Chapter 8
1320 Words
Merylle was flustered after receiving a sudden call from Mrs. De Silva, a former client we once styled together. She wanted both of us to come over to style her and her daughter.
We were now on the way to the address she gave Merylle. My friend was absolutely thrilled because, according to her, Señora De Silva was a generous tipper.
"Must be nice to be happy like that," I said with a weak smile as I drove the car.
"That's normal, freny! If you're always sad, you’ll age faster. You need to enjoy life too, okay? Let’s have fun later tonight—don’t forget we’re invited to the party," she said excitedly.
I gave her a small smile. But it was so hard to force happiness when my mind kept drifting to Ezeckiel. He was so frustrating. He didn’t even try to hear me out. Limuel, at least, believed me. But Ezeckiel? He treated me like trash. I was the one who caught them red-handed in my husband’s office—having s*x—and yet I’m the one being painted as a filthy woman? He didn’t even realize how vile his actions were. And he did it right in front of me. Just wait, Eloisa… one chance, and I swear I’ll shove your face into a toilet full of crap.
"You’re deep in thought again," Merylle pointed out. "Is it about Ezeckiel?"
"Nope. I’m thinking about how I’ll dunk Eloisa into a toilet bowl full of poop," I replied.
Merylle immediately gagged. I quickly pulled the car over to the side of the road.
"You’re gross, Merylle. That’s disgusting!" I exclaimed when she vomited onto the seat. She rushed out of the car and continued throwing up outside.
"You’re the gross one, Celestine! I couldn’t help but imagine her face in the toilet… with poop floating around," she whined.
"Hey! It’s not like you’re the one I’m throwing in there. It’s Eloisa!" I said, annoyed but also stifling laughter.
"Please, next time you think of something disgusting, don’t share it. Especially if it’s about Eloisa," she begged.
"Well, that’s exactly what I’m planning to do with her. And don’t comment when I suddenly go quiet, okay? You already know the reason. And stop asking me about it. Let’s go—jeez, it’s just poop. You act like you don’t poop yourself," I said sharply.
"You go ahead and get in the car. I’m not done vomiting yet. Ugh, you really pushed it this time. Are you even the same Celestine? Are you going back to your bratty, fierce self?" she asked, flustered.
"Yup. So hurry up or I’ll leave you here," I teased.
"Fine! Ugh! My stomach’s empty now, thanks to you. So nasty!" she said dramatically and slammed the car door as she got back in.
The drive continued in silence as we headed toward the address Merylle had given. It took about two hours to reach the exclusive subdivision where the De Silvas lived. The guard let us in immediately. As we drove past one luxurious house after another, I was driving so fast that I almost collided with another vehicle. I hit the brakes hard—someone had suddenly appeared from the other lane.
"Freny! Please don’t drag me into your drama. I still want to have a boyfriend someday!" Merylle shrieked.
"Sorry!" I quickly apologized.
I was about to drive off again when the person I nearly hit stepped out of his car. My brow furrowed when I saw the anger on his face. He slammed his hand hard against my hood and started knocking angrily on my window.
"You’re in trouble now, freny. You handle him. I’ll stay right here," Merylle said, sinking lower into her seat.
"Yeah, I know you're scared," I muttered.
I stepped out of the car and slammed the door shut behind me. Neither of us said a word—we were both too shocked.
He took off his sunglasses—and my jaw dropped.
It was Evan.
"Celestine Monteclaro? Is that really you?" he asked in disbelief.
"It’s me," I replied quietly.
He walked up to me and hugged me out of nowhere.
"I’m so glad you’re finally back in the Philippines. I waited for you for so long, Celestine," he said with a sad smile.
Evan was my childhood friend. Back then, he was poor and orphaned. I often provided for his needs. We grew up and finished high school together. He even courted me once, but I rejected him because he was poor—and yes, I was picky. I was spoiled, always got what I wanted, though I still had a good heart. But everything changed because of Ezeckiel. He made me a better person—right before he started to disappear from my life. Now, I was standing here, seeing Evan again… and he was rich.
How did he suddenly become wealthy?
He pulled away from the hug when someone cleared her throat behind us. It was Merylle, and both of us turned toward her.
"Aww! Who’s this, Celestine? Come on, let’s go! There could be eyes watching you again. Don’t give that snake Eloisa another scandal to spread about you. Get in—we’re running late," she said irritably.
But I didn’t move. Evan and I were still staring at each other.
We both flinched when Merylle slammed the car door shut and sat down with a huff. She stared at Evan, barely blinking.
"Tsk. Ahm… Celestine, if you don’t mind me asking, where were you headed? You were driving like a maniac. Haven’t changed, have you?" Evan asked with a smirk.
I grimaced. "We’re going to Señora De Silva’s," Merylle quickly answered for me.
"Ah… mom," he replied briefly—his gaze still locked on mine.
Merylle and I exchanged a surprised glance.
Wait… he’s Señora De Silva’s son?
Evan offered to drive me to the mansion while Merylle took the car I had been driving. I wanted to refuse, but Merylle insisted I go with him.
I felt so awkward sitting next to Evan—he was so wealthy now. I had no idea how Señora De Silva became his mother. I wanted to ask but was too embarrassed. I kept glancing out the window, nervous about the whole thing. After everything Eloisa did to me, it wouldn’t surprise me if Evan already knew what happened between me and my husband. That thought alone made me feel uneasy around him.
We entered the De Silva estate and drove into their wide courtyard. Merylle arrived behind us, and we both stepped out of the cars.
Merylle looked around in awe—and honestly, I was stunned too. Their mansion was even grander than our home in the city.
“Let’s go,” Evan said, smiling as he motioned for us to follow.
We carried our styling tools and entered the house. Señora De Silva was already waiting in one of the rooms. Merylle and I gasped when we saw four mannequins, each dressed in an elegant gown.
Evan was still talking with his mom and his stepsister. The three of them looked up when we entered.
"Hello, Celestine," Señora greeted me warmly.
"Hi!" I replied with a smile.
"And hello to you too, Merylle," she said, smiling at my friend.
"Hi, Señora," Merylle responded politely.
"Please help yourselves to some snacks first, girls. The party won’t start until later tonight," she said kindly. Then she turned to Evan. "Evan, dear, you take care of them for now, alright?"
“Mom, I actually have somewhere else to be. Trixie’s been waiting for me,” he said. That must be his girlfriend. “I have to go. I’ll see you at the party. Celestine, I’m sorry I can’t stay and catch up. See you later, okay?”
With that, he left, leaving a strange warmth in my chest—and a storm of new questions.
- Writer
