The Billionaire’s Playmate

I shook my head. Why am I thinking about that now? I’m giving up too quickly. I haven’t even done anything yet, and now I’m already thinking that Rozzean won’t forgive me. I need to take back my fighting spirit. I’m not Thaliana if I don’t try every possible way to win Rozzean back.

So, I decided to apply as a house help to see his attitude and criticize him in front of Dad. And just when he found out the truth, that’s when I lose hope?

“I just made a mistake, brother. That’s why Luther is my fiancé now.”

“What? What mistake?”

Since he’s the eldest, and I know I can be strong around him, I’ll tell him the truth.

I took a deep breath and explained to Grecion what I did.

“You know I don’t want to get married, right?”

“Yes, that’s why I was surprised, and even Griz and Grand were surprised when Dad said you agreed. But at that time, we didn’t know which man you were going to marry. Daddy didn’t tell us.”

“Dad trusts the man he wants me to marry. He said he’s kind, and he’s sure that the man won’t deceive me. Dad and I had an agreement, brother. Since I don’t want to get married, I told him that if I see any bad behavior from the man he wants me to marry, he shouldn’t force me to marry him, and he should let me do whatever I want. He agreed.”

“What? And then?”

“My real fiancé is Rozzean Cyron Valleje.”

“What?!”

“Grecion, don’t shout, come on!”

I heard my brother’s wife’s voice on the other end.

“I didn’t go on vacation to Palawan, Grecion. What I did was pretend to be poor and went to Tagaytay. I applied as a maid in Rozzean’s house.”

“Holy sht, Tangi. You really did that?! No wonder we couldn’t find you in Palawan no matter how hard we looked!”

“I know it was wrong, brother. But I can’t take it back; it’s done. I thought Rozzean would be my fiancé, but everything got messed up. Rozzean fell for Tali-my identity as his maid. I-I didn’t know what to do then, brother, I couldn’t leave because I also love Rozzean. I couldn’t abandon him.”

A moment of silence passed by. I felt like my brother was drawing patience from somewhere because of what I said.

“Does Daddy know about this, Thaliana Tangi?”

I bit my lower lip when he called me by my full name.

“Not yet. I’ll tell him; I’ll talk to Dad. I don’t want him to lose trust in Rozzean when it’s my fault. Dad got angry with Rozzean because he backed out of the agreement to marry me. That’s because of Tali, brother, because Rozzean loves Tali, the way he loves me.”

“Rozzean’s company is at risk because of me. That’s why Luther became my fiancé; he saved his brother from Dad’s anger. I-It’s really my fault, brother.”

“My God, Thaliana. What have you done? I know that Rozzean Cyron. If that’s the case, he’s really your fiancé. Dad really likes him, Thaliana; Griz and Grand can attest to that. During events, Daddy always praises Rozzean. He’s a monster in business, and as he said to you, he’s indeed a great man. What have you done, Thaliana?”

I nodded several times, sniffled, and wiped away tears that I didn’t realize were falling.

“That’s why I am making things right this time. I love Rozzean, I love him so much. The reason I went to Tagaytay with Luther is that I talked to him, but he’s angry with me. He’s really furious, and he doesn’t want to accept me anymore.”

“After I heard what you did, Rozzean will not take your apology easily, Tangi. Even though you’re my sister, you need to hear the truth.”

I knew. I absolutely knew that.

“I will not lie to you to make you feel better.”

“I will talk to Dad, brother; I will tell him everything I did. I’m also scared; it might affect the company that Rozzean worked hard to build.”

“You better explain everything as soon as possible. But what does Luther Valleje think? Does he know about your love for his brother?”

I suddenly remembered what Luther said.

“H-He knows, brother. He knows that I love Rozzean deeply, and he’s also helping me.”

“Okay, Tangi, my head is throbbing from all the things you’ve said. Dad will surely scold you severely.”

I’ll accept all their anger because it’s really my fault.

When my brother ended the call, I quickly looked for something to cook in my fridge. Rozzean’s dinner is surely ready to bring to him. I’ll be late in arriving, but it should be just in time for his meal.

I started cooking.

It took me an hour and a half to prepare the food. I cooked caldereta and sisig, placing the containers inside a paper bag. Once I was sure the meals were packed neatly, I headed to my room and quickly took a shower. After showering, I just tidied up in a hurry.

Once my hair was dry, I grabbed my cellphone. I saw two messages there.

