The Billionaire’s Playmate

We were walking inside the house. I looked at Maki. He was smiling at me, so I mouthed ‘thank you’ to him. I know Maki has played a big part in my craziness until now that I’ve returned to my life as Thaliana.

“Yes, yes, she’s here already… tomorrow? Okay, I’ll tell Dad.”

When Grand lowered his phone, he looked at me.

“Where have you been? You said you were going on vacation, right? And why do you look like that? Did you cut your hair? You have bangs, and your mole, you don’t have a mole, Tangi?”

I took off my fake bangs and the fake mole, putting them in my pocket.

“This is nothing. Just a prank, brother.”

“Okay, okay, what’s important is that you’re home,” Grand looked at Maki. “Thank you for bringing her home, Mak, but where did you find her? Do you have contact with Tangi? You should have told us.”

I turned to Maki. I stared at him.

“I-It happened that she was on an island with no connection, Grand. Fortunately, a friend of mine who knows her happened to be there and immediately told me. I didn’t want to get your hopes up, so I went there myself, and there she was.”

I breathed a sigh of relief at what Maki said. I owed him again for lying for me.

“Is that so?” Grand faced me.

“Are you okay? We were so worried. What island is that?”

“I-In Palawan, I didn’t tell you what exactly, but it’s a small place. A-Are you sure you searched the whole Palawan?” I asked.

“I am sure, Tangi. Especially since I know many people who own resorts there. Even in small islands.”

I held my brother’s arms because he seemed deep in thought.

“But what’s important is that I am here now and safe. I am sorry for making you all worried, especially Dad who had an attack.”

Grand hugged me again. I am close to all my siblings, but my relationship with Grand is different. He’s like Dad when it comes to worrying and taking care of me.

“Who wouldn’t worry about you? You are one of our sources of happiness, Tangi. And you know Dad and Mom, even if they don’t say it, you are their favorite.”

“I was also scared because I thought someone with a grudge against me kidnapped you.”

When he let go of me, he looked into my face again.

“Rest for now,” he said, looking at Maki. “You too, Maki, the guest room is clean. Sleep here, don’t go home. You might get scolded for waking up late.”

“Yes, I might get an earful from Maze; I’ll call her to open our house door for me.”

After saying goodbye to my brother and Maki, I headed to my room in my parents’ house. I lay on the bed and raised my hands, looking at the ring Rozzean gave me.

I will talk to Dad to set an appointment as soon as possible. I can’t delay telling the truth to Rozzean any longer.

I got up and went to the bathroom. I undressed and looked in the mirror. There were many kiss marks on my body. We made love twice without protection; he’s making sure I get pregnant because of his words.

But if I get pregnant, my situation will be difficult, especially since he still doesn’t know the truth.

“I will do everything to get his forgiveness.”

“I won’t give up on him. No matter how painful it is, I won’t give up on him.”

I stepped under the shower and bathed. After finishing, I took a silk sleepwear from my closet and put it on. I looked in the mirror. I saw my face.

No fake things on my face.

“I am back…”

The next day, I jolted awake in bed upon hearing consecutive knocks. When I checked the time, it was already nine in the morning. Despite the difficulty of getting up, I headed to the door and opened it.

“Tangi!”

Mommy greeted me with a tight hug. I immediately felt the movement of her shoulders.

“O-Ohh, thank God, b-because my baby is safe!”

Mommy is crying. I gently stroked her back, and then we left my room together.

“Mom, don’t cry. Where’s Dad? Is he okay? Does he know that I’m here now?”

I wiped the tears from both sides of my mother’s cheeks. I felt guilty. I made them all worried because of my selfish reasons.

“He’s okay. He’s waiting in the dining area. When Grand told us that you came home, your Daddy wanted to see you, but he stopped himself because he knows that you are sleeping and taking a rest.”

Dad…

As we reached the dining area, I saw Dad, looking at me. He stood up, immediately assisted by Grand.

“T-Thaliana…”

I quickly walked towards him and hugged him tightly. My shoulders shook with emotion. I felt a deep sense of guilt for the trouble I caused them. I worried them all. And now, our family faces another problem.

“I’m sorry, Dad… sorry for being such a rebellious child. I’m sorry…”

Dad patted my back, and then he gently pulled away. He wiped away my tears and smiled at me.

“It’s okay. What matters is that you’re safely back home. Are you hungry? Let’s eat!”

Isn’t he going to ask me where I’ve been?

“Aren’t you going to ask me what happened?” I asked.

“Your brother explained everything to me while you were sleeping, Tangi. It’s enough for me. Let’s eat now, okay? I am happy that you are back.”

I smiled and nodded at Dad. When I turned to Grand, he was also smiling at me.

All I need to do now is correct my mistakes.

This is my life… this is my real life. I am Thaliana Tangi Dela Vezca, the daughter of a billionaire. Far from the image of Tali Dela Cruz that I created. A poor girl without a family who worked as a maid in Rozzean Cyron Valleje’s house.

I will make things right this time.