Chapter II
1178 Words
“Roman, love—I have good news!”
I wrapped my arms around my boyfriend’s arm, unable to contain my excitement. “There’s a high chance I’ll get promoted! And the timing couldn’t be more perfect—the CEO prefers promoting married employees first!”
For a brief moment—
He went still.
Just for a second.
But I felt it.
“Roman?” I looked up at him, confusion creeping in. “Aren’t you happy?”
“O-Of course I am,” he said quickly, though his smile felt… forced. “You worked hard for this. You deserve it.”
Something in my chest tightened.
I slowly loosened my hold on him. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” Too fast.
He pulled me into an embrace, his grip just a little too firm.
“There’s nothing wrong, Maxine. Don’t worry.”
I hesitated.
“Are you sure?” I pressed. “We’re getting married next week. You can tell me anything.”
He exhaled deeply, then shook his head.
“I’m just tired,” he said. “That’s all.”
I wanted to believe him.
So I did.
Because I had to.
“Maxine…” he said after a pause. “Is there another reason you’re so happy today?”
I blinked, touching my cheeks. “Am I that obvious?”
He smiled faintly, brushing my hair back.
“I should know what makes my future wife happy.”
I laughed softly, leaning into him.
“Do you remember Mr. Estillore?” I asked.
For a split second—
His expression froze.
Barely noticeable.
But I saw it.
“Your rival?” he said carefully. “The one… with the same name as me?”
“Yes.”
I smiled.
But this time, there was something sharper beneath it.
“Well… according to the qualifications—he doesn’t stand a chance.”
Roman said nothing.
“He’s single,” I continued. “Never dated. Which means—”
I let out a quiet, satisfied breath.
“He won’t be promoted.”
Silence.
Then I laughed lightly.
“Isn’t it perfect? Once we get married, I’ll finally be ahead of him.”
Still no response.
I tilted my head.
“Roman?”
But he wasn’t looking at me anymore.
His gaze had drifted somewhere else—
distant…
unreadable.
And for the first time that day,
a strange, unexplainable unease crept into my chest.
The next few days blurred into a whirlwind of tasks. Between finalizing our wedding details and submitting requirements for my promotion, my schedule barely allowed me to breathe.
Yet, despite the busyness, a strange unease clung to me. A fluttering, restless anxiety that I couldn’t quite explain.
“Could this be… wedding jitters?” I muttered, brushing my palms over my face. “Woaah… it’s real. I’m actually this nervous about getting married.”
To calm myself, I reached for my phone, thinking a voice call from Roman might steady my nerves.
But after several rings, there was nothing. Not a word. And then—he ended the call.
Years of dating had taught me that he never ignored me like this. My forehead creased as I stared at the blank screen.
“Busy, maybe?” I whispered to myself. “But he said he was on leave to check the church schedule… Could something have gone wrong?”
The thought sent another pang of unease through me, like a warning I couldn’t shake. But I shook my head and gave myself a mental slap. Negative thinking wouldn’t help. Our wedding was meticulously planned—every detail accounted for. There was no reason for disaster.
“Relax, Maxine,” I murmured, straightening my posture. “Maybe he’s just busy. Maybe he left his phone somewhere.”
Then I raised my gaze.
And froze.
Of course. Out of everyone on the street at this hour… it was Mr. Estillore.
“Good day, Miss Hidalgo,” he greeted, voice flat and unreadable.
“Hmmph! What’s good about seeing you, Mr. Estillore?” I shot back, narrowing my eyes.
He raised a brow, slightly taken aback by my bluntness. “You still hate me, huh…? All those projects, all the wins—were they not enough to make you at least neutral?”
“Tch. Sorry, Mr. Estillore. You haven’t done anything wrong,” I said, tilting my head, “But I just… can’t be nice to you. Seeing you is enough to ruin my day.”
He stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Well, it’s impossible not to bump into me. Our work is tied together.”
“Not for long… sooner or later, I’ll be promoted,” I shot back proudly. “While you… will remain where you are.”
He paused. That small flicker of hesitation—so brief I almost missed it—was enough to make my pulse quicken.
“That’s true…” he finally admitted. “Congratulations, by the way.”
I blinked, momentarily disarmed. No anger, no bitter words. Just… calm acknowledgment.
“Doesn’t it sting?” I pressed. “To miss out on promotion just because you’re not married?”
“Of course it does,” he said quietly, almost wistfully. “But… there’s nothing I can do. I’m not married. Priority is given to those who are.”
My hand clenched instinctively. Even with this victory in my hands, I couldn’t help but feel… incomplete. There was still a shadow of him that lingered.
I exhaled sharply. “Then… find someone to marry already. Who knows? Maybe next year, promotion could be yours.” I smirked. “Time’s ticking, Mr. Estillore. Build a life for yourself.”
He didn’t speak immediately, just looked at me with an intensity I couldn’t read.
“I don’t think I’ll get married,” he said finally, lowering his gaze.
I blinked. “What? You… don’t believe in marriage?”
“I’m not against it,” he replied evenly.
“Then why…?” My irritation flared. “Why say you won’t marry?”
“You really want to know?” he asked, his tone calm but challenging. “Why? Are you… interested in my life now?”
I froze. Why did I even care? He shouldn’t matter. And yet… there was a pang in my chest. Better he stay unmarried forever than interfere with my victory.
“Tch. Never mind. Don’t tell me. I don’t care,” I muttered, brushing off the conversation. “Just… wow. A few minutes talking to you and I feel so stressed.”
He shrugged, finally moving as if to leave. “Hmpph! Fine. I’ll go. You’re… exhausting.”
I turned, relieved, but then—
“Wait, Miss Hidalgo.”
I scowled. “What?”
He met my eyes fully this time. “I just wanted to… congratulate you on your marriage. I hope you’ll be happy.”
I froze, words caught in my throat.
Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, stunned, heart racing, and more confused than ever.
- Writer
