Josh's POV
I could barely hold my trophy when they were announcing the winner for Best Actress. My eyes shifted to the woman in front of me. I could see the tremble in her hands. I was wishing for her. I didn’t know why I was getting nervous on her behalf.
“And the Best Actress for this year is… Ms. Charlotte Dwayne from Spain!” the host announced.
It felt like a weight had been dropped onto my shoulders. I just watched the woman receive her defeat. An older woman beside her leaned in, whispering something clearly full of disappointment. I kept watching, curious how she would handle it.
The comments and posts I read online the day before came rushing back—the pressure and expectations the entire country placed on her shoulders.
The program had already started its closing remarks, but the older woman hadn’t stopped talking. Her voice grew loud enough that I could almost hear what she was saying. She was angry at the artist.
“I told you, Sofia! We should’ve just bought the award to secure your spot! Napaka-yabang mo kasing isipin na kaya mong manalo on your own. You’re such a disappointment to everyone! Sinayang mo lahat ng efforts, suporta, and worst of all—you wasted all the project opportunities we could’ve had if you just let me handle it!” the older woman snapped.
My brow furrowed as the actress stood and faced her. Her eyes were brimming with tears. She was crying.
“I’m sorry for not winning…” she began, wiping her tears. “I’m sorry I wasn’t enough for your satisfaction. I’m sorry that after everything I gave, everything I did, and everything I achieved, I still wasn’t enough. I’m sorry for wanting to play fair. I’m sorry.”
Then she grabbed her bag and walked out of the venue.
After she left, the older woman turned her anger toward the girl beside her, probably her assistant. She was fuming.
I couldn’t bear the commotion anymore, so I left and headed back to my hotel.
As I stepped out of the elevator, I saw a woman in a red tube gown sitting in the corner—clearly crying. It was her.
One media person spotted me. And just like that, I had everyone's attention. I couldn’t let them see her like this.
At that moment, the other elevator opened—empty. I quickly grabbed her wrist and pulled her in. Just before the media caught up, I wrapped my coat around her and pressed her face into my chest. The doors closed just in time.
In that position—her arms wrapped around my waist, her face pressed against my chest, her hair brushing my nose, my hand resting on her back—my heart started racing. Every nerve in my body felt alive. The feeling was ridiculous.
Sofia's POV
“You can stay here until the media leaves your hotel,” he said while unbuttoning his coat.
“Why did you help me?” I asked.
“Because you needed it,” he replied coldly.
I smirked. I rarely met men who treated me like that.
I shrugged and stepped inside his room. “Is this one of your hotels?” I asked while looking around.
“Yeah. It’s mine,” he answered.
I looked at him—his white polo shirt unbuttoned at the top, revealing a bit of his broad chest. His sleeves were messily folded up to his arms.
He looked so hot with that aura.
“Are you okay?” he asked, now standing a little closer.
“Huh?”
“Yeah, of course.”
“I’m okay,” I said, snapping back to my senses. I turned my attention elsewhere.
I walked to the glass wall that overlooked the city. We were so high up. I smiled at the stunning view.
“You like city lights, huh?” I heard him say from behind.
“No. I just like being on top. Alone. In peace,” I answered, crossing my arms.
“You’re not alone. I’m literally here,” he replied.
I chuckled and turned to look at him. Pilosopo “I mean like this—on top, away from the crowd, with no one around to add pressure.”
He crossed his arms and stared at me. “You’re that tired,” he said, then smirked. He looked so handsome when he did that.
“Why are you smiling now?” he asked.
I hadn’t even realized I was. I shook my head and turned back to the view.
“Juice?” he offered.
“No, thanks,” I declined.
“I insist. Take th—”
“Shoot! Sorry! I’m so sorry!” I gasped as I accidentally spilled the orange juice he was holding. It splashed all over his shirt.
“I’m so sorry,” I repeated.
“It’s fine,” he said calmly, starting to unbutton his polo.
Out of instinct, I grabbed some tissues and began wiping his chest.
I froze when I realized what I was doing. He was topless, and I was wiping down his chest.
Despite his age, his body was undeniably attractive—not chiseled like the guys I used to date, but strong and impressive.
“I’m so—” I stopped mid-sentence as our eyes met.
I stepped back, realizing how close we were. “I’m sorry,” I finished.
“You look even prettier up close,” he said.
I swallowed and let out a nervous chuckle. “Thank you,” I said awkwardly. Hindi ito ang unang mapuri ako ng mas matanda saakin, some are literally older than him 'yong iba mas bata iisa lang ang nararamdaman ko sakanila, I usually felt awkward and disgusting but this one is different.
I didn’t know what was happening, but a heat was slowly creeping over me. I swallowed hard when he bit his lower lip. I couldn’t take it anymore.
“I have to go now,” I said, sinusubukan kong huwag tumingin sa mga mata niya. Hindi ko alam kung alam na alam lang niya kung paano kumuha ng babae o kusa akong nagpapakuha sakanya. Isa lang ang sigurado ako, wala ako sa tamang pag-iisip ngayon
I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist. “Are you su—”
He didn’t finish, because I placed my hand on his stomach and slowly slid it up to his chest, then to his neck. I gently rubbed his Adam’s apple with my thumb.
That was the best. Maramdaman sa palad ko ang katawan niya.
“I don’t know,” I whispered.
He froze, shocked.
I let out a deep sigh, which only intensified the tension. Slowly, I wrapped my hand around his neck and slid it to his lips, placing my index finger on his mouth.
I moaned softly as I felt his tongue on my finger. I felt his tongue playing my finger. Our eyes locked as he placed his hands on my jaw and rested our foreheads together.
I licked the finger he had just wet, then licked his lips. I kissed him passionately, and he returned it without hesitation. Each kiss stoked the fire between us—I wanted him more with every second.
I waited for him to remove my gown, but his hands didn’t move.
I pulled away, lips brushing against his ear. “Remove my clothes, Daddy,” I whispered sensually.
He let out a soft moan and began unzipping my gown.
Then I reached down to his manhood and smiled when I felt it was already hard.
But suddenly, his hands moved to my shoulders, and he gently pushed me away.
“Why?” I asked, confused.
“No. I’m sorry,” he said quietly, and walked out of the room, leaving me behind.