After a few days, I finally got enrolled at Sanford. I have a strong feeling Dad pulled some strings since enrollment officially ended last month. It feels like a miracle that I got in, especially when classes start tomorrow. And here I am, getting excited for the first day of school.
I chose to go back to my previous course, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Design. I already bought all the school supplies I need, so I'm physically and emotionally ready, especially since there's a chance I might see Lhiam tomorrow. I couldn't help but smile widely at the thought.
But that smile quickly faded when I looked down and saw myself cooking. I glanced at the food in the pan—it was black and smelled burnt. I grimaced and turned off the stove. It was supposed to be a sunny-side-up egg, but I don't know what I did wrong for it to end up like this.
I looked toward the jerk's room—Elijah still hadn't come out. He told me I should cook today since he'd been "kind enough" to do it for the past few days. What a show-off.
But the truth is—I'm a terrible cook. I've never had to learn because our nanny always did it for me. That's why I hate the rule he made about taking turns in the kitchen. I could tell him the truth, but my pride won't let me. I don't want him to think I'm incapable of doing something as simple as cooking.
Though now, it doesn't feel simple at all.
I looked at the eggshells scattered on the counter. I had tried multiple times, but no matter what I did, I still couldn't cook the egg right.
Shit. Am I really this dumb?
I was busy thinking of ways to cook an egg without burning it when I heard the door to Elijah's room open.
"What the hell are you doing? Something smells burnt," he said, frowning. I swallowed hard.
He walked toward me and looked at what I had done. I didn't look at him, I just kept staring at the burnt egg in the pan.
If I fed this to him, would he get food poisoning?
"What's that?" he asked from behind me, and I froze when I felt his breath on my neck.
Is he that close? I can feel his breath.
"It's a sunny-side-up egg," I replied nonchalantly, trying to hide how uncomfortable I was with how close he stood. I still didn't face him, so I had no idea what expression he was making.
"That's supposed to be an egg? It looks like a huge piece of burnt poop," he mocked.
His words made my ears ring with annoyance. I felt a little offended. I put in some effort to cook this, even if it was a disaster.
"Then don't eat it. I'll eat it myself," I said, my voice revealing my irritation. I moved to get a plate to transfer the egg.
I don't know why I felt so annoyed. I expected him to dislike it—Ididn't even want to eat it. But could he at least have appreciated the effort?
Ugh, why do I even care? We're just strangers, after all. It's natural for him not to consider my feelings. We're both just forcing ourselves to get along.
So what if he doesn't eat what I made? Whatever. I'll eat it.
But just as I was about to transfer the egg to my plate, he surprised me by grabbing it with a fork and shoving it into his mouth.
My eyes widened. He ate it! I even watched him chew and swallow it.
"Why did you eat that?!" I asked in disbelief.
I didn't know whether to laugh or feel sorry for him because his expression after swallowing was absolutely unreadable. He quickly grabbed a glass of water and drank.
"I-I didn't say I wouldn't eat it—fuck, the taste is lingering!" he said with a grimace.
I stared at him, stunned. I really thought he wouldn't eat it, especially after insulting it at first glance. It was clear he hated it—he almost gagged—but I felt oddly happy because of that.
I looked at him with amusement. "Serves you right," I said with a chuckle.
Somehow, my mood lightened a bit because of what he did.
He's not that bad after all.
He looked at me and asked, "Happy now?" A small smirk tugged at his lips.
"Huh?"
"You looked like you were about to cry if I didn't eat it," he teased, which made me frown.
Ugh, I take back what I said. So annoying.
"I was not about to cry. Go away!" I snapped, gesturing for him to leave. He laughed while I turned my attention back to the kitchen.
"Go get dressed," he suddenly said.
"Why?" I asked, grabbing more eggs from the pantry. But then he grabbed my wrist to stop me.
"I have no plans on eating another burnt egg. Go get dressed—we're eating outside" he said, grimacing again, probably remembering the taste.
Feeling bad for him, I gave up and stopped trying to cook.
Looks like he's about to remove the first rule in our agreement.
Well, as he should.
"Why do we have to eat here?" I muttered under my breath.
We were now in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. I had no idea what got into Elijah's head—why he suddenly decided we should travel all the way here just to eat. The ride wasn't too long, but there are plenty of restaurants in Makati. Why go all the way to BGC?