“Luther?”

I immediately opened it.

“Thaliana…”

That was all he said in the first message.

“If you are going to Cyron’s place, I can take you there.”

The time of the message was just a few minutes before I entered the bathroom to shower. I replied, saying I could manage on my own. I also thought he might not have slept yet and needed to rest.

After making sure I looked presentable, I took my bag and left the room. I would go to the restaurant to get my car.

I took public transportation to the restaurant where we ate last night. When I arrived there, I immediately got into my car. It’s already 4:00 pm. I’ll probably reach Tagaytay by 6:30 or 7:00 pm.

I’m nervous, but I have to endure it. Even if he rejects me again or if he asks the guard to throw me out, I’ll accept it.

While in the car, I heard my cellphone ringing.

It was Luther.

I quickly put on my earphones and answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Where are you?”

“I’m on my way to Rozzean’s house, Luther. I told you in the message that I’m going today, right?”

The surroundings were getting darker.

“Yes, that’s why I said that I can take you there, Thaliana. Where are you now?”

I had already passed the Tagaytay arch. In twenty minutes, I’d be in Rozzean’s village, so there’s no need for Luther to come.

“I’m already in Tagaytay, Luther. I’m okay being alone. I can manage…”

I heard him sigh on the other end.

“You’ll be coming home late, Thaliana. I wish you had let me take you.”

I knew he had a lot of work, and I also knew he hadn’t rested yet, so I didn’t want to bother him anymore. Besides, I can drive. I can handle long drives.

“I am okay, and I will be okay, Luther. Thank you so much for thinking about me. Rest, I know you haven’t had any rest today.”

“Thaliana–”

“I’m already in front of Rozzean’s house; I’ll end the call now, Luther,” I lied.

“Okay, just…”

I glanced at my cellphone when Luther’s words were cut off, but the call hadn’t ended yet.

“Just take care, and do not hesitate to call me if something bad happens. Be careful, Thaliana.”

Luther disappeared from the other line, but my mind lingered on his last words. His voice sounded worried about me. It’s not like Luther can drive me to Rozzean’s house every time I go there.

He has work. He has done more than enough for me.

When I reached Rozzean’s house, I parked my car on the side. I grabbed the paper bag containing the food I cooked and headed to the gate. It seemed like the guards recognized me from the last time with Luther because they nodded at me and greeted me.

They opened the gate for me, and I walked in. I looked at Rozzean’s garden; some plants looked withered. Hasn’t he allowed anyone else to enter his garden? It seems like the flowers haven’t been watered.

“The flowers didn’t look like this before I left…”

When I was in front of the door, I rang the doorbell. I was about to press it again when the door suddenly opened, and Manang greeted me.

“Oh, Thaliana… it’s already night, what are you doing here?”

She looked down at the paper bag in my hand.

“I cooked for Rozzean, Manang. Has he eaten?” I asked.

Manang took my hand and ushered me in. I quickly scanned the entire house, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

“He hasn’t eaten yet; he hasn’t eaten since this morning, and I’m getting worried, dear. He moved temporarily to the guest room downstairs because it’s difficult for him to walk.”

What? Since this morning? What time is it now!

“W-Why, Manang, hasn’t he eaten yet? Have you tried bringing him some food?” I asked.

I headed to the kitchen with Manang. I set down the food I cooked and started reheating it.

“He doesn’t say anything, dear. I knocked again earlier, but he didn’t respond. I’m getting worried because he hasn’t been eating properly since you left.”

Rozzean… why are you not taking care of yourself?

“Thaliana, I want to call sir’s parents, but he surely wouldn’t like that. But I’m really worried about him… not eating and not taking the medications the doctor prescribed.”

I bit my lower lip upon hearing Manang’s words. I quickly transferred the caldereta into a bowl and placed it on the tray. After reheating the sisig, I added it to the container. I also scooped some rice.

I grabbed juice from the fridge and placed it on the tray. Once the meals were ready, I looked at Manang.

“I’ll take it to him, Manang,” I said.

I saw the sadness in Manang’s eyes.

“Okay, Thaliana, I hope sir eats… I am truly worried.”

I went to the guest room. When I turned the doorknob, I found that it wasn’t locked. Without a word, I entered the room.

And there, I saw him sitting on the side of the bed.

If only the situation were different, I might run to him and hug him from behind. I miss him so much. I really miss him.

Rozzean…