Morning — Vera Tower, Penthouse Level, Makati
The elevator doors opened with a subtle ding to reveal the top floor of the iconic Vera Tower. From the scent of tuberose and cedar oil wafting through the air vents to the quiet click of Italian marble tiles, everything screamed money — old, generational, and unapologetically elite.
Jade Vera, in a tailored Max Mara pantsuit and cream Louboutin heels, walked in like she owned the sky.
Because she did.
Jade (to Elise, her assistant):
"Any calls?"
Elise:
"Tatlong investors po ang nag-follow up about the Green Estate project. Also, Ma'am Olivia confirmed Sunday brunch with the family."
Jade:
"Perfect. Tag me in for the pitch presentation later. And Elise..."
Elise:
"Yes, Ma'am?"
Jade:
"Book me a slot sa wellness spa tonight. Full body massage. Yung full-on reset. After... everything."
Elise (smiling):
"Got it, Ma'am. I'll book your usual therapist — si Arlene. Gusto n'yang makabalik since your last birthday trip."
Jade nodded slightly, eyes drifting to the towering glass wall that looked over the Manila skyline. Something inside her was buzzing. A quiet hum. A warning? Or a call?
Midtown Private Hospital, BGC
Dr. Chase Miller adjusted his stethoscope as he reviewed a patient chart. The morning shift was in full swing, nurses rushing in and out of rooms, monitors beeping in rhythm.
Chase:
"What's the update on Clara Virelles?"
Nurse Jonah:
"Stable po. But she was distressed this morning. Kept muttering names. Isa na ro'n si Jade."
Chase (sharply):
"Jade? As in Jade Vera?"
Jonah:
"Yes, sir. She said... 'Tell Jade it's not over yet.' Paulit-ulit."
Chase's fingers tightened around the chart. He said nothing. Just nodded, eyes shadowed.
Lunch — Solara Club, Forbes Park
The Solara Club was the playground of the ultra-rich — gold-trimmed teacups, vertical gardens, private chefs flown in from Tokyo and Tuscany. Only members could book the rooftop dining lounge.
Jade arrived early, accompanied by Elle, who wore oversized sunglasses and a black silk slip dress like it was just another Wednesday.
Elle:
"So... this is a date, right?"
Jade:
"It's just lunch."
Elle:
"Lunch. With the surgeon na pinag-uusapan ng buong Manila Medical circle. Jade. Come on."
Jade (smiling slightly):
"He's... different."
Then he arrived. Chase, in a navy linen shirt, sleeves rolled just enough, no tie. Clean. Grounded. Dangerous.
Chase:
"Hope I'm not too early."
Elle (grinning):
"Perfect timing, Doc. Jade was just about to order champagne and cry about you."
Jade (deadpan):
"Elle, behave."
They shared lunch. Laughter. Light stories. No mention of Clara. Or fate. Or scars. Just food and stolen glances that said more than words.
YOU ARE READING
The One I Cannot Touch
Romance"How do you love someone who carries the heart of the man you already lost?" Jade Celestine Vera is rich, guarded, and grieving - still haunted by the death of her fiancé five years ago. Dr. Chase Alexander Miller is Manila's top trauma surgeon, sav...
