Prologue
She is the living dream of every man's fantasy. Every time she'll walk by, a boy would get woozy, dreamy and weak-kneed. She's the picture of the high school's perfect cheerleader and prom queen. The boys will be all over her and the girls will be green with envy.

For Alex, Jessa is the woman of his dreams. She's someone he's been dreaming to become his girlfriend and then, his wife. And that day has come. His wedding day with Jessa Adams. Everything is coming according to his dreams and he felt that he's the most successful man on earth.

But that was until the result of the law exams was released on the day before the wedding. He's very nervous. Taking up law and to become a lawyer were the key reasons that he got Jessa. He was lucky because among the men who wanted her, she chose him. He, the fat guy with the round eyeglasses, was chosen to become her boyfriend. It doesn't matter if he will look like a slave to her. He loves Jessa and he will do anything for her. He did things for her but he doesn't mind. People teased him a lot for that but for him, it's his own way of showing how much he loves her. Now, she agreed into marrying him but on the condition that he should be sure that he will pass the professional exam to become a new lawyer.

That day came today and he's very nervous. His friend, Eula, was with him when they got into the building to check on the results. He didn't have the time to check it online because his computer crashed last week. He will be needing money to have it on repair.

"Why are you so anxious about this? Cheer up. Regardless if you passed it or not, the wedding will pursue tomorrow." Eula tells her friend. When her friend didn't reply, she frowned. "Oh, come on. The wedding will be off if you didn't pass?"

"Eula, hurry up!" Alex rather said. They reached the grand hallway were several people came to check it, too. The results were posted on the boards mounted on the side, stretching from end to end of the hallway. The two squeezed in between people. They saw the board marked M. They tried to see the names on the list. Alex held his breath as he scanned the last names. His wasn't there. He met Eula's look. He checked once again. Nope, none.

His mobile phone rang. Jessa is calling. He didn't know if he'll answer it.

"Move, fat ass!"

Alex moved back and away from the crowding people in front of the boards. Eula went to him. "You didn't pass." She whispered.

He drew a deep breath as he answered the phone. "Jessa, hi."

"Did you pass?"

"Listen. I..."

"Did you pass?" Jessa repeated sternly.

"No, but I can explain."

"The wedding is off, AJ."

"What?" Alex exclaimed. "Wait. Just because I didn't pass, your calling off the wedding? That's ridiculous! You can't do this."

"I can do it. I already did." There seems to be a bored tone in her voice. "You should be thankful that this didn't reach the church. It will be more embarassing if I ditch you at the altar."

Alex began to panic. "No. Please, Jessa. Don't do this. I love you. I don't think I'm going to live without you. I might die."

There was a long silence on the other line. Alex thought she already hung up on him. He couldn't believe that this is happening. "Then die, if you must." She said and the call ended.

Alex stared in shock at his phone. He just got dumped. He couldn't believe this happened.

"What did she say?" Eula asked although by the look from Alex's face, there goes the answer.

Alex looked at her. "The wedding is off, Eula. And now I lost the most important person in my life."



>> 1

1
The man cursed many times as the taxi stopped again. He will be late for his flight and it will be another charge for rebooking if he did. The driver understandably looked at the rearview mirror to his passenger. "It's only a few meters left until you reached the departure area. It's really crowded today, especially when a large number of fans are waiting for their favorite celebrity." The driver said.

"What? Who?"

"AJ McLean, the famous golf player. They say he hailed in this city. They say he's the next golf legend after Tiger Woods." The driver said.

"That good?" The man whistled in awe. He glanced at his watch. He should act fast now. He takes some bills from his wallet and gives it to the driver. "Thank you. I should go now."

"Have a nice trip, sir."

The man nodded and went off. As he looked ahead, he saw that it's really not far now but he should hurry. It was really crowded as he saw a large number of fans, mostly female and complete with their waving banners. So, that golfer must be a heartthrob too, huh. He pulled his luggage and continued walking.

The arrival area has been evident of high security as the police force were deployed everywhere. The celebrity golfer is the latest sensation for many people not only for his sporting skills but also for his role as a philantropist for various charity programs. It's no wonder that people loved him.

The airline crew courteously greeted the new arrivals from their Boeing 787 flight from Atlanta, Georgia to Los Angeles, California. Some of the ladies especially groomed themselves in hopes to get the interest of the famous golfer. A large man entered the arrival lounge and the crew's anticipation grew more.

"AJ."

The large man turned to his friend behind him, AJ McLean. AJ is the skinny one, the famous PGA golfer. They waited as AJ's best friend, Eula, kept up with them.

"You forgot your phone, AJ."

"Thanks." AJ smiled. He's wearing dark sunglasses. They continued on their way. He ignored the smiles and simple flirtations from the women along the way. He felt like a pop star, some sort of a Hollywood one-hit wonder. Golf is a sport that some would find boring to play and he didn't know how the interest on it grew all of a sudden. And most of the attention are for him. "Are there lots of people waiting for me, Hans?" He asks.

"Yes," Hans, his manager, replied. AJ didn't say anything. They reached the arrival lounge and were greeted by loud cheers from the people who were waiting for them. AJ ignored everything as he went straight towards the waiting car. He didn't even pause to give autographs. He's not a celebrity. He's only a sportsman.

"If you keep on snubbing everyone, they'd lose interest." Hans said when he's already in the car beside him. "That means, no advertisement contracts. And you need that while you're injured."

"I don't need any more money," AJ replied. "I had enough to even start a business of my own."

"But you also need a little bit of charisma so that people will like you more. And you might need them in the future." Eula added. AJ didn't say anything. She gave up. This man started to feel numb after his wedding was cancelled years ago. It looked as though he didn't care about anything anymore but to look good, achieve a great professional career and earn big bucks. That's how she sees it. He lost interest in dating, too. Well, he may not be active in the dating scene but he's been a very successful man. It's just that she doesn't see him as happy as he was before. His eyes were void of anything except sadness. Eula blamed that stuck-up, materialistic woman who dumped him.

"I don't need any one of those people."

Eula raised an eyebrow. She looked at her blackberry. "Oh, I remembered. Your father called, your real Dad." AJ's parents were divorced when he was very young and then, his mother married a nice man five years ago. AJ considered his mother's husband as the only father he's ever had.

"What did you say?" He asks. He employed Eula as his personal assistant when she dropped off from college because of financial problems in her family. He made her promise though that she had to continue with her studies. Now that they're back in California, she will be going back to school by Monday next week.

"He wanted to reconcile..."

"Ignore him." AJ interrupted her.

Eula and Hans can only look at each other. They know how AJ doesn't want to have anything to do with his biological father. Hans cleared his throat. "By the way, are you going to your high school reunion?"

AJ looked at Eula and smiled. "Oh, come on." Eula playfully hit his arm. "You said you won't come."

"Can't a person change his mind?" AJ shakes his head. "This is my chance for revenge."

"Revenge? What..." Her mouth dropped open. "You mean, Jessa?"

"I wonder what she's doing now. I want to show her what I've become. I'm going to rub it in her face the things she did in the past." AJ said with full conviction.

Eula wanted to say that it's been years and moving on is long overdue. But she knows that something else provoked AJ to think like this. When the wedding was cancelled, their family fell into a large debt because of the money they have to spend to recover the charges for the reception, food and other things they supposed to need for the ceremony. His mother fell into a heart attack but they were lucky that she survived. The doctor advised them though that the next one could be so fatal, it can result to a quick death. AJ feared for the worst. So whatever happened then caused a deeper emotion from AJ towards Jessa.

