiming a part of myself that I'd lost.

It was about proving to my family, to Jezreel, and most importantly, to myself, that I could do this.

As I left my room and headed back downstairs, I felt a surge of determination. The pink Lamborghini outside was more than just a car; it was a symbol of my brother's support, my father's approval, and my own commitment to this journey.

I took a deep breath, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. This was my moment, and I was going to seize it with everything I had.

\\

"In short, you failed." Yep, I failed the driving test and the written exam. Jezreel didn't sugarcoat it as Manang Ticia shared the embarrassing details of my defeat.

"Take it again."

"Ikaw nalang kaya magmaneho sa kanya kahit saan, may license ka naman and you're a great driver," Manang Ticia suggested, which clearly annoyed Jezreel. She rolled her eyes, stood up with a feather duster in hand, and retorted, "I'm a caretaker, not a driver," before walking away.

Is it a habit of hers to walk away in the middle of a conversation, or is she really just that busy?

"Turuan mo nalang si Madam para sa susunod alam na niya ang gagawin!" Manang Ticia called after her.

"AGAIN, I'M A CARETAKER! NOT A TEACHER, DRIVER, OR ANYTHING ELSE!!" Jezreel yelled back. Manang Ticia and I slumped onto the couch, trying to relax our exhausted bodies.

"Pasensya ka na, Madam, sa inaasal niya, masyado lang sigurong abala sa trabaho niya kaya ganun." What amazes me about Manang Ticia and Manong Chad is their patience.

They are the most down-to-earth people I've ever met. They rarely get angry and seem to enjoy life so much that it's hard to catch them without a smile.

"It's fine, Manang Ticia. I'll just study on my own. I'm a quick learner, so I'll get it sooner or later." Manang Ticia spent a minute or two with me before deciding what to cook for dinner.

Meanwhile, I went up to my room to change into something more comfortable-a pink cropped hoodie with a Careless Whisper logo and matching pink joggers with two black stripes on each side.

I brushed off my makeup, washed my face, applied some cream, and put on a face mask before heading back out.

Standing in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but reflect on the day. The failure, Jezreel's bluntness, Manang Ticia's patience-all of it was swirling in my mind. I wasn't used to failing, and this driving test was a stark reminder of my limitations.

But I couldn't let this defeat define me. I had to get back up, study harder, and prove to myself that I could do this.

Jezreel's harshness was her way of pushing me, I realized. She didn't coddle me because she knew I was capable of more.

And despite her frustration, there was a part of me that appreciated her honesty. It was tough love, but it was the kind I needed.

I stepped out of my room, feeling a bit more grounded. The cozy outfit helped, wrapping me in a sense of comfort and determination. This was just a setback, a small bump in the road. I had bigger goals, and I wasn't going to let a failed test hold me back.

Heading downstairs, the aroma of dinner cooking filled the air, a reminder of the warmth and support around me. Manang Ticia and Manong Chad were my anchors, always steady and kind. They believed in me, and that belief gave me the strength to believe in myself.

Tomorrow, I will start again. I would study the manual, practice my driving skills, and take the test with renewed determination.

I would face Jezreel's critiques with a smile, knowing she was pushing me to be better. And I would remember that failure is just a stepping stone to success.

With their support and my own resilience, I knew I could overcome any obstacle. This was just the beginning of my road to success, and I was ready to embrace it fully.

"Putangina" I was startled when Jezreel suddenly appeared in front of me, letting out a curse that caught me off guard. Her phone slipped from her hand, crashing loudly to the floor.

"f**k it. Don't surprise me like that, Jesus! You made me think monsters exist for a second," she complained, picking up her phone. I expected her to leave, but she stayed put, blocking my way.

"You're scared of monsters?" I asked incredulously.

"You thought monsters were real?"

"I don't think they're real, it's just a figure of speech-whatever, what am I even explaining?" I wanted to laugh at her reaction, but I tried to maintain a serious expression and change the topic.

"Do you need to use the bathroom?"

"Huh? Oh, no-yes!" Her voice rose slightly, but the hesitation lingered. I stepped aside, watching as she went inside. She washed her hands without using soap.

That's it?

"Stop looking at me like that... Madam," she said, almost forgetting her manners before correcting herself. She was acting strangely, which puzzled me. It was as if she was hesitant about something.

"I'm sorry," I shrugged off my thoughts and walked away, heading to the dining area where I saw Manang Ticia setting the table.

I wanted to help, but she was already finished. I took a seat on the other side of the table, with Manang Ticia beside me.

Jezreel joined us, sitting across from me. As we began to eat, no one said anything, but I could feel her eyes staring directly at me.

