The Billionaire's Daughter (Valeria Series 1)

TBD 12

"Whoo!" my friends cheered as we entered the bar.

"Did you see the person with the short dress, dude?" Sabi ni Red.

"Yeah, that's Yuna, isn't it?"

"Is she still a virgin, dude? She's so daring." Lahat kami ay napailing Kay Zach.

"What?"

"I really don't know. All I know is she isn't anymore. They say she's been with many guys, but I don't know if it's true." Nash said.

"Really? But isn't she closely guarded by her brother, Leo Madrid? And her best friend, who was it again? Tyron?" Rex asked.

"Tyler, you idiot!"

"What the heck?" they all cursed.

They were all surprised when Yuna pulled off her dress and began dancing while only wearing a bra and underwear. Does she realize how risky her actions are? Does she understand the danger of being nearly naked here, in a bar? She could be sexually assaulted or, worst-case scenario, fall victim to drugs.

"Is she really that wild? Damn!" Zach joked to Rex.

"Wait, where's Nash?"

"That idiot found a girl already."

He was sitting next to a fair-skinned girl wearing similarly revealing clothes.

"Let's go. Let's approach them."

"Hey Nash! Introduce us to the beautiful miss."

"It's Suzy, guys."

She smiled and waved.

"Hi! I'm Suzy Valeria." I turned to face her when I heard her last name.

"Are you related to Hannah Valeria?"

I could feel my friends' puzzled gazes, but my focus remained on Suzy, who furrowed her brow before smiling.

"Yeah... she's my sister."

I felt a surge of annoyance as she laughed.

"There's nothing funny about my question bitch," I said sharply. She stopped laughing, her eyes widening. I also heard my friends take sharp intakes of breath before I turned and walked away.

I could hear Zach apologizing to them.

Tss... why are they even apologizing when I'm the one who said it? I have no intention of apologizing for what I said.

"Hey dude! Why did you call Suzy a bitch?"

"I don't know, dude. I just started feeling this way after—" I remembered reading Hannah's diary.

"After?" he raised an eyebrow.

I sighed and grabbed my car keys.

"Nothing. Come on. I'm heading home."

"Alright dude. I really think you need a rest. I'll take care of Nash."

I thanked Rex before leaving.

As I entered my room, I collapsed onto my bed, clutching Hannah's diary.

I don't know what came over me earlier. But seeing her sister smile made me remember Merida's voice and what I read in Hannah's diary.

Suddenly, my vision darkened.

Because while Hannah was struggling, their treatment towards her sister was the opposite.

They're so strict with Hannah and yet?

It's so unfair!

And if you look at Hannah, you wouldn't even notice what she's going through.

"Waaaaaaah Hannah!!!" My attention immediately shifted to Merida because of her scream.

"Are you okay? Why are you wearing shades?"

"I have sore eyes."

"Is that so?"

He just shook his head at Hannah's excuse. And at Merida's foolishness, oh dear!

Hannah sat down wearily next to me. Merida followed and sat beside her.

"Aren't you going to eat, Hannah?"

"Nope... I need to study."

"I'll just bring you a sandwich or burger, fries?"

"Sandwich is fine."

"Okay..."

She ran her fingers through her long hair and took a deep breath. You could see the fatigue and sleeplessness in her eyes.

"Aren't you getting tired?" She paused from writing and looked at me.

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't pressure yourself, Hannah, take a break."

"Uhm... n-no, I can't. Our exams are coming up. I need to study." She weakly replied, trying to regain composure from her trance.

"You can do it! You got this! It's a piece of cake for you."

"Oh, there you go! You're smiling now. Thank goodness. Gosh! You looked like you lost someone with how long your face was."

"Sira, hahaha."

"Fish."

"Ang corny mo, Blade!"

And the room was filled with laughter.

As Merida hands me a sandwich, Blade leans in with a mischievous grin. "You know, Hannah, you should take a break. You can't survive on that alone."

I chuckled, taking a grateful bite of the sandwich. "I appreciate the concern, Blade, but I've got to keep pushing through. These exams won't pass themselves."

Merida chimes in, her voice warm with empathy. "I get it, Hannah, but remember, even the sharpest swords need a moment to rest."

I nodded, a hint of exhaustion in my eyes softening. "Thanks, guys. I'll take a break soon, I promise. But for now, I really need to finish this one."

Merida and Blade secretly eyed each other, their gazes fleeting yet laden with unspoken questions.

"Blade, I forgot to buy drinks for Hannah. Can you go and buy one?" Blade immediately agreed and left the room.

"Do you like Blade?" I stopped writing and furrowed my brows, looking at Merida.

"Why?" I asked, trying to act calm.

"Gusto mo ba siya?" Merida replied with a smirk.

I didn't say anything, but Merida laughed.

"You don't need to answer; your ears are very red." I frustratingly combed my hair.

"Shut up!"

"So what do you think of Blade?" Merida pressed, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"Well, he's really nice. I love how he cares for me and is always there when I need him," I admitted, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks.

Merida nodded thoughtfully, her expression unreadable. "He's certainly a good friend to have," she remarked, glancing out the window.

Caught in Merida's gaze, I couldn't hold back the truth any longer. "I think I might like him more than just a friend," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Merida