Now that AJ is back in their hometown, Jessa might regret she ditched him.



~~~



"Table for how many, Ma'am?"

The woman looked at her from head to feet and shook her head. "Table for two." She raised an eyebrow when the hostess stared at her for a while. "Make it fast, bitch."

Jessa blinked a few more times. "I'm sorry, Ma'am. Kindly take a seat first and we will check an availability," she said. She alerted her co-hostess inside but no one's answering the radio. Her computer happened to be down that time that she wasn't able to check the availabilty quickly. Jane must have been somewhere again. She saw the impatient look in the woman's eyes so she went to follow-up any vacant table inside the restaurant instead. The good thing every Wednesday night is that the place is not packed. She saw a couple standing up from their seats. She nodded to the waiter, Gene, who is assigned to the area to immediately clean it up. She went back to the front of the restaurant. She smiled to the woman and her date.

"We found a table for you, Ma'am. Kindly wait for a while as we prepare it for you." Jessa tells her.

"Can't we go in there now?" The woman impatiently asks.

"It's not yet cleared, Ma'am. A couple just left after their dinner. It will only take a short while." She replied.

"But I've been waiting here for so long," the woman said again.

Jessa's teeth gritted. She glanced at her watch. "You just came five minutes ago. You're actually lucky to get a table immediately."

"What the..."

The man beside the woman now frowned. "Excuse me. You don't talk to your customers like that."

"She's being inconsiderate... and unnerving." Jessa replied.

"Is there any problem here?"

The three turned to the restaurant manager who came out. Jessa's assistant, Jane, came out too and gestured that the table is ready.

"The table is ready, Ma'am, Sir. Jane will assist you inside." Jessa said quickly. She showed a smiling face to them.

The woman glared at her and then pulled her male companion inside. But the man shakes his head. "We'll let this thing pass this time. But be careful with who you deal with next time."

"I'll remember that," Jessa muttered as the couple went inside.

"Jessa," Harry, the manager, gave her a warning look.

"Sorry, Harry."

"I know. She's a," Harry hang on the word with a shrug. "But they're our customers. Learn to get along with it."

"I'll remember that," she said again. Her manager went back inside. She turned back to her work. She should have already been home three hours ago but the person who will stood next to her shift called in sick. She had no other choice but to work overtime. It will be in favor of her anyway. She needed money to add to her sister's tuition fee.

She may have finished college but she was not lucky in finding a job that will provide her enough for her family. Her parents died three years ago in a car accident. A drunk driver of a truck ran over her parents' car in the highway. They died in an instant. Jessa was left to take care of her younger sister who just graduated high school then. She made a promise to her parents' grave that she will take care of Erika, her sister.

With the things that happened to her, sometimes she wondered what could have been her life if she married Alex. She never heard of him after that unforgettable day. She knew how angry he was at her. She heard he left California to somewhere she doesn't know and never heard of him eversince. She, on the other hand, continued to find and date eligible men, particularly someone who is rich and has a challenging career. She knows that she still has that beauty that women were envious of. She is still hoping that she will find a man that is rich and successful enough to get her out from the life she's been. She wants to be rich. She wants to live a life that doesn't worry about finances and how to get it.

She thought she would find it in Alex. When she were in the process of eliminating her suitors, she came down to someone like Alex who she sees will be successful and rich someday. She saw something in him, the untainted loyalty and perseverance and the love he had for her. Although she had other motives for going out with him, she grew to like and care for him through the course of time they were together. It hurt her too, when she called off the wedding but she needed to do that for her ambitions. She also cried just like she knew he also did. She lost a bestfriend that day.

Where could Alex be right now? She wondered. Is she ready to face him when a time comes for them to meet each other? What should she say? Is he still mad at her? She bit her lower lip. She didn't know what to do when that time comes. Maybe she should not think about it. It will be impossible to see him again anyway.



>> 2


























2

AJ went towards the conference table and shook hands with Hans and the rest of his management team. The media were everywhere, taking photos and videos of him as he officially started his press conference. He will be announcing his temporary vacation due to his injury in his wrist. He will not be able to play golf for a while, as advised by his doctor. He will also acknowledge the companies that offered their support to him. He will also appear in a few endorsements.

Things seemed to be in blur as soon as the conference began. He and Hans made the announcement and then he was bombarded with questions. He acknowledged and answered them as much as he could.

"Now that you're going to stay here, do you have plans on finding a girlfriend and probably settling down soon?" A reporter asked AJ.

AJ smiled. "Could be... But right now, I'm focused into taking my rest. I will venture on a new business. Go around the place. I'll take all the time that I have."

"Settling down will be impossible when there were reports that you were snubbing women. Are you gay?" Another question was thrown his way.

"No, I'm not gay," AJ laughed. He didn't have to explain more.

"So you're not gay but you're a snob."

"Let's just say that I chose to be with my close friends only . I'm a very private person, except for today."

"We found out that you were about to get married before," somebody asked. The question surprised AJ and Eula. "Any news from your ex-fiancee? Why was the wedding called off?"

AJ smiled despite the surprise. "Where did you learn that?"

The reporter grinned. "I have my resources."

"Is that true?"

"Well, yes," AJ replied without looking at his manager. "We were both young then. I'm glad that it wasn't late yet to realize how immature our decision was. I wouldn't be here today if that happened."

"Where's your ex?"

"Why do you want to know?" AJ grinned back. Hans took over.

"Alright, that's all the time we have. Thank you and good day." Hans said as the security ushered AJ out of the conference area.

"That was wicked," Eula shakes her head as she walked alongside her friend. AJ didn't say anything. They were already in the lobby of the hotel where it was held. Some people managed to get near and asked for his autograph.

"I wonder where did they get that fact about my cancelled engagement," AJ looked at her and then gave his last autograph. They proceed towards the waiting car outside.

"Are you thinking that it's me?" Eula said.

"I didn't say that."

"Come on, AJ. You knew me better than that. I would never do anything like that, most especially to you."

"I know." AJ smirked. "I'm just teasing you." They turned when Hans hurried and was quickly inside the car.

"Okay, what was that? You were engaged?"

AJ chuckled. "Calm down, Hans. It's the past. I forgot about it anyway."

"Yeah, I know it wasn't a big deal for you anymore but it's something new to people. It will arouse their interest. I have to be prepared. I knew you've had ex-girlfriends but almost to the altar was something you missed out on telling me." Hans shakes his head. "You caught me off guard there."

"You didn't look like one." Eula said.

"Well..." Hans shrugged. He lightly hit AJ's arm. "Come on, man. I'm your friend here, not only your manager. Who's she? Are we going to have a chance to see her?"

"I don't know, maybe. I don't know where she is."

Eula wished she could see AJ's eyes so she could tell how does he deal with the memories of Jessa. Since it happened, she never saw the light in his eyes. And he has been successful in hiding his emotions. "Are you still going to the high school reunion?" She asks, hoping she can get something from it.

To their surprise, Hans laughed. "Oh, geez. This is so Hollywood. So the reason you're going to your high school reunion is you're hoping to see her?"

AJ rolled his eyes. Sometimes, he wanted to smack his manager at the back of his head. "I will not rekindle an old flame, Hans. I want to see her but that's because I want to rub it in what I have become when I didn't marry her. She's a material girl, Hans. I'd like to see her face when she finds out who I have become."

Hans turned to Eula. "And you're coming with him? Come on, love. You'll tolerate this pathetic man? Don't you think it's time to move on?"

"It's been long overdue actually. But I can't blame J."

AJ didn't say anything. His friend knew him well.



~~~



"Where are you going?" Erika asks her sister when she saw Jessa all dressed up in the evening.

Jessa smiled. "I have a date."

"Really? I never thought that old maids can still manage to date," Erika teased. "Ouch!" Her sister playfully smacked her at the back of her head.

"I'm not yet old!" Jessa rolled her eyes. But at the back of her mind, she's worried that she may get old alone. Her dates were just dates. She had a lot but she didn't sleep around. It was not her thing. She never had a serious relationship since...

She shakes her head to forget it. AJ was her first love. She can admit that she fell for his innocent charms and the simple ways of being just him. She missed him. But she chose to find a man who would might provide her the best things in life. Besides, AJ deserved far better than her. Someone who would not use him for anything else. Not her.

"Have you heard the news?"

She stopped brushing her hair and turned to Erika. "What news?"

"Alex is back here in Cali," Erika replied.

"You spoke as if you saw it on TV," she turned back to her chore.

"You're right. I saw it on TV."

Jessa ignored her sister and opened her clutch bag to check for money. She is all set.

"I never thought that he could be that big." Erika added.

Jessa stopped. What is she talking about? "Why?"

"Well, Alex only happened to be Tiger Woods' successor. He's a successful PGA golfer now. Do you know what that means? Rich and famous. He may have failed the bar exams but he surely is great in playing golf. He's earning millions."

Upon hearing that, Jessa suddenly wished someone will believe her how she was deeply in loved with the man and how much she missed him.



>> 3


























3

Jessa wondered how did AJ become the famous PGA golfer that he is today. She wanted to see him and what he looks like now. She will not approach him. Upon realizing who he is, she thought he maybe doesn't want anything to do with her. She did something to hurt his feelings and ego. He might be still mad at her and has not forgiven her yet for what she did to him.

