Deanara Samaniego’s POV
“You mean to say you are no longer teaching in the university?” Lyuna hysterically asked me.
We were inside the faculty room of the college department. It’s a good thing we are the only ones inside since her voice echoed across the room. I could sense the irritation that was eventually replaced by sadness as she sighed.
“What happened?” She crossed her arms. “You’re not telling me something. You told me you are going to stay with me in this university ‘till the end.” Lyuna pouted.
“You know, I didn’t say that.” I defended myself. “I told you, I am going to stay in your life until we both die, but that doesn’t mean being in the same work.” I clarified.
“It’s just the same. Anyway, why the sudden leave? You still have a year before your contract ends. Are you going to pay for that? That’s a breach of contract.”
“My mother already talked to the Chairman and paid for it.” I sadly replied. “And, so here I am taking all my things.”
I looked around the office that has been my home for years. Honestly, it’s heavy. The sadness was even an understatement and I couldn’t distinguish what I should feel upon knowing that my mother had already talked to the Dean without my knowledge.
I wanted to curse her, but for one second, I thought that she’s my mother. She may be cruel but she warned me about this. She had been telling me to be with her.
How could I make her understand it’s really what I want?
I do love teaching students. It’s my passion and what I want to do for the rest of my life. However, teaching doesn’t seem to like me for I was born to be an architect, managing our multi-millionaire company.
I am not complaining. I am indeed blessed with all these things before I was even born. Yet, this gives me no choice in life. Surely, I am an architect. I am good at it. It’s innate. But, outside that, I also want a life where I was the one who chose what I wanted to be.
“You cannot really do something if it’s your mother, right?”
I nodded and smiled a bit.
“She’s my mother.”
“So, are you going to leave and stay in Spain for good?” She hugged me. “Ugh! I hate you! You are going to leave me.”
I hugged her back.
“I am not going to leave you, Lyuna. I am still your best friend.”
She wiped her tears and pouted. “You’ll be miles away.”
“Don’t overthink. Okay? I am trying to talk to my mother.” I said and returned to packing my things until there was no one left.
“Let’s go. You need to go back to your office and I need to see my mother.”
“Do you have anything else to say to me?” She asked as she opened the door since I was carrying the box full of my things.
“Uh. What do you mean?”
“I felt like you have a problem and you aren’t telling me.”
“No! I am really fine.” I lied as I no longer want to bother her. I will settle my issues on my own.
“I am here if you want something to talk to.”
I nodded. “I know.”
She smiled. “I’ll see you home, okay?”
“Yeah. Take care!”
I waited for her to disappear in my sight before walking away. I decided to roam around the university first before heading back home. I would surely miss this place. I enjoyed my years here and it was really fulfilling.
Now, I have to face the reality that I am not just a random simple girl. I have a name to take good care of and a family who gives me responsibilities hoping I’d be the best.
I wish I could be the best, right now, I am just someone lost in the middle of crossroads, not knowing what to do.
After taking some pictures for remembrance and talking to my former students, I left the place and waited for a bus near the university. I didn’t drive because I wanted to experience the joy of commuting one last time because after this, I would no longer be able to do it.
I am sure after this a lot of people would know me and pay attention to whatever I do most especially my mistakes. I am praying that my mother will not do something before I could even agree.
I still need to tell it to Gray and I am doing anything for me not to tell him about my marriage with Mattel. I am preventing it. Ugh! I hope Mattel would not dare announce it. I didn’t even say yes to that.
As I waited for a bus, a BMW stopped in front of me. I memorized all the cars and plate numbers of Gray. That is why I know it wasn’t him. And, he told me he would be visiting the site.
I was right. It wasn't Gray. It was Ethan.
"How did you know I was here?" I immediately asked him when he opened the window.
"Hop in!" He offered.
"Where are we going?" I raised my brow. "I want to ride on a bus."
"Really or because Gray told you not to talk to me?" He frowned.
"Why not tell your girlfriend not to talk to my boyfriend?" I fired back.
Ethan rolled his eyes. "Come on! I need your help. Lyuna told me you are here. Isn't it meant to be that you'll ride me because if not, then you have probably been in a bus now."
I hissed as I turned to the other side and opened the door. Of course, I don't want to cause any more traffic between the vehicles.
"What is it now?" I asked as I placed the box on the back seat and he drove away.
"I want to buy a ring. I need your help."
I raised my brow. "Do you think I am a jewelry shop?"
"I think you're the best person to ask. I like your taste."
"Vivian doesn't like my taste." I scowled and turned to the road.
I don't hate Vivian, but it doesn't mean I like her. Like, duh! I would never forget how she flirted with Gray even if she's already with Ethan.
"What makes you say that?" Ethan teased. "You both liked Gray and even me for I know you also liked me before."
I clicked my tongue.
"You are assuming."
Ethan chuckled.
"Gray told me to ask you."
"WHAT?" I raised my voice. "Gray told you to ask me what ring you should buy for Vivian? Is he kidding me?"
What is Gray thinking? Does he expect me to talk to Vivian and ask or even make an effort for Vivian? Is he crazy? It made me think that there's still something going on between them.
"Well, not directly. He just told me the only person I want to know what her preferred ring would be is Deanara."
My anger towards Gray instantly faded. Good thing, Ethan cleared it for I will really tell Gray about it. I cannot believe he would ask me for Vivian's ring.
"So, you assumed I'd help you?"
"Sort of."
I rolled my eyes.
"I don't want to." I joked.
"I'll treat you anything you want." He offered.
"I don't need anything." I firmly said.
"I'll give you a picture of Gray when he was a kid."
"Really?" I grinned.
"Yeah." He nodded.
"Why didn't you say that earlier?" I excitedly said. "I want the cutest one."
"I want the best ring for Vivian. Something she would really love."
"Oh. Consider it done." I grinned.
"Deal."
Ethan smiled.
He opened the radio and to my dismay, Mattel was being interviewed on the radio. Ethan turned to me when he noticed my expression.
"Did you already talk to Mattel?”
“Yeah.”
“How was it?”
I ignored Ethan’s question when the DJ asked him something that caught my attention.
“A lot of people want to know if you and Shainaia are still together.”
Shainaia’s the model and actress that I mentioned earlier. His fake girlfriend or I don’t know what really happened to them.
“Honestly, we never really become a couple.”
My jaw dropped.
Ethan suddenly stopped from driving as he was also shocked as Mattel told the truth about them. Is he kidding? That could ruin his career? That’s a scandal. What is this? Another tactic or strategy because of his concert?
“Is he trying to ruin his career?” Ethan asked.
No. He is trying to tell the whole truth and it made me nervous for I know what could be the next.
“What do you mean by that?” The DJ asked.
“Well...that’s a long story, but you’ll know soon who truly got my heart.”
“Oh. That’s interesting. I’ll bet a lot media are now looking forward to interview you.”
“That’s all I can say now.”
“But, can you tell us her name?” The DJ asked. “We want to know even just the name.”
Mattel chuckled.
And, my world stopped when he mentioned my name to the whole world.
“Louisana Samaniego.”