I knew who it was but tried to ignore it, not wanting to ask and make her uncomfortable.

After dinner, Manang Ticia suggested a movie night. Despite feeling exhausted, I joined her, not wanting to seem rude. We watched a movie called Truman in my room, as it was the only room with a TV.

Manang Ticia even made some popcorn and shared it with us. It intrigued me how we spent the night watching a movie with Jezreel, who kept stealing glances at me as if I hadn't noticed. I wanted to ask her about it, but I restrained myself.

At least for a little while. After our first movie, Manang Ticia went back to the kitchen to grab some soju and make another batch of popcorn while I was searching for another movie to watch.

"Do you have any suggestions?" I inquired, noticing the young woman seated on the floor, leaning towards the edge of the bed. Despite my urging for both of them to join me on the bed, she insisted on the floor.

"Do you have something in mind?" There was no response. I observed her biting her nails like a child, twirling a strand of her hair with her finger, her gaze fixed on the TV.

She seemed lost in thought, disconnected from reality.

Her behavior prompted me to leave the room. I headed to the kitchen, grabbed some chocolates from the fridge, and returned to her, taking a seat beside her.

She seemed startled when our shoulders touched, so I took the opportunity to offer her some chocolates.

"You want some chocolates?" I asked, presenting the pack to her. She glanced at it, then at me, as if seeking permission. I nodded, smiling widely, which encouraged her to take one.

My smile turned victorious as she stopped biting her nails, instead of indulging in the chocolate.

"Are you feeling well? You're acting a bit out of character tonight," I inquired, feeling a slight concern. My gaze lingered on her as she focused on eating the chocolate, providing me with another chance to admire her side profile.

I've said it before and I'll say it again-she looked stunning, exuding both beauty and grace. If I were a man, I'd gladly date her.

Her hair is tied in a wolf-tail, perfect eyebrows, long eyelashes, fair and soft skin, dimples showing even while eating, natural pink lips, sharp jawline, and accessible neck...

Wait, what? What was I thinking?

"It's ill-advised to stare, Madame," she remarked, snapping me out of my thoughts. Her words surprised me, causing my heart to skip a beat. Her sudden gaze meeting mine, her cold demeanor softening slightly.

"I'm sorry," we both uttered at the same time, looking away. It wasn't awkward, just uncomfortable, and I knew I wasn't the only one feeling that way.

To avoid making it more awkward, I sat up on my bed and acted as if nothing happened. I began selecting a movie for us to watch, and just as I did, Manang Ticia returned with a bottle of soju, small glasses, and a giant bowl of popcorn.

"Ano pong napili nyo?" she asked, serving the food before taking a seat beside me, leaving a bit of space.

"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." I had no idea what I had picked; it was the most recommended show on Netflix, so I clicked it as if I knew about this cinematic.

Fortunately, Manang Ticia and Jezreel liked the movie and even claimed to be MCU fans. As we watched, they still found time to argue about who the better heroes were.

Manang Ticia shamelessly threw hate at DC but showed bias towards MCU. Jezreel tried to defend both and remain neutral while eating the chocolate I gave her. She looked better now, back to her stoic and monotone self.

"Oh sige panalo kana, pahingi ako ng chocolate mo at ako ang na-stress sayo," Manang Ticia said, accepting her defeat in their argument.

"No, go grab yours, akin lang 'to," Jezreel replied, hiding her chocolate behind her, displaying her possessiveness.

Cute.

"Ang damot ah, sino bang nagbigay sa'yo niyan? Hindi naman kita nakitang kumuh kanina"

"It doesn't matter! This is mine" she squint her eyes and glare at Manang Ticia. That selfish side of her is so cute but I could never do that.

"What are you staring at? Look away," she commanded as our eyes met.

"Jezreel!" Manang Ticia's call broke the moment, but oddly, I welcomed it. I wanted to be led, and for once, I complied, smiling as I did so.

"Sure, baby," I teased, turning my gaze elsewhere. She'd always be a little girl to me. Any objections?

It was a simple exchange, yet it felt oddly intimate. Jezreel's confident demeanor had always fascinated me, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

Her authoritative tone, tinged with a hint of playfulness, sent a thrill through me.

Manang Ticia's interruption was a reminder of the world beyond our bubble, but for that fleeting moment, obeying Jezreel's command felt liberating. Surrendering control, even briefly, was a welcome change from my usual routine.

As I looked away, I felt a rush of exhilaration. This playful banter with Jezreel was a breath of fresh air, injecting a sense of excitement into my life. As long as she was willing to engage, I was more than happy to play along in our little game.