"There is a confidential reservation at the VIP room tonight," Jane tells her, interrupting her thoughts. They are in the locker room, getting ready for their shift.

"Who? Do you know?" Jessa took one last look at herself in the mirror.

"Nope, no idea but a celebrity, nonetheless." Jean clipped her bangs to the side. "I wonder who."

"I hope it's not someone bitchy." Jessa and Jean exchanged glances.

"The other one last night was such a bitch. She kept on ordering and changing it and demanding for anything as if she's the queen of England." Jane said. "Sometimes it wondered me why there are people like that who looked down on us as if we're just mere servants. We're only doing our job."

"It's not easy to be in this kind of work, Jane." Jessa turned to her. "We do services. I know it sucks sometimes but you know, for me, I love what I'm doing. How about you? Do you love it despite those unwanted incidents?"

"Yes, I love working in a restaurant. Actually, I would love it if I will be in the kitchen someday, cooking what's in the menu myself." Jane tells her.

"I think it's better that you tell that to Monica. She'd be happy to give you the opportunity. And Harry, as well." Jessa winked at her. "I have to go out and check the reservations too."



~~~



Jessa decided that tonight is not her lucky night. The evening started off when a couple arrived, both her classmates in high school who are now married to each other. They hated her back then and they were there to mock her for the life that has become of her. The two became rich after creating a software for a multinational company.

Then came next the rich but old man who has been trying to ask her out on a date. She always politely declined but the man is persistent.

"My answer is still no, John," she tells him.

"Oh, but I still have hope that you will, anytime soon." The old guy even had the nerve to wink at her. Oh! Even if she wanted to meet a rich man, she still wanted someone near her age; not someone old enough to be her father.

"You've got lots of friends tonight, huh?" Hans joked when he dropped by her post. Jessa chuckled despite her mood.

"Yeah, even the special guest is my friend," she sarcastically said. "They seemed to be having some sort of a reuinon inside tonight." What have she done to deserve this? She thought. Oh, she only dumped the nicest man she has ever known. She glanced at her watch. It is almost nine now. The special guest with the exclusive reservation will arrive anytime soon.

Guess she did not have to wait for long. A sleek black Lincoln stopped in front of the restaurant and out came another former school mates of hers, Frances and Kyle Johnson. They were the famous couple in high school but she beat Frances from being the homecoming and prom queen. The woman was very bitter for that. And she always try to make a point that she made herself successful, unlike Jessa.

"Oh, hi, Jessa. We have reservations," Frances said to her.

"I know. Good evening, Frances," Jessa smiled.

"We're going to have a great dinner tonight, aren't we, darling?" Kyle said to Frances.

"Yes, of course, darling," the two kissed in front of Jessa. Can these two just leave her alone? She thanked Jane when she was given the signal that the table is ready.

"The table is ready, Frances, Kyle. You may start your great dinner now." She tried not to add sarcasm on it. She wanted them to go away.

"Thank you, Jessa. By the way, have you ever heard about Alex now?" Frances grinned. She was about to reply when the other woman waved her hand. "Never mind. I know he won't even try to see you. Now that he's a successful golfer and as rich as we are, I will not be surprised that he doesn't even care about you. After all, you dumped him with no mercy." With a laugh, she and Kyle went inside the restaurant.

Jessa shakes her head. For sure, this is going to be a long night. Knowing them, they are not through with her yet.



~~~



"How is your wrist?" Denise asked her son.

AJ glanced at his mother who is seating beside her husband, his stepfather, at the back of the car. "Fine. The doctor said that I have to rest for two weeks. I decided that I can go for a month without thinking about this. Or probably two months, enough for me to practice on golf."

"Well, don't push yourself if you can't do it yet." Tom said.

"Yeah, I know," AJ said. "Where do you want to eat? My treat." He chuckled.

"Braggart," Denise said, rolling her eyes. That's how she calls him whenever he tried to joke about his wealth.

"It's up to you. Whatever you want, AJ." Tom said. "How's business, by the way?"

"I've had a meeting with George Tam, he's the Director of Products and Sales of Hutch. He proposed a new clothing line under my name. There were several things we've talked about and I'm excited. I'll have my own boutique too. Then, I'll check on franchising a fastfood chain. Got to start business now when I've got resources." AJ winked at them.

"While you're young," Denise added. "That's a great move, Alex. Are you going to play golf all your life? What about your profession?"

"My knowledge with law and politics will come in handy when circumstances arise. I don't have to worry about that. I've earned enough as a golf player. I've saved a lot. I can still play but it will no longer be my priority. Anyway, the contract I have with Kraft will expire soon." After his failure in the bar exams and the cancellation of the wedding, he left California and lived with his grandparents in Florida. He took the bar exams again and he passed. He became a lawyer but he never practiced it. He was already a struggling golf player at the time he got the results and he took the oath.

"Goodluck then. I hope your business will be a successful one." He heard his mother said.

"Thanks. I need the luck," he chuckled. He saw a restaurant that seemed less crowded. The least he wanted right now is cameras on his face when he's out and having dinner with his family. Now that he's home, he wanted to spend some quality time with them. "You stop the car in Guile's." He tells their driver, his cousin André.

"Great choice. They serve great food there." André said.

"At last, we're eating." Tom said. Denise laughed. They went out of the car. André gave the keys to the valet. Alex was already walking with Denise and Tom when he was greeted by a couple.

"Alex! It's nice to see you." Frances greeted excitedly and placed a kiss on AJ's cheeks.



>> 4


























4

Jane watched as the famous golfer, AJ McLean, arrived. Where is Jessa? It was a wrong timing that she took a break when a celebrity as gorgeous as AJ decided to dine in the restaurant. He's probably with his family. An old lady was laughing beside him about something that AJ said. When they reached her, AJ is looking directly at her.

"Good evening, sirs, madam," she looked up at AJ. "Table for how many?"

"Four." AJ replied.

Jane looked at her small computer. "We have an available table. Kindly wait as they were still preparing it." She chose a secluded table that is fit for four people. She usually gave that area to celebrities. The area would seem private for them who wanted to eat and does not want to be disturbed or looked at. She looked back at her guests and smiled.

AJ nodded. "How did you know?" He tried to peek in her reservation computer system.

Jane chuckled. "Mr. McLean, we are synchronized with the dining staff who were taking care of the availability. In that way, I don't have to go inside to look for it. I can tell you immediately the status and then ask you to wait for a while." She wished Jessa is here. AJ McLean seemed to be a nice guy. Maybe he's just the right man for her friend.

"Nice." The younger man beside AJ said.

"The couple who just left, were they your guests?" AJ asks. Jane tried not to sigh. This man doesn't know how charming he could be especially when his attention is on her.

"Yes, sir."

"Don't let them come back, Jane" he said, reading her nameplate. He chuckled, as well as the younger man beside him.

Jane only smiled. She agreed on that. The previous couple gave Jessa such a hard time. She doesn't know why do some people hates her friend. Jessa is a wonderful person. And she did not deserve that especially with what is happening in her life now. She and her sister were orphans. She sends Erika to college and manages bills at the same time. She's struggling and Jane could not understand why do some people were even laughing at her.

She glanced to her computer. "Oh, your table is ready. If you follow my lead, sirs, madam..." She opened the door for them.

Only a few minutes later, Jane is back to her post. No one has arrived yet so she simply arranged her uniform while waiting.

"Are they gone?" Jessa asked, popping suddenly beside her. She is referring to Frances and Kyle.

Jane turned to her. "Yeah, fortunately. Then AJ must have known them and they greeted him when they saw him arrived and they were so friendly with him and all, it's irritating; then AJ told me not to let them come back," she laughed after she finished her long and quick reply.

"That's funny. Who's AJ?" Jessa smiled in amusement.

Jane raised an eyebrow. "Don't you know him? AJ McLean, the famous PGA golfer. He's inside, having a dinner with his family."

