To Love Again

CHAPTER ONE: RDP

"Come on, Sol. Woo-ho!" Alessia, my best friend, cheered as I was drinking a shot of tequila. I immediately felt the burning sensation in my throat. It felt good. "Yeah!!!" "Whoa, that was a bottoms up!" Some of our friends are with us, partying and drinking. "Just break up with him already. You've caught him cheating for the 5th time." Alessia said. I looked at her as if she doesn't know why I can't just break up with my boyfriend, Russel. I caught him flirting another woman inside a bar just a few hours before we partied. Sucks, right? But I can't just leave. "I can't leave him. Dad will get mad at me for that, Ales." And I took another shot of tequila. My best friend shooked her head in disbelief. I know. I'm not a martyr, I can leave him, if only Dad will allow me to do so. I was busy with my thoughts when Alessia pulled me. "Sol, come on! Let's dance!" She squirmed into the crowd while she was pulling me. She's dancing and I can see how she easily gets attention from guys. Her straight-long dark brown hair was dancing along with her curved body. Mine was a petite body. My light brown hair, mermaid curls near the ends of my hair were like those mermaids you see, except that I'm not. I danced along with my best friend when she pulled a man and started doing a dirty dance on him! Oh, this girl. I giggled and started dancing, too! The music was a party-themed song. It's a very catchy modern party music. I jumped as the best drops, when it suddenly switched to a romantic song. Everyone is slow-dancing now. I continued dancing, even when alone. I suddenly felt someone behind me, dancing with the rhythm of my body. His smell's manly and mint-like. He put his hands on my waist as we were dancing "Solenne.." My eyes widened, when I looked at him with my drunk vision, his eyes were amorous. Have I seen this guy somewhere? But it's a bit blurry, so... I can't see him well. He kissed me softly and the next thing I knew we were already in an apartment..

Everything went dark after that. I woke up, feeling the pain down there. I looked back and saw that guy from last night, sleeping peacefully! Slowly, I gathered all my clothes on the floor and got dressed. I still have work! Neverminding the pain all over my body, I opened the door carefully and ran to my car. I texted Alessia to ask what happened last night.

Solenne Fernandez

"I'm going to the office. I need to talk to you."

I didn't get a reply. Maybe she's already in the office. I checked the time and it was already 6AM. My call-time on work was 7:30 When I got inside my car, I checked the rearview mirror and saw all the smudged make up.. and I still looked... good? "Oh, this is ridiculous.." fixing the eyeshadows first with a smokey-eye make up. My hooded-eyes are perfect for this make up, enhancing my eyes more. Next, I put on a red lipstick, fixed my hair a bit and I pinched my nose. Voilà! Everything's fine. While driving, a text message popped up

Russel Padilla

"Where are you? Your friends said you were out with some guy. Is that true?"

Russel Padilla

"Answer my call!"

Russel Padilla

*15 missed calls*

Turns out they were late-notified text messages. I didn't bother replying. I'm still angry at him for cheating on me several times. I arrived at the office building and walked fast inside. "Good morning, Ma'am! You're blooming! Had a good sleep?" the guard told me with a friendly smile. "Mornin'. Yup!" I greeted back. Blooming? Really? Last night was hell! I barely remember anything. And, oh my god! I gave my V-card to someone I don't know. A stranger! Oh, Solenne. How irresponsible.

I went inside the office and saw my godforsaken friend, who left me out last night with a guy I don't even know. "Ales!" I hissed. She was smiling devilishly at me. "What happened last night? Why didn't you stop me?" "You don't remember anything?" she asked with a confused face. "I don't. What if that guy turns out to be a murderer or something?!" I whispered angrily. "You don't know him? Oh my god, Sol!" "Who was tha-" "That was Raoul Dylan Primero! The first-born of the Primero Clan, son of Ramullo Gustav Primero, retired CEO of the Primero Steel Inc." she said while typing on her keyboard. She clicked a picture with a photo of someone familiar.. "He's also a cousin of our boss here in Montefierro Inc." she's saying that as if it's a normal thing!

Now I know why he looks familiar. I've seen him twice in a business event but I didn't bother looking at him that much. "What now? How are you feeling? Was he good in be-" before she can even continue, I stopped her. "Alessia, shh! It was only a one night stand. Nothing more!" and besides, how could she just let that happen? She should be preaching me about being so careless and stuff but look at her, celebrating like something special happened. She then looked behind me. What now? Three familiar men walked inside the office, the one in the left was our CEO, Grey Montefierro. In the middle was Achilles Jimenez, and beside him.. Raoul Dylan Primero, in his khaki cargo shorts, white tee, and a Nike shoes "Shi*!" I shrieked in a whispered tone and tried hiding but it was all too late. His eyes were already on me.

"Hey.. Can we talk? I'm-" I cut him off. "I'm busy, Mr. Primero." I pretended to read an article I don't even know about. "Busy reading an article about me?" Huh? I saw his large name on the screen with his photo attached to it. "Fine. What do you want from me?" "We can talk somewhere else, Sol.." well, I don't! "I'm working. And my boss is watching us." I looked at Mr. Montefierro and as expected, he was looking back at us. "Well, he's my cousin and he doesn't mind. So, can we talk? We'll have our lunch somewhere.. say, a restaurant?" he suggested. Everyone is looking at us. My goodness. I searched for my best friend and she was already giving me the two thumbs up. Sigh "Fine. Wait me. Basement."

Episode 2: DEAL

He went down to the parking basement after that. And here I am, inside an elevator, thinking the exact thing you're thinking. Why does he want to talk to me? I don't want to assume anything, and I won't. According to my source (well, Alessia), he's known for leaving his women after a one-night stand. I don't know what he wants. The elevator opened, and I saw him leaning to his car, with his hands inside his pocket. He's already looking at me. I admit it, he looks good, alright? Out of all the men I've dated before including Russel, he feels different. I don't know.. maybe the way he talks and act. It's all very intimidating at some point.