Is he nuts?
I spent the whole ride frowning. Not only was I hungry, but he was also clearly enjoying the attention from random women. He even posed for pictures. Ugh, seriously?
"Could you take the picture faster, Miss? We're in a hurry," I snapped at one of the girls.
She looked embarrassed. "S-sorry."
After she left, I noticed Elijah looking at me with a big grin.
I raised an eyebrow. "What?"
He just shook his head, grinning. "Nothing. So, where do you want to eat?"
I glared at him. "Wait—did we come here without even choosing a restaurant?"
He shrugged. I was beyond irritated. "We should've just eaten at the condo. We could've had something delivered!"
His brows furrowed. "I thought you'd like it here—that's why I brought you."
"Says who?! We just wasted time. I have to wake up early tomorrow!"
"Then why did I see that post on your IG saying you missed BGC?" he mumbled.
"What did you say?" I asked, not hearing him clearly.
He looked at me and sighed. "It's not a waste if we're eating anyway. I just guessed what you'd want for dinner. You're picky with food."
"What? I'm not picky!"
He scoffed. "Oh really? You don't eat fish because it smells, you don't like vegetables because they're bitter, except for eggs and hotdogs. And your favorite dish is steak! I even had to go to the market just to buy meat for you."
"I didn't ask you to cook for me! I can order my own food!" I shouted.
His expression darkened. "No fucking way I'll let you eat fast food!" he shouted back.
He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Look, let's just find a restaurant. You're just cranky because you're hungry."
I stayed silent, mostly because he was right. I was hungry, and his earlier comments only added to my irritation.
Eventually, we reached a street lined with restaurants. When we saw a steakhouse, he didn't even hesitate to walk in.
I followed him. He talked to the waiter, and we were led to a table. After ordering, the atmosphere became awkward, so I grabbed my phone to escape the tension.
I opened Lhiam's IG. My heart skipped when I saw he had a new story. I tapped it—and my eyes widened.
It was a photo of a spot we had passed by earlier.
I checked the timestamp. 30 minutes ago.
He's here? In BGC?
I froze.
"Elijah!" I was startled by his voice.
I looked up—he was frowning at me.
Only then did I notice our food had arrived. That fast? How long was I zoned out?
"I thought you were starving?" he asked.
"I'm just going to the restroom," I muttered, quickly walking away.
Once I reached the hallway, I pulled out my phone and searched for Lhiam's number. Just as I was about to call him, I bumped into someone, causing me to drop my phone.
"The hell?" I muttered, picking it up.
It was a woman. She panicked. "Oh my god, I'm sorry!" she said, reaching for my phone.
I snatched it from her. "Look where you're going, Miss," I said flatly and checked for damage—thankfully, none.
I walked past her, ignoring whatever she muttered under her breath, and entered the restroom. Once inside, I dialed Lhiam's number. It rang, but he didn't pick up.
Feeling disappointed, I sent him a text instead:
Ravi:
Are you at BGC right now?
I waited for a few minutes, but there was no reply. I sighed deeply.
He still doesn't want to talk to me.
I typed another message:
Ravi:
I'm also here. Can we meet?
I bit my lip after sending it. I glanced at the mirror—I looked excited. But there was hesitation in my expression too. What if he doesn't show up again?
I fixed my appearance and decided to head back—my stomach was demanding food.
But as I got closer to our table, I froze.
I saw a familiar figure standing there—Lhiam.
He was talking to Elijah, smiling, like they'd known each other for a long time.
And next to him was the woman I bumped into earlier.
But what caught my eye most was Lhiam's hand, wrapped around her waist.
I stood frozen, unable to process what I was seeing.
Was that really Lhiam? Who is that girl? Is she… his girlfriend?
The hunger I felt moments ago vanished. My eyes were locked on him. He was smiling—that smile I missed so much. And he was smiling for someone else.
I couldn't lie—it hurt. Deeply.
Suddenly, negative thoughts clouded my mind
Has he really moved on that fast?
So, I'm the only one still hoping for us?
Why does it feel like my heart is breaking all over again?
Before I knew it, tears had begun to fall.
Is this my punishment for what I did in the past?
This pain—it's too much.