Jessa's smile faded.



~~~



Jane watched Jessa walked towards the hidden office behind the bar. AJ McLean and his family were finished with their dinner and about to leave. It wondered her what happened to Jessa when she mentioned who AJ is. She could not understand what is happening to her. She will ask later. Meanwhile, here comes the charming guy.

"Bye, Jane. Great meal." AJ winked at her.

"Thank you for coming, sirs, madam. Until next time," she smiled at them.

"Definitely," Denise, his mother, said. She smiled at Jane.

"Can I have one picture with you, sir?" Jane asked shyly. She took out her camera phone.

"Sure," AJ stood beside her. He took her phone and gave it to his cousin. "Do your job," he said with a chuckle. Andre stuck out his tongue. He took two shots.

"Thank you, sir."

"Okay, bye."

Jane watched them go inside the car.

"Is he gone?" Jessa asked, suddenly appearing beside her.

She turned to her friend. "Wow, this is really your night. What happened to you? Don't tell me that he was one of your schoolmates in high school too."

Jessa went back to her post and checked the reservations. "Yes."

"We'll talk later. Let's get back to work. I'll have a drink first."

Jessa didn't say anything as Jane left her. She remembered seeing Alex earlier. He changed a lot. He lost weight. He's actually skinny now and she didn't really expect that. And he's more charming. She only hated the fact that he got rid of his eyeglasses. She knew how beautiful his eyes were and now, everyone can see it.

"Hi, Jessa."

She looked up when someone greeted her. She saw a man in a maroon shirt and black pants. "You know me?" She saw a pair of beautiful blue eyes looking back at her.

"It's in your nameplate."

"Oh." She blushed. "Table for how many, sir?"

"Just one," the man replied. He is staring at her. She felt awkward.

"Is there anything wrong, sir?" She dared to ask. Someone as handsome as this one, and probably rich as well, should not be looking at her in any other manner.

"You're beautiful."

She smiled at his reply. "I don't see anything wrong with that."

"That's true." The man cleared his throat. "Pardon me for being rude. My name is Brian. I'm Brian Littrell."

"I'm Jessa."

"Uh-huh."

They chuckled. "Jessa Adams. Now, about your table, it's already available. If we go on this way..." Brian followed her inside the restaurant.



~~~



Erika saw her sister sitting on her bed. She's staring into nothing. She seemed engrossed with whatever she is thinking. She has been wanting to help her sister but Jessa insisted that she should focus on her studies and leave the work and the bills to her. Her sister always tried it hard to make ends meet for them.

"Is there anything wrong, Jessa?"

Jessa blinked, as if waking up from a daydream. She turned to her. "I don't know." She sighed heavily. "I need money to pay mortgage otherwise, we might lose this place."

Erika bit her lower lip. She did not want to lose the only place she called home. This is where she grew up. "Jessa, please let me work, too."

"No. I want you to just study, Erika. You can work when you graduate."

"But I don't want to lose this place. Let me help you, please. I don't want you having a hard time too."

Jessa cried and as usual, she had no tears. They say that she's a cold-hearted woman who was being punished for what she did to AJ, that's why no one would believe her whenever she cries because she doesn't even have tears. "I'm thinking of a way, Erika." She cried even more. "I don't even have tears."

Erika held her hand. "Promise me to let me help you when there is no other option. Please, Jessa." Her sister only nodded. "And don't worry. You'll have tears soon." She added with a joke.

Jessa tried to smile. "I wonder when would that be." She hugged her sister. "I'd like to think that things will be fine soon." But she doesn't know how soon it will be.



>> 5


























5

Jessa felt her heart beats fast when she saw the familiar logo of her high school alma mater. She was browsing on the mails they received in the mailbox and saw the letter. She opened it and stared at the content.

High School Reunion.

No way. She suddenly thought of AJ or the schoolmates who were mocking her after what she's done to him.

But that is the only way to see AJ and ask his forgiveness.

"Are you alright?"

Jessa turned to Erika. She showed her sister the invitation letter.

"Are you going to go?" Erika quietly asks.

"Should I?" Jessa asks. "I'm still embarassed for what I have done. But I also want to go there and probably see him. I want to ask for forgiveness."

Erika frowned. "No, don't do that. Don't do that. I don't want anyone mocking at you or making fun of you again. You will not do that, especially there where people will see you. Don't toss your pride away, Jessa. Spare something for yourself."

"I still felt bad."

"Well, he never cared about you. Why don't you try to forget him? You've never had peace since you cancelled the wedding. I don't know why you did that when I know, in the first place, you love him despite his appearance."

Jessa looked at her sister. "I was glad but nervous at the same time when I learned that he's back. I may have the chance to talk to him and say sorry but I'm nervous that he might still mad at me. I'm not expecting that he may still have feelings for me because I know and I accept the fact that he's mad for what I've done. I still love him but I'm not expecting for anything now. After I say sorry, I can finally move on with peace in my mind."

"Let's find a way for you to do that, in private and not in your high school reunion." Erika said. She pulled her sister for a hug. "I'll be right beside you, or somewhere nearby, when you do that. I want to see you smile again. I don't want you crying over that guy again. Okay? Okay?"

Jessa only nodded. She didn't care about wiping her face because she does not even have any tears.



~~~



"Is that the invitation to your high school reunion?" Andre asks his cousin as he and AJ were cruising down the boulevard.

AJ looked down to the piece of paper he is holding. He received a letter of invitation and they informed him that he will be given an honor as an outstanding alumni. He wondered if Jessa is coming.

Matt, a former schoolmate and the one who informed him about the planned reunion even before he received this letter, said that Jessa was a having a hard life. Her parents already passed away and she was working hard to send her sister Erika to college. And then their former schoolmates, who learned about what she did on their supposed wedding day, never left her alone. They would always mock her, ridicule her for what she has done.

He wondered if she is coming. He wondered what will be her reaction if they meet again. What does she looks like now? Is she still beautiful as she was then?

"Yes." He answered his cousin. He wondered where could she be now? Does she still lives in the same place? Where is she working? Is she going out with someone?

He shook his head. He should not be thinking about her. She may not even care about him. And she should know better than to show up herself to him. He may not be able to control himself and ...

And what? a part of his mind asked. He would want a revenge. He wanted her to experience the agony of having a broken heart. He hates her so much.

"Are you going to come?" Andre asked him.

AJ shrugged. "I guess. They say I'm one of the special guests. They will give me an honor."

"Do you think your ex-girlfriend will come too?"

"I don't know. And I don't care." He looked at the streets they passed by. Andre only heard about Jessa from the stories that their relatives say about her. He was in Florida then when he was about to get married. Now, he does not want to talk about Jessa. "Let's eat."

"Where are we going to eat?"

"I don't know. Maybe we can go back to where your crush is working," AJ chuckled. Andre found Jane, the hostess at a fancy restaurant, cute. He kept on teasing his cousin about it. He's older by ten years from Andre and he's been like an older brother since his cousin's parents died in a fire when he was only a baby.

"Can we?" AJ saw the excited twinkle in Andre's eyes.

"Sure. No prob." His cousin turned to a corner. The car is tinted so when they stopped in front, AJ took time to check if Jane is on duty. He likes the girl too, but that is because she is approachable. But he was surprised when he found that Jane is not alone. There is another woman in her post.

It is Jessa.



~~~



Jessa saw a car stopped in front of the restaurant. She gathered the folders that she filed earlier as she will drop by their manager's office. She turned to Jane. "I'll be back. We have new guests." She glanced at the car and then, went inside.

Jane turned to the availability on the computer. There are four empty tables. Good. The reservation for that hour has not arrived yet. A special place were already arranged for those guests. She looked up and smiled when she saw AJ and Andre.

"Good evening, sirs. Table for only two?"

"Yes." AJ replied. "We saw you have a companion. New employee?"

"Oh. Actually, Jessa is my senior. She's the maitre d'. I'm the assistant. She's been busy lately with the reservations that's why she went back inside." Jane chose a table. "Your table is ready, sirs."

"Thank you," Andre said. He and AJ nodded to each other as the elder one went ahead inside. "By the way, is it okay if I ask you out sometime?"

Jane blushed. "Like a date?"

"Yes, as friends, if that's okay with you."

"It's fine with me. I'll give you my number," Jane grabbed a notepad and wrote her contact details.

"Thank you, Jane."

"Okay..." She watched as Andre went inside. AJ came out then. "Yes, sir?"

"Could you tell Jessa to see me at my table?" AJ gave her a pen. "Don't tell her it's me. Just give this and tell her to give it to me, please? I know her. I want to surprise her." He winked.

"Uh, sir..."

"Yes?"

"Oh, okay..."

AJ thanked her and went back inside. After a few moments, Jessa went out, carrying a glass of water for Jane. "Aren't you taking a break?" She asks Jane.

"I'm fine. Why don't you take a break and study those loan procedures that you need to consider? You've been here since one in the afternoon. I assume you can take a rest for now." Wednesday is not a peak day for them anyway.

"I'll do that study at home. I'll just grab a bite. You're right. It's a pretty exhausting day." Jessa said. "I'll just be quick. I'll be back. Thanks, Jane." She turned towards the door.

"Oh, before I forgot, one of our guests at table eighteen dropped this. I can't leave my post. Can you just give this to him?" Jane immediately said when Jessa is already inside.

"Okay. Go back to your post." Jessa took the pen and went to the said table. She saw a young man, probably in his late teens. He's with a man whose back is turned to her. "Excuse me but you dropped your pen outside, sir."

The other man turned, without a hint of smile on his face. Jessa felt as if her world stopped at that moment. It is AJ. Her heart beats faster.

"Hello, Jessa."

Jessa didn't know if her weakness came from her sudden nervousness or the fact that she has not eaten any lunch or dinner yet. AJ was surprised when she fainted in front of him.



>> 6


























6

Jessa opened her eyes and found herself inside her manager's office. She's lying on the sofa. She immediately sat up.

"Glad you're awake. I think you should eat now." Harry, the restaurant manager, said.

"I'm sorry, Harry. It's embarassing. Do you think I should go to AJ and apologize?" She stood up.

"It's okay. You should not do that. I already took care of it." Harry told her. "He's the one who carried you here. And then he left. I apologized and offered him a whole blueberry cheesecake for takeout..."

"... For the inconvenience I caused." Jessa looked at him. "I'm so sorry, Harry. I'll pay for that cake. I'd just like to go out and apologize to him too. He's still dining outside, isn't he?"

"Yes, he's still there but he doesn't want to see you."

Jessa stopped. "Huh?"

"I'm sorry, Jessa. And you should eat now. You've been working overtime for the past week. You should also rest."

Jessa felt she don't want eat but she needs to eat. "I'm really sorry, Harry, and thank you so much."

Harry nodded. "Don't think about your problems for now. Eat. Take a rest and then, go back to your post. I also suggest that you may go home early."

"I'll finish my duty. Thanks." Jessa went out. She walked towards the kitchen. Some of the staff were discreetly asking how she is and she only said she's fine and thanked them for their concern. She caught sight of AJ dining with his companion. Her heart ached knowing now that he is still mad at her and does not even want to see her.



~~~



"She's beautiful." Andre said, breaking off the silence between him and his cousin. AJ has been like that since he came back from taking the staff who fainted in the manager's office.

"Who?"

"The staff you brought inside the office, she's beautiful."

She still is, AJ thought so too. His reaction was unexpected when he saw her earlier. He already planned on mocking her and showing her on what he has become now. He did not have the chance. She fainted right in front of him and worry crossed his face and immediately carried her, towards the manager's office who were there in an instant. He's mad at her and he doesn't like the feeling that he wanted to stay and know if she's alright. He wanted to punish her for what she did years ago. To control himself, he told the manager not to let her come and see him. He realized that he's not yet ready to see her.

"Oh, her." AJ continued with his food. He could have more reasons to go back aside from Jessa. The food is great.

"Yeah. You know, I just saw her passed by. I think she went towards the kitchen." Andre tells him.

AJ smiled. He did not turn to try looking for her. "That's great. She seemed fine already."

"What happened?"

"The manager said that she's been working overtime this past week and today, she was here since early afternoon and probably haven't had lunch and dinner yet."

"No wonder she fainted."

"Yeah." AJ said. He drinks his water. They were quiet for a few minutes until Andre was finished with his food. AJ wanted to catch a smoke outside but decided not to. He saw paparazzi lurking. He's been a subject of scrutiny ever since he arrived. "Ready?"

"I'm full."

"I'll drive." AJ tells his cousin. He chuckled when Andre tried to suppress his burp. He asked for the tab. "So you'll be graduating next year? What are your plans?" He began to ask him. He's the one sending his cousin to college since Andre is an orphan.

Andre smiled shyly. "I would like to pursue medical school, Jay. Doctor of general medicine. Is that okay?"

The tab arrived and AJ gave his card. He turned back to the young man in front of him. "Of course. We'll be very glad to whatever you wanted to accomplish. We'll support you to whatever you wanted to be."

"I actually wanted to join the UN and go to remote areas as a doctor." Andre quietly said. "I know it won't pay me a lot for my savings but I want to help."

AJ nodded. "I understand. That's a noble thing to do, Andre. Be whatever you want to be." He signed the copy of the receipt of his card. He took the card back in his wallet. "Come on. Let's go. Later, or tomorrow, you can tell me where you want to go."

"Thanks, AJ."

AJ smiled at his cousin. They went out of the restaurant. When they passed by Jane, Andre said goodbye to her. AJ was told that they were planning on going out. Nice. Andre is a fast worker, he thought with a smirk. He went ahead to wait for the valet for the car. Paparazzi began snapping pictures of him.

"Going home, AJ?" One of them asked.

"Yes. I have to rest." He replied.

"Who's with you?"

"My cousin." AJ saw his cousin walking towards him. "There he is."

"What about any girlfriend?" A man asked, shooting a video of him.

AJ smirked. "I'll introduce her when I finally had one. Promise." The car arrived in front of him. They went inside and drove away.



~~~



Jessa is slowly walking in the lobby of a high-rise building, feeling lost and burden with lots of problems. Her application for loan in the bank was not approved. She had to find another way to get money and pay for the bills and the house.

"Jessa Adams."

"Huh?" She turned and saw the man at the restaurant. "Brian Littrell. Hi."

Brian smiled. "I never thought I'd see you when the sun is still up. You said you're on night duty in your job."

"I'm not a vampire, you know." They chuckled. "How are you?"

"Good. I was about to leave. This is my building." Brian said. Jessa shakes her head in amusement. "I mean, I work in this building. Why are you here?"

"Just ran some errands," she said.

"Oh. Is it okay if I invite you for an early dinner?" Brian's smile never leaves his face.

Jessa wanted to go with him but she had to think about her problems. It is Monday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. She had all day and night by herself. "I don't know. I have things to do."

"Okay." Brian took his wallet from his back pockets. He took out a card. "Here's my contact number. You can call me anytime you need a friend beside you."

Jessa took the card and read it. It simply said Brian Littrell and his contact number. No company name or job position. She wondered what does this man do for a living.

"You seemed troubled. Are you alright?"

She looked up to him. "I'm fine. Thanks for the concern." She even smiled but Brian is still studying her. "Okay, I give up. I need a break." She took his hand and they went out of the building. "Where would you like to eat?" She started looking around for an available cab.

She started to walk away when a silver Mercedes stopped in front of them.

"Jessa."

She turned upon Brian's call. She saw him holding the door of the silver car for her. "What..."

"Let's go." Brian extended his arm to her.

Jessa went inside ahead of him. He sat beside her. There is a driver and a big man in front. She turned to Brian. "Who are you?"

"Sshh... Don't be afraid. I'm a friend. My name is Brian Littrell."

"I know who you are. What do you want from me?"

Brian drew a deep breath. "I only wanted friendship and I know this one's ridiculous but if time will still permit me, I would also like to be your boyfriend."



>> 7


























7

AJ looked down to the financial statement that his accountant has provided him. "I'm this rich?" He never thought he could earn a lot from only playing golf. His teacher in high school saw his talent and he encouraged him to train and join tournaments once in a while. Then it stopped when he became Jessa's boyfriend. And when she dropped out of the wedding and he moved out of California, opportunities started pouring in.

Now, his statistics in the sport can now come close to Tiger Woods'. They say that he's the next best thing in PGA history, if he will be consistent with his plays. But after his decision for a homecoming in California because of a wrist injury, he suddenly had thoughts of early retirement from playing golf. Anyway, his assets and investments were enough to live in his lifetime without worrying about anything.

"Yes, you are, AJ," Doug tells him.

AJ sat back on his chair. His friend, Doug, the accountant, turned to him. They have known each other since college days in Florida. He's also supposed to be his best man in his wedding with Jessa back then. Most of the people he employed were people he knew for a long time, and trusted so much.

"I would like someone to think that I am poor, Doug." AJ said after a few minutes of silence.

Doug raised an eyebrow. "What's with the drama?"

"Remember Jessa?"

"You'll get revenge?"

"I want to give her a hard time and I want to put her in a test." AJ replied.

"By pretending you're bankrupt?" Doug asks. AJ nodded. "Man, that's pathetic. Can you just move on? It's been years."

"My mom almost died, Doug."

Doug didn't say anything. He cannot argue with that. AJ's mother had a heart attack. He was thankful that Denise came back and all is well with her. He knew how AJ blamed Jessa for what happened and what would have happened if something tragic really happened to his mother. "So how are we going to do this?" He asks instead.

"I will hire someone who will pose as the rich dude."

"Are you sure with that?"

AJ looked at him. "Yes."

Doug closed his book and cleared his files. "Alright. Expect to have a visitor tomorrow." They shook hands. "I wish you'd change your mind. I really don't approve of what you're planning."

"I'll give half a million as payment." AJ still said. Doug stared at him for a while before he bid goodbye.



~~~



"You don't know him? You don't know him?" Erika kept on asking her sister. Jessa busied herself in cooking. It is her self-therapy especially when her mind is lost and confused, just like now. Brian scared her when he told her that he likes her and he wanted to marry her someday.

"Hey, stop that. I don't know him. Who is he?"

"He's the brother of my former classmate."

"So?" Jessa finished her pasta and prepared one serving for herself. "That doesn't mean I should know him." She started to eat.

"He's the owner of a large chain of hotels."

Jessa paused from putting food in her mouth when she heard that. She looked at her sister. "Seriously?"

Erika raised an eyebrow. Her arms across her chest. "Do you think I'm joking? I hate it when you're like that but I don't know why I'm telling you how rich the guy is."

Jessa went to her room and took the calling card from her bag. She read the name, Brian Littrell, and there is the phone number. She went back to the kitchen.

"He's the owner of Elle." Erika supplied more when she gets back.

Jessa did not say anything. Elle is a world-class chain of hotels who seemed to have its structure built everywhere except Antartica. The most popular one is the London Elle, the first hotel built in the late sixties by Harold Littrell Sr. The hotel company has been in the family since it started. Jessa knew that. She graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. She knew the most expensive hotel she dreamt of staying.

"How could it be possible that he likes me? I'm a nobody," she said.

"Yeah. It's been a wonder to me, too." Erika added.

Jessa stuck out her tongue to her sister. "Really. It's a wonder. I mean, I admit wealth and money is so important for me but to have someone giving me the opportunity to have it just like that is like..." She shakes her head. "... A dream come true."

"Do you think he stands a chance?"

Jessa bit her lower lip. "He's good-looking. He seemed nice. He has a nice smile, but I like Alex more."

Erika stared at her.

"Say it again."

"I like Alex more."

"Seriously?"

Jessa thought for a moment. She likes Alex a lot. She knew she's been in love with him but after what she did, after so many years and realizing that he still hates her, can change anything she is hoping for him. "Well, I guess it wouldn't be hard to like Brian. He seemed to be a really nice guy. Alex despised me, anyway. I'd rather settle for someone who likes me than the one who hates me."

Erika shakes her head. "What if Alex still likes you, that he's just hiding in a façade? You can't blame the man. You humiliated him, hurt his ego."

"I don't know. I don't want to expect. You should have been there at the restaurant when I fainted right in front of him."



~~~



"I believe Doug already told you about the plan." AJ said to the man in front of him, his longtime friend Nick. He laughed when Doug can only find Nick who can help with his plans.

He is only younger by two years and although AJ thought he's too young for his plans, Nick is notorious for being the ladies' man back in his home in Tampa, Florida. He is exactly the one he is looking for. Nick is the brother of one of the most successful businessmen in America but he is low-profiled. He agreed doing the part of a rich man with all the means. He can help him play around with Jessa.

"Yeah, ridiculous as it seems," Nick raised an eyebrow. He sits down on the couch.

"Why did you agree?" AJ folded his arms across his chest.

"I'm bored," Nick chuckled.

"What did your brother want you to do this time?"

Nick shrugged. "Just some business stuff. He wanted me to transfer to Wharton."

"Don't you want it?" AJ asks. Nick is every inch the rich kid who thinks that he doesn't have to work for a living. He couldn't blame the young man. Nick is set for life, from the day he was conceived. AJ knew that he and his brother were descendants of a noble family in Europe, related to the royalty. AJ met Nick's older brother in one his tournaments. Nice guy, humble, quiet person. The brothers were the same except that Nick was famed for being a heartthrob.

"Wharton will never be a problem with me. I'm only worried about my brother. He's a workaholic. I don't want to be like him."

"Then don't."

Nick smirked. "Anyway, I'd like to meet Jessa. Your plan is to make her fall for me, splashing out all the wealth that I have, then ditch her. That easy?"

"Easy, isn't it? She's so materialistic, you can do this in no time at all."

"Then I will have what I wanted?" Nick asked hopefully.

AJ nodded. In exchange for his favor, Nick wished to have his trophy, the first one he had when he won in the PGA. The reason he grew close with Nick not only because he is his friend but the young man is also his number one fan. It was hard to let go of that trophy he was asking for but AJ realized, it didn't matter to him. It opened a lot of doors for him but it's only a symbol. The name he established for himself is enough. "I will even have it put in a special case and autograph it."

"Cool!"

AJ laughed. "Okay, whatever. Thanks, Nick." They shook hands. The deal has began.



>> 8


























8

Jessa tried not to look excited when she was greeted by the doorman when she arrived at Elle Beverly Hills for her date with Brian. She received a call from him last night and asked her out. She did not hesitate and agreed on going out with him. Fortunately, it's her last day off from work.

"Good evening," she heard. She turned and saw Brian, who held his hand to her.

Jessa took it and smiled. "Good evening, too. How are you?"

"I'm good. And you?"

"Likewise," she replied.

"I'm sorry that I asked you to come here instead. My brother arrived at home and I had to deal with him first." Brian took her out of the hotel to the waiting car. The door was closed as soon as they got inside.

"Where are we going?"

"Dinner at a friend's resto. The restaurant in the hotel is too fancy," Brian chuckled. "The one we're going to offers very delicious food. I want you to try it." He added. "Did you have any suggestion on what to do afterwards?"

"Actually, I cannot think of anything right now. Maybe let's see what happens later, whatever that comes to mind." Jessa says.

Brian was about to say something when his phone rang. He excused himself from her and answered it. "Hello? I'm out."

Jessa looked out to the window as Brian entertained his call. Her phone rang too. It is unlisted in her phone book. She wondered who could this be? "Hello."

"Hi, Jessa. It's me, AJ."

Jessa quickly glanced at Brian. Her hand trembled when she heard the voice she realized she longed to hear for a very long time. "Yes. Why, Alex?"

There was a moment of silence before AJ spoke again. "Can I meet you tonight?"

"Sorry, I can't. I have a date."

"With whom?"

"It's none of your business."

"Fine. Goodbye, Jessa." Then the line went off. Jessa weakly puts her phone back to its place.

"Who is it?"

"Huh?" She turned to Brian.

"You looked disappointed, or something."

"Oh. It's just an old friend." That's what AJ is anyway. "I can't meet my friend tonight but we agreed on some other time." She replied.

Brian smiled. "I got a call from my brother. He wants to meet you so expect someone coming out of nowhere tonight or in the future." He chuckled.

"Why? Can't I meet him in a formal way?"

"I would plan that but he always got the weird ideas of doing things. He's so spontaneous." Brian shakes his head in amusement. "I'd like to see what he will do."

"You and your brother must be so close, huh?"

"Well, we try to do some things in unexpected ways otherwise, life will be boring. I'd like you to meet him but warning though, he thinks he's so good looking, he might flirt with you," Brian shakes his head as he chuckled.

"I wouldn't be surprised. He had you as a brother."

"On which part of what I've said?" There's amusement in Brian's eyes.

"The good-looking part," Jessa replied.

Brian smiled wider. "Have I already thanked you for going out with me tonight?"

"Not yet. But I'd like to do the same thing, too. I'm glad to have you as a friend."

"Thank you."

"Thank you."

They reached the restaurant. They were immediately led to a reserved table. "So, what do you like to do when you're free from your work?" Brian started asking.

"I'll just be at home. I'd read or cook."

"Sports? Outdoor activities?"

Jessa smiled. "I sometimes walk, from our house to the nearby bus stop."

Brian chuckled. "Well, I'll take you to some of the things I do some time."

"What do you do?"

"I go to some schools and teach basketball or play instruments." Brian replied.

"I can teach art. I didn't know that you still have time for that."

"During weekends." They continued with the conversation until the food arrived. Jessa had a good time with Brian as he had this unusual sense of humor that always made her laugh. It was almost three hours later when they were done eating when someone called Brian.

"Oh, here he comes. I told you," Brian shakes his head.

Jessa turned and saw a tall, blonde man approaching their table. He waved to them and sat on the chair beside Brian. There was a look of recognition on his face when he turned to Jessa.

"Hi. I must have seen you before." Brian's brother said.

"This is the first time I see you." Jessa tells him.

He laughed. "Oh, I remember. I've seen you in my dreams. By the way, I'm Nick, the brother." He extended his hand for a handshake. Jessa saw Brian rolled his eyes with a smile. She chuckled.

"I told you." Brian said.

"What did you tell her?"

Jessa gasped when she heard the familiar voice. She looked up and saw AJ. He's here. How did he know that she's here? Do AJ and Brian know each other? Did Nick arrive with AJ?

"I told her that I have a flirty brother. I forgot to mention that I also have a friend just like him. By the way, this is AJ," Brian chuckled. The two newcomers now occupy the remaining chairs in the table. So much for a date, she thought.

"What is your name?" Nick asks her. His hand is still extended to her.

"Jessa Adams," she shook his hand. She turned to Brian. "Did you tell your brother that we're here?"

Brian smiled. "No. He must have called one of the bodyguards. He's buddy-buddy with them."

"We play basketball," Nick added. "Anyway, what do you have for desert? Can we join?"

"Shut up, Nick. Big brother is on a date. You can go to hell in Wharton." AJ said, looking directly at Jessa.

"That can wait. I'd like to know Jessa more." Nick answered. He stood up. AJ did, too. "It's nice meeting you, Jessa. I hope to see you soon."

"Likewise," Jessa can only reply. AJ winked at her and they went off. "Well, it was like a cameo in a movie."

"You can say that. I'm glad they didn't stay for desert. Let's leave before they get back." Brian asked for the bill. In a few minutes, they were already out of the restaurant. They noticed the paparazzi crowding outside and saw the reason why. AJ and Nick were standing there, just talking to each other. The paparazzi feasted on them. The flashes of lights were everywhere and they only ignore it. They turned when she and Brian got out and only waved at them. Brian led Jessa inside the waiting car and it sped off.

"How did it happen that Brian knows her first? How did they meet?" Nick asked in frustration. AJ's trophy is at stake and he wanted it so bad.

AJ shakes his head. Their plan is threatening to backfire before they could even start it. "I don't know, Nick. We have to think of some plan. It's not going to be good if you will take Jessa away from your brother."

"This is the first time that Brian tried to date after what happened. Why did it have to be Jessa?" Nick muttered as they went inside AJ's car, the paparazzi continue snapping photos away.



~~~



Jessa smiled at Brian. Disregarding the encounter with AJ and Nick earlier, the date turned out so fine. She enjoyed the time with Brian. There was no idle moments and she couldn't remember the last time she laughed that hard.

"I'll call you. Promise. This is really a great night." Brian said. They were in the front porch of her house.

"I'll wait for it," she winked. They chuckled.

"Oh, Jessa. I'm glad to meet you," he tells her. They stared at each other for a while. And she noticed him getting closer, leaning towards her. She closed her eyes when she felt his lips. The kiss is wonderful.

"Brian," she whispered. With one final nip, they pulled away.

"Goodnight." Brian tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. His hand went to her nape and kissed her again. A few minutes later, he's gone. Jessa went inside. The house is dark and quiet. Erika is already sleeping. She lies down on the couch and recalled what happened earlier.

Her heart swelled when she saw AJ again. She had the urge to hug him but it is not right, for obvious reasons. And she realized that although she told herself that it has been long ago, she couldnt't deny the loving feeling inside.

She stared at the ceiling. She is crying but still, no tears.

Her mobile phone rang. Without looking at the caller ID, she answered. "Hello..."

"Good evening, Jessa."

It's AJ.



>> 9


























9

Jessa suddenly found herself having a hard time to breathe when she realized the person who called. She was speechless.

"Jessa?"

"How did you know my number?"

"A former classmate gave it to me, must have thought I need it. Then I thought, why not? An ex-fiancé can call, right?" AJ replied.

"I suppose..."

She heard him sighed. "How are you? It's been a long time." AJ asks. "It's been what, nine years?"

"Eight, Alex."

"And you've been busy since then."

Jessa bit her lower lip to control her voice from trembling. She cleared her throat. "Yeah, I've been busy. Obviously, you are, too."

"Yeah," AJ replied. "I passed the bar exams, by the way. So you can call me attorney anytime."

Jessa silently cried. She tried not to make AJ hear it.

"I was so fool then, Jessa," she heard AJ continued. "I was thinking maybe you will take me back if I really passed the exams. I became a lawyer because of you but when I get home and found you with somebody else, that was the last straw. I want you to pay for what you almost did to my mother and for all the pain you caused me. You deserved hell, Jessa."

"I'm already there, Alex." She answered him.

"Then I will make sure that you will stay there."

Jessa hung up the phone. And she poured herself out even though there was no tears in her eyes. She's not as tough as others thought she is. If they only knew how she struggled...



~~~



"How did you meet her?"

Brian turned when he heard his brother asked. Nick is standing by the door of his office at home. He's dressed up, in a neat polo shirt and jeans. Nick's hair is tidy. This one is going somewhere decent, he thought. "Jessa?" Nick nodded. "Why do you want to know?"

"Just wondering," Nick replied. He's juggling his car keys.

"She's working in a restaurant, that's how I met her. She looked so beautiful and nice. I asked her out."

Nick shakes his head as if he knows something that Brian didn't. "Just like that? What about Leigh?"

"We're separated."

"Without talking about the problem," Nick added.

"Don't start, Nick." Brian returned to the documents before him.

"Well, I won't. Anyway, it's not my fault that I'm too workaholic to even bother that I have a wife and kids." Nick said. "I wasn't surprised when she left you. Bye, I have to go."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm processing my papers for my transfer to Wharton. You need the time off to re-assess your life, Brian. You don't date around when you're already a family man."

"Leighanne surely didn't waste time on the same manner."

"You're not really sure about that, Brian." Nick glared at his brother and left.



~~~



Jessa thought she was only imagining things but it was AJ again, for the third consecutive time this week, arriving at the restaurant with a date in his arms. He took different woman every night.

"We have a reservation," AJ tells her.

Jessa did the usual routine and led him to the reserved table. When she went back to the post, Jane is also back and talking to Nick. When they saw her, Nick smiled widely. Brian's brother is gorgeous and he knows it.

"Where is your brother?" She asks when she got near.

Nick raised an eyebrow. "Isn't he calling you?"

"He just called this afternoon." Jessa replied. "Are you going to eat inside?"

Nick shakes his head. "I only came to ask you out."

"Nick, I'm going out with your brother."

"That's why I'm asking you out." Nick stepped aside when a couple arrived. His eyes widened when he saw who they are and he quickly turned around. Jane shakes her head. This one's kinda weird.

"Nick?"

Nick crunched his nose when he heard he was noticed. He slowly turns around and faced his cousin Kevin with his wife, Kristin. "Hi, Kev, Kris."

"Why are you here in LA? Aren't you supposed to be in London?" Kevin asks. Jessa and Jane only watched Nick and he is looking as if he was caught stealing from the cookie jar.

"I went on vacation."

"I heard you're going to Wharton." Kevin frowned. "Where is Brian?"

"He's here-"

"And he left Leighanne in London? With the kids?" Kevin composed himself. "I'd like to see you and Brian tomorrow at home."

"I doubt it, Kevin."

"He should come tomorrow. His wife is looking for him."

Nick took a quick glance at Jessa. "Leighanne is here?" He asks his cousin.

"Yes. Tell him that we have to meet tomorrow. I'm expecting you, as well." Kevin turned and left. His wife, Kristin, followed after leaving Nick a goodbye kiss.

"He's just hungry," she tells her cousin-in-law and then followed Kevin in the restaurant.

Nick drew a deep breath. He looked at Jessa. "I like you, Jessa, that's why I want to ask you out. And that's what I was about to tell you. Brian is already married. He got a wife and kids."



>> 10


























10

Alex was about to say something to his date, Diana, when he saw Jessa passed by and went towards the back of the restaurant. She seemed distraught. What happened to her? His phone beeped and saw Nick sent him a message.

'Jessa already knows about Brian. She's mad!'

"What's wrong?" Diana asks him.

"Huh?" He looked at her. "I have an emergency. Can we leave?"

"We just got here."

AJ smiled charmingly. "Raincheck?"

"Oh, come on, AJ. I've been calling you many times for us to go out. This is the only time you gave me." Diana shakes her head and stood up. "Call me when you're ready." Then she left him. AJ sighed in relief. He asked for the bill. After paying the bill, he went out of the restaurant. He saw Nick.

"What are you doing here?" He asks.

Nick glanced at Jane then pulled AJ away. "Kevin saw me here. He's inside with his wife. I was flirting with Jessa when he came. He asked me why am I here and was looking for Brian. Jessa heard everything. Kevin even mentioned that Brian's wife is here in LA." He shakes his head. "I'm gonna smack the head of that one, Brian, that is."

AJ drew a deep breath. "Come on. Let's make a plan."



~~~



Erika saw her sister when she got home from school. "Hey, you're home! Don't you have work tonight?" Jessa is in front of the TV but it was as if she is only staring into space.

"I filed for leave. I have something to do." Jessa said in a bored tone.

"Are you going out with Brian again?" Erika asks her.

"Don't mention that name," Jessa tells her. "Did you know what he did?"

"Huh?" Erika gave her sister a confused look. She sat down on a nearby chair. "What?"

"I learned that he's already married and have kids but he is separated to his wife! It made me look like the other woman. Damn that man!"

"Oh, what a loser."

"Exactly! You're telling me!" Jessa flared. "Where have you been? I heard a car. Did someone drop you off?" She noticed that her sister was dressed up.

"I had a date." Erika replied.

"After school? Did you have a boyfriend?"

Erika blushed. "No. This was only my first time to go out with him. He lives in Florida. Don't worry. I'm not going to neglect my studies just because there's a potential boyfriend lurking around." She chuckled.

Jessa stood up. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight, sis." She passed by her sister.

"Wait. What are you going to do with Brian?"

"I called him and I want him to apologize." Jessa replied. She yawned.

"And?"

"He admitted that he's married for eight years now and his wife left him. He was very sorry. I told him that I don't want to see him again."

Erika hugged her sister. "Oh, don't worry about him anymore, Jessa. There are still men left in the sea." When her sister did not say anything, she knew that something is in Jessa's mind. She witnessed how her sister tried to hook up with someone who is rich so that they can live a life without worrying about anything. Jessa wanted the easier way although Erika thinks that with hardwork and perseverance, her sister doesn't need a wealthy guy just to make her really happy. She knew that her sister is smart and beautiful. She can be successful when she wants to.

"I don't know if I will be able to find a fine, decent guy who will accept me. I'm too ambitious. Maybe I deserved to be just alone. Maybe I just have to give up and try to work hard for you, for myself," Jessa looked around, "this house. I can't turn my back on this. I should focus on keeping things together."

"But you also deserved to be happy," Erika pitied her sister.

"I'll wait. I don't have to rush."



>> 11


























11

Nick watched as people passed by. He went to a restaurant and had lunch in one of its outdoor tables. He is in trouble. He will be called a double-crosser, two-timing asshole, once they learned what he is doing. He smirked. They couldn't blame him. It's not his fault that two women came at the wrong time. He always liked to ask the other to go out with him because she's different from all other women he met while the other one is something he only needed to do for the sake of his passion for golf and to save his brother. He never thought that their lives were more linked to one another and he needed to come up with Plan C to save himself.

Plan A was asking the second woman out so that he could get his hands on AJ's trophy.

Plan B was not telling her that he is going to start a dating relationship with someone else.

Plan C should be how to save himself once hell breaks loose.

He still doesn't have a Plan C.

His musings were interrupted when his phone rang. It's the woman he just started dating. "Hi, how are you? Are we going out on Friday night?" He smiled. Such smile could give some ladies a heart attack and he knows that, thanks to his wonderful genes from the noble side of the family in England.

"Listen, I have an appointment for my application to Wharton. I'll be leaving tomorrow but I'll be flying back on Friday night. Is it okay if we just meet at the restaurant at 7?" He bit his lower lip for that one little lie that he had to say. He could not pick her up at her house for fear of sabotaging his plans.

He smiled when she agreed. "Great! Thank you so much for understanding." A few pleasantries were exchanged and then the call was ended. His smile grew wider. No one is going to ruin his mood now. He is going to have a date with one of the most wonderful women he knew.

His phone rang again and his smile turned to an amused chuckle. "Hello, Jessa. I've been going crazy while waiting for your call."

"Yeah, whatever. Where are you? Are we going out tonight?" Jessa asks.

"Of course. I'm looking forward to see you." Nick replied. "Listen, I'm at the city hall right now and can I just meet you later at the restaurant? I'm processing some papers."

"Really? For what? And the last time I checked, you and your brother always have someone to do that for you."

Nick bit his lower lip. He cursed himself silently for that minor slip. Jessa is right. He always have someone to do things for him. Heck, he doesn't even know how to renew his passport which will expire in five months. He needs to call his personal assistant later. "I know but it's something that I had to experience once in a while. I also need to learn simple things like this."

"Okay, whatever. I will wait for you at the restaurant."

"I already made the reservations. Just tell them my name."

"Thank you. Good bye, Nick."

The call ended in an instant.

"Uncle Nick!"

Nick turned and saw Brian's son, Baylee, running towards him. "Hey, kid! What are you doing here? Who came with you?"

"Me," came Leighanne's reply. Nick stood up and kissed his sister-in-law on the cheeks. "We decided to drop by."

"Mummy said we will go to Disneyland today. Would you like to come with us?" Baylee asks with a British accent. It always fascinates Nick, to hear his nephew speak in a manner like his father and paternal grandparents. He had one but he already adapted the American accent since he and Brian grew up in his mother's hometown in Florida. That was where they were sent when a family feud occurred years ago and their parents decided to secure them in the US. But when it was over, he never went back to London except for short vacations. He couldn't stand being there. It's a gloomy place, as he was already got used to the sunny weather in Florida.

"I can't, Baylee." Nick switched to his old accent. "But promise me you will get me a Mickey Mouse doll, alright? And be a nice bloke. Take care of Mummy." When Baylee nodded, he turned to Leighanne. "Have you already seen Brian?"

"He's actually coming with us. That's why the kid was so excited."

"Oh."

Leighanne went to her son. "Baylee, go and wash your hands. I will just talk to Uncle Nick." Her son followed her. When the two were alone, she began pulling Nick's ear. "I told you to look over your brother. What are you doing?"

"Aw!" Nick cringed. "I was in Florida too. I live there, remember? It was unexpected that he will be going here in California. So I also went here. I even accepted his suggestion that I should go to Wharton so that we can manage the business side by side. I know in that way, he will have time to rethink about his life and go after you. That's what we want."

"I was only asking for a little amount of his time for our family," Leighanne tried not to cry. She loves her husband. She missed him so much but she could not take the way he chose his priorities. "He doesn't seem to have the time to give that to us."

"But he's going with you to Disneyland. How did that happen?" Nick massaged his temples.

"He missed Baylee." Leighanne sighed heavily.

"That's a start..."

"He didn't even say that he missed me."

Nick looked at his sister-in-law and saw how sad she is from what's happening. He took her in his arms and hugged her. "Shush, Leigh. Don't worry. At least, it's a start. You know, he missed you too."

"Don't you bloody say that just to make me feel better, Nick."

Nick didn't comment. She's right and he couldn't tell that Brian went out with Jessa. Baylee came back. They dropped the issue as the kid began to get excited. Brian arrived to get his family. Nick tried to ignore his brother.

"Nick, can we talk later?" Brian asks him.

He shakes his head. "I will let you talk to your wife first." Nick stood up and turned away from his brother.



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Epilogue





THE END