"Where are we going?" I still don't trust this man. "Get inside the car, I won't kidnap you. Jesus. Is that what you think I am?" "Well, we don't know each other, more importantly, I don't even know you that much! What do you want from me?" "Please, get inside the car and I'll tell you, okay?"

I fastened my seatbelt and he drove. I can't look at him. There's really something about this man. I don't like him. My phone beeped all of a sudden

Alessia Cervantes

Goodluck;*** xoxo tell me all about it later. We'll party!

I glanced at him and he was already looking at me, again. "What?" I asked. "Your boyfriend?" "No. And this is none of your business." I rolled my eyes. I saw him drive more serious than earlier.

I typed a text and sent it to Alessia before looking on the road

Solenne Fernandez

Shut up. I don't know what he wants. Let's go to a bar where Russel can't see us.

Alessia Cervantes

Oh, I know. He wants YOU. OMGGG SKHFLAHDOAJCOSJ

Alessia Cervantes

Forget Russel and his cheating @$$! He doesn't deserve you. Date the guy you're with today and you'll find out

We arrived at a fancy italian restaurant somewhere in BGC. I've been here once. We walked inside. "Good afternoon, Mr. Primero! Your table is right this way." a woman, with smile almost across her ears, sparkling eyes, said while directing us to the reserved table. I went to our table and sat. He even saw some acquaintances near us, he talked to them a bit before coming back to our seats. "Sorry about that. They were from the previous company we've helped with the stocks." "It's okay. What's all these about, Raoul?" Straightforward, yes. But I don't have time to waste for this. "Let's order first, shall we?" He didn't even wait and called the server already. "I'll have the Rib Eye Steak and Tiramisu. What about you, Sol?" he looked at me. "I'll have the Spaghetti Salsicce and Ravioli Porcini Mushroom, please. Thank you." When the server left, he looked at me again before shifting on his seat.

He was about to say something when my phone rang. When I checked, it was Dad and I immediately pressed to answer. "Hello, Dad?" "Sol, what happened to you and Russel?" "Dad.. he cheated on me again.. I can't do it anymore.." I said but my brain quickly regretted it Raoul was listening and watching me. It's uncomfortable. "Men cheat, Sol. Be happy he still comes back to you, and that is what's important." "But dad-" he cut me off. "I'm sure you don't want to disappoint me, right?! Go talk to Russel and apologize to him!" "Okay, dad.. I will.." a tear nearly escaped my eye. I don't want to shed a drama in front of this man. "Good. I'm going now, I still have meetings." "Alright, Dad. I love y–" he dropped the phone before I could finish. I sighed and put the phone inside my bag. Raoul was still watching me intently. "You okay? What did he say?" The concerned tone of his voice is almost believable. "You didn't answer my question from earlier. What do you want from me?" "I want you." He said, with his eyes on me. The audacity of this man after taking my v*rginity from me! But that was partly my fault.. sigh "We did that once. You already got my V-card. You were my first. Why do you still want it?" "Because I want you. And I don't want you to bed other men other than me. I heard your boyfriend cheated on you for the 5th time." He said as a matter of fact. "He did." "And I know why you can't break up with him. So here's the deal. We'll meet once or twice a week, depending on our schedule." Now that he mentioned it, I haven't called him back yet. And Mom, too! I have to call them after this. "So you want to be f*ck buddies now?" He smiled devilishly. How ruthless. But what's there to lose? After all, this hellish life feels stressful.

"What do I get in return?" I asked. "You'll get me, of course. We'll go date anywhere. Travel." Of course, Mr. Primero. I can never forget how insanely rich the Primeros are. They never go bankrupt and never will! "Okay. And how am I sure that I'm the only partner you'll have?" "Oh, I won't be tasting anyone other than you.. now that I've tasted you." I blushed, looking around to see if anyone heard what he said. "Fine. You're not carrying any diseases or something?" I had to ask, okay. "I'll send you my medical certificate. You should get checked, too. For safety purposes." Really? He's my first! Unfair. "Fine. Will that be all?" "There are rules, though. No having partners other than the two of us. No strings attached. No asking of personal questions. I don't like jealous and clingy women." He licked his lips before loosening his suit tie a bit. Okay, Mr. Primero. I'll play along. I have nothing to lose, anyway. "Deal. I'm not the cuddle-y type either." "Good, then. I'll pick you up on Friday. Give me your number." "I don't know yet. I'm gonna have to ask my boss." I can't just leave work, is he serious? "I'll deal with my cousin. Don't worry." he assured. Tss. I typed my number on his phone before getting ready to leave. "I have to go." I said and stood up.

"I'll drive you home." "I can just get a taxi or book a Grab. Thanks." Why do I feel nervous all of a sudden? My god, Sol! "Come on, we're going to do this for quite some time." Right. I went inside his car. "Do you do this to girls you've been with?" I asked out of curiosity. There he goes with his grin smile again. "I consider this a personal question." I rolled my eyes. "Whatever!" I said and scooped out my phone to call my mom. She didn't answer. Maybe she was helping my sister or watching a movie. "Why are you putting up with your jerk boyfriend?" that's a personal question! Atleast for me. "Personal question." I answered back. "Tss. It wasn't even that personal." he said back. Hah! Got ya! He manuevered his car in front of my condo unit. "Drop me here. I'll be fine." I opened the car and looked back at him. "Thanks." "Pleasure doing business with you, Ms. Fernandez." he grinned. I walked inside the building. I don't like where this is going. I feel uneasy.

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