"Hoy, saan ka pupunta? Dito tayo sa sasakyan ko." My head snap at my back and I saw Jiro meters away from me. Going to the opposite direction I'm going.

"Sa kotse ko." I replied and I hear him chuckle.

"How can I be sure na hindi ka hihiwalay sa akin?" He said and I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

"Wala ka bang tiwala sa akin?" I asked, raising my brows.

He chuckled and played his keys in his hands. "Dont use that thing  to me Ms. Milendez. I know what you're doing." He said and I rolled my eyes.

"Pinagbigyan na kita, sa condo mo na nga ako matutulog. Now kotse ko ang gagamitin natin." I said and be once again chuckled before letting out a frustrated scream.

"Ahh!! Ano ba 'yan?! Nakakasira ka naman ng ulo. I didn't think that you will be like this." He exclaimed and I squinted my eyes.

"So what now? Nagsisisi ka na nagkita tayo ulit?" I asked and he look at me before shaking his head.

"No, may sinabi ba ako?" He said, raising his left brow. I chuckled and shake my head.

"And fine, lets use your car." He said and I nod once.

"Then lets go." I said and faced my back at him and walk towards my car. As I was about to open the driver's seat he grab my hands and pull it away from the car door.

"Let me drive." He said and I nod, not trying to argue about that one since I'm tired to drive already. I know he's tired as well, but he volunteered to drive so I guess he still can drive.

He held my hands tighter and brought me to the passenger seat and opened the door for me. I entered my car and he closed the door for me and go to the driver's seat.

"Lets go?" He asked and I nod.

"Lets go." I said and he nod as well and started the engine.

I pursed my lips, "Can you.. wear a mask?" I said and he look at me and squinted his eyes.

He tilt his head, "Why?" He asked and I bit my lower lip.

"Kasi.. some people recognize my car, baka makita nila na may ibang nag d-drive ng sasakyan ko. I.. don't want to get involved into any.. rumor or scandal." I said, almost whispering the last three words. I lowered my head and  hear him hum.

"Sure sure, I understand." He said and search for a mask in his pocket. When he found a medical mask, he put it on and look at me.

"Okay na?" He asked, sounding jolly which made me shocked  a bit.

I nod, "Yes," I replied and he nod before driving off. We leave the parking lot and take the road.

"Saan ba ang condo mo?" I asked when I get tired of the silence in the car. I know I'm an introverted person and I don't like having a conversation with people. But people I know and I am comfortable with is an exception.

He took a quick glance at me and smiled, "Malapit lang, don't worry. At tsaka, may privacy din naman doon. You don't have to worry na may makakita sayo." He said and I slowly nod. Few minutes later I can see a condominium building getting closer to us. As we went closer and closer, I can recognize the building.

"You got a good condo if your condo is located here." I said as he proceed to the lobby of the building. I hear him chuckle before nodding.

"I got it when I became a big talk in the Philippines. I earned a lot in that surgery that I was able to buy it in full payment." He said as he open the door for me. I smiled at him and nod.

"Thanks, but thats great." I said I hear him chuckle.

"Wait let me just.." my eyes grew wide a bit when he suddenly lean closer to my face.

"Let me just fix your mask." He said as he pull my mask upwards, making sure to cover my cheekbones area.

"There, all done, lets go." He said as he hold my hands and started walking towards an elevator. He lean on the rails inside the elevator and I hear him sigh.

He must be so tired already. I feel guilty that he have to drive for us even though I could have just drive so he can rest while I'm driving.

"Lets go, I badly want to sleep." He said as the door opened. He once again reached for my hand and started walking through the hallway. He stopped in front of a grey colored door and press the pin of his condo.

"The bed is perfect for the two of us. You'll sleep here comfortably and peacefully." He said and I slowly nod before entering his condo unit. I'm surprised on how neat and tidy his room is. There's also a color scheme of white, grey and black which make his unit look better.

"Are you gonna take a shower first? I can't offer you any undergarments but sure I can offer you sleep wear." He asked, I turn around to look at him and slowly shake my head.

"I think I just need a pair of pajama because jeans can be uncomfortable when sleeping." I said and he nod before walking towards a door, and inside is a walking in closet. I watch him grab a pair of grey checkered pajama, a black short, a white shirt and I wasnt able to to recognize the last thing. He went out his closet and close the door.

"Here, this might be big for you, but that's the smallest I can find." He said as he hand me the pajama.

"I'll just take a shower and you can change here. Don't worry, there's no cameras inside. Or you can change sa closet, or bedroom if you don't feel like changing here." He said and I slowly nod. He faced his back to me and went to his bathroom. I walk towards another door which is the bedroom he pointed a while ago.

I know his bedroom will be clean and nice just like his living room. His bed is indeed big, maybe a king size with a grey and white bed sheet and comforter. I turned on the aircon before changing into his pajamas. Making sure that the door is locked. I know its impossible for him to finish taking a bath in that short span of time but still, its better safe than sorry.

I fix my jeans and put it on the chair at the side, there's only two pillows that is just perfect for the two of us. I put my hair in a ponytail, opening the door before tucking myself in his bed.

Few minutes later he entered the room the black shorts and white shirt he had a while ago.

"Lets sleep, I'm so damn tired." He said as he tuck himself beside me.

"Anong oras ka giggling if 4am ang first shift mo?" I asked, I look at him and see his eyes closed, while his arm on forehead.

"Bahala na kung anong oras ako magising." Sagot nito at napasimangot ako.

"Fine, but wake me up kapag aalis kana." I said and he only hum in response. I turn to the other side and turn of the lampshade before drifting to sleep. Letting the tiredness take over me.

I woke up with a hint of light hitting my face. Just as I open my eyes and realized that the sun is up, I immediately turn at the other side.

"Jiro its mor.. ning.." My mouth formed a small 'o' as I saw my side empty. I look around the room and noticed the silence. No any hint noise. I slowly get up from bed and exit the bedroom.

"Jiro..?" I called out as I saw no one, maybe he's in the bathroom?

I bitterly chuckled to myself. Of course he have left already, his shift starts at 4am, and its already 8am. I walk towards the table as I noticed a food cover on top.

I saw bacon, sausages and egg and fried rice, beside those is a note saying that he have left and I should heat the food in the  microwave before eating it.

So I did, I heat them up and look inside his fridge. I find a box of fresh milk that is still good to drink. I also noticed that he have a coffee machine here so I made myself my morning coffee.

I'm done heating up the foods so I started eating while scrolling through my social media. I saw Ali posted something on her IG story, its around 1am and its a picture of a clipboard and her stethoscope that I gave her.

I replied to her story since I got a bit curious about the time.

    To Ali_25:
I thought your shift ends at 11pm? Its pass 12 na ah.

I tap my fingers on the table before taking a spoon of rice. She's active in Instagram so I guess she scrolling on her feed as well.

Few minutes later, I hear my phone beeped so I immediately checked if its Ali.

From Ali_25:
Mhmm, hindi na nga ako umuwi.

My brows furrowed after I read her messaged. Is she nuts? Hindi ba siya napapagod? Hindi ba siya napapagod sa kakalakad or kaka check sa pasyente niya? Si Jiro nga.. pagod kagabi, ang bilis nakatulog, tapos siya hindi umuwi.

To Ali_25:
Pero nakatulog ka naman?

From Ali_25:
Oo naman, HAHAHAH gaga ka ba?! Sis pagod naman ako, tinamad lang ako umuwi, pero natulog  naman ako.

I chuckled a bit as I read her message. She just never really changed. Not in a negative way, but she's still the Ali that I know from highschool. She's still jolly and playful. She still message like that, she still expresses her expression well.

From Ali_25:
Mamaya nalang sis, round na muna ako. Byee!

To Ali_25:
Byeee!

I sigh and put down my phone. I grab the plates I used and bring up to the sink before washing them quickly. After I finish washing them, I wipe my hands and grab my phone before rushing back to the bedroom to change back into my pants. I texted Lester and told him to go to my condo and wait for me there.

After I grab my things, I exit Jiro's condo, making sure I locked it and went down to the lobby. I'm not worried that he accidentally use my car because I saw the keys on the table.

I entered my car and started the engene and drive off. It's around 9:15am when I arrived at my condominium building. I rush to my unit and saw Lester and my driver waiting inside.

"Kanina pa kayo?" I asked while removing my shoes. Lester stand up and shake his head.

"Hindi naman, kani-kanina lang." He said and I nod.

"Can you please search for a designer? That's my agenda today, we will search for a designer and hoping we can negotiate with them immediately." I said and he nods.

"Sure maam." He said and I nod before going to my bedroom, I grab a white trouser and white off-shoulder and proceed on taking a shower. It was just a quick one and I didn't bother on taking so much time on taking a bath. We need to search for a designer within today so that we can proceed on the next step of the business.

I entered my bedroom to dry my hair and apply a small amount of make up.

"Lester, may nahanap ka na ba? We can go sa mga agency naman to see if there's an available designer sa kanila." I said when I hear the door opened. I faced his direction and see him smiling.

"Yes ma'am, may nahanap akong agency at may mga designers sila. We can go there when you're done preparing." He said and I nod.

"No problem, I'm done naman na. We can go now, tell the driver to prepare the van." I said and he nod before exiting the bedroom. I grab my Dior purse and exited the bedroom as well. Following the two of them to the lobby.

"The agency is around Pasig so medyo matatagalan tayo." Lester said and I just nod. I know Pasig is kilometers far from Quezon City so I just kept my patience and wait until we reach the agency.

It was quarter to 12pm when we arrived at the said agency. I'm surprised taht Lester immediately booked a meeting with a designer that we will be having a negotiation.

"Good afternoon ma'am, please, sit down. Take a sit." She politely said, I smiled at her and sit down on the chair in front of me.

"Pleasure to meet you maam." She said and I smiled.

"Pleasure to meet you too. I'm Laura Milendez and this is my personal assistant Lester." I introduced and she nod, smiling brightly.

"Yes ma'am, I'm a big fan of yours. That's why I got so excited when I received the email that I prepared all of my designs." She said, handing me three thick clear books.

"I have been designing and making sketches when I was thirteen, thats why I pursued my dream of becoming a designer in college." She said and I slowly nod as I flip the pages of her clear books.

"Your designs are nice, I'm really impressed on how beautiful they are. And some already caught my attention. I think they will match the first theme of the first set of clothes." I said and her eyes widened.

In the end of the negotiation, we signed a three year contract and if we will work well together in that three years, she can sign a longer one.

"Late na ulit tayo mag lunch, nalilipasan ka ng gutom Laura. Baka magkasakit ka niyan." Lester worriedly said as we arrived at my condo with the foods we bought on our way back.

"Its fine, I still take care of my self anyways." I said and he slowly nod before taking out the foods we got from the fast food chain.

"Bakit.. bakit ang dami Laura? Hindi natin mauubos lahat ng ito." He said and I chuckled before shaking my head.

"These two are for my friends sa hospital, I'll be bringing them foods as much as I can." I said and he slowly nod.

"Ikaw siguro ang mom of the group ano? Napaka mapag-alaga mo naman." He said and I chuckled before shaking my head and sitting down on my chair.

"Hindi naman, I just feel like marami akong time na hindi sila nakasama, so now that I'm here, I'll be doing my best to have a bond with them again. Kung pwede nga lang na magkaroon kami ng bahay na amin lang ay gagawin ko." I said before taking a bite of my chicken. I hear Lester almost choke on his food.

"Grabe naman Laura, siyempre nasa kanila din 'yon. Magkakaroon sila ng sarili nilang pamilya at mga anak. Ikaw din! Magkaka-asawa ka at magagandang anak na mana sa mommy nila." He said and I chuckled while shaking my head.

"We are not sure with that." I said and I hear him scoff.

"Walang nakaka-alam ng mangyayari sa future, pero kung gagalaw-galaw tayo at kulitin si destiny, malay natin diba?" He said and I laughed before taking another spoon of rice.

"Well.. maybe, but if that will happen, I want it to be private, no media, and far from cameras. I want to live a normal life na Lester. I'm tired from all the paparazzi all over the place." I said and look up at him, he look at me and pouts.

"Okay, gets ko naman, ako nga na hindi yung model at hamak na PA mo lang ay napapagod, ikaw pa kaya." He said and I nod.

"So hindi mo na talaga tatanggapin yung ibang offer?" He asked and I nod.

"Okay, ito nalang talagang skincare na ito." He said making the both of us laugh. After we ate, I told the two of them that they can go home now and tomorrow,

"We will meet again and my assignment for you is to search for workers naman. Okay? Need na natin ng mga mananahi, I like Ara's designs so we will go with those." I said and Lester nods. The two of them bid goodbye and as they leave, I went to my bedroom and lay down on my bed.

Its just 4pm and I'm planning to go to Ali and Gwen by 5pm, so I just decided to sleep and take a rest.

Around 5:15 I woke up, I just fixed my hair and make up and grab a  small sling bag to put my phone, keys, and wallet and brought the two eco bags on both of my arms and went to the lobby.

I drive to the hospital under the beautiful blue sky. Its almost 6pm when I arrived at the hospital. I had a hard time with the two large bags on my arms but I was able to bring it to Ali's clinic without dropping those.

"Hoy, ang dami ha! Diet ako eh." Ali whine as Gwen take out the foods.

"Edi 'wag kang kumain!" Gwen exclaimed making Ali glare at her.

"Laura..  sobra yung binili mo." She said holding one of the rice meals.

I smiled at her and shake her head, "Its not, this other one is for someone." I said and reach for the extra one she's talking about. The two look at each other before looking at me with  a teasing smile.

"Okay sis, sabi mo eh. Kilala naman na namin yung someone na sinasabi mo. Hindi na kami magtatanong pa." Gwen said and I chuckled before standing up.

"Dalhin ko muna 'to. You two can eat na, busog pa naman ako." I said and the two nods and I exit Ali's clinic and one's again used the elevator to go to the 15th floor where his clinic is at.

I look at my watch as I arrived at his clinic.

"Maybe he's here.. its almost 7pm na eh. Maybe he's round is done." I said before knocking, I heard someone replied and I slightkg tensed up. The door opened and I saw how shock he is.

"Oh.. you're here. May nakalimutan ka ba?" He asked before stepping aside to let me enter. He closed the door and faced me.

I shake my head, "Wala naman, I just.. want to give you this." I said as I hand him the small box. He look at it and reach for it before looking at his table. I followed his gaze and there I saw another box.

"Oh.. may food kana, then.. ahm..you can just-

"I'll still eat it, don't worry. I haven't eaten lunch yet, so this will be my lunch and dinner." He said and my brows furrowed.

"Its pass 5pm, you still haven't eaten lunch? You're a doctor pero pinapabayaan mo sarili mo." I said and he chuckled.

"Then I'm sorry, naging busy lang talaga at nawala na sa isip ko. But promise I won't do it again." He said and I glared at him before nodding.

"But next time, tell me if you're gonna bring me food, okay?" He said and I nod.

"Yes, I will, now I'll be going. Ali and Gwen are waiting for me." I said and he nod, I bid him a goodbye and exit his clinic.

When I entered Ali's clinic, the head of the two snap at me. Both of them looking at me as if there's something...wrong.

"Why? What's wrong?" I nervously ask as I close the door. I sit across Gwen and she handed me her phone.

With a confused look, I look at her phone and read the news article flashed on the screen.

Ali sighed, "Hindi kayo naging maingat kagabi. May nakakita tuloy sa inyo na media."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•