My whole life, I’ve never thought about anyone else but other people — the people around me. There was never any space in my mind for myself. Not even once did I voice out my own questions. I always kept everything to myself and never received any answers.
I know they never forced me to love and value them, but isn’t it true that it’s not a good enough reason to hurt me? It’s not a good enough reason to use me and take advantage of my love.
All I ever did was love and value them while all they ever did was use and take advantage of me. To sacrifice me for others and discard me afterward.
I’m tired now — tired of just accepting it. I want to do something for myself, and this is the beginning of that. I won’t allow myself to feel unimportant anymore. Even if it’s not for them, at least for myself now.
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We arrived at the venue five minutes before the show started. One of the event staff immediately greeted me and led me to the waiting area. The band was already there, along with Samantha — who couldn’t believe I was here.
Xavier was about to approach me, but one of their men blocked his way. He looked at me in shock, but I stared back at him with no emotion.
“The bitch is here, why? Suddenly coming back to Xav after realizing my cousin doesn’t really like you?” Samantha sneered, unable to get near because of the bodyguards at my side.
I raised an eyebrow and turned to Samantha, who was looking at me dramatically. I adjusted my seat and smirked at her, my anger toward her only growing stronger with every worthless word she spoke.
“No actually — I’m here to announce my relationship with your ex,” I said, full of mockery. She immediately got angry and was about to come at me if the bodyguards hadn’t stopped her.
I laughed sarcastically and gave her a look from head to toe, still feeling the heat of my anger.
“You know what, Samantha? You better spray some perfume on your attitude and hope it makes you a better person. Who knows — maybe the fragrance will rub off on your character, and Uncle Felipe might finally like you for his son. So you won’t feel so insecure every time we’re in the same room.”
I stood up and walked over to the event organizer who was calling us up to the stage reserved for the six of us. The event was about to begin.
Even if I’m hurting… even if I’m completely shattered right now — I won’t let any of you see me crumble. I might not be able to erase all the pain you’ve caused me, but I’ll never again let you see me fall apart. I might be weak, but not in front of you — never again.
Samantha went out first, followed by Xavier’s bandmates. I was told to go onstage after Xavier. I had already spoken to the event management about my reason for coming here, and I’m glad they understood me. They even asked if I’d prefer to hold my own press conference so I wouldn’t have to be here, but I declined. I’m not a celebrity or a public figure — I don’t need that. Besides, it could only cause more trouble, so it’s better to settle everything here.
The event began, and of course, they prioritized the main purpose of the interview. Almost all the early questions revolved around the band and their album. They really did rise to fame so quickly. Then, the next set of questions was directed at Samantha — about how she met the band and what made her decide to manage them.
“So Miss Samantha, how did you meet Command? Are they your friends, or did you just discover them?” asked one of the article writers. Sam flashed a big smile as she began to answer.
“I knew them even before — college days, I guess? I personally know their lead vocalist. Xavier is really close to me,” she added, turning to glance at me as she said those last words. I gave her a blank, emotionless stare.
To be honest, out of everyone here — even including Lucas, wherever he might be right now — I don’t care about any of them anymore. From now on, I’ll be choosing myself.
“Vy, you can still change your mind,” Xavier whispered to me. I turned to him and stared him down.
I never thought things would end up like this. I never imagined that loving Xavier would bring me so much pain. And even more, I didn’t know that once I finally stopped loving him, an even deeper hurt would come from the next person I’d fall for.
“Enough, Xavier. You can’t change my decision anymore.”
I whispered it too, so we wouldn’t draw any attention. I didn’t want to stay here any longer than necessary. As soon as the questions meant for me were done, I planned to leave immediately — whether they were finished or not. That’s the only reason I came here; there’s no reason for me to stay once it’s done.
“Wow, so you two are really that close? Amazing friendship,” commented a flamboyant writer as he eagerly questioned Samantha.
“Thank you,” Samantha answered proudly.
Then, a new writer turned to Xavier and smiled before asking, “Good afternoon again, Mr. Xavier. I just want to ask — who is the girl beside you?”
I straightened up in my seat, and Xavier did too. This was the moment I’d been waiting for. And just as I planned — if Xavier didn’t tell the truth, I would.
He cleared his throat and clenched his jaw. He looked tense and worried.
“She’s Veronica Berdin,” he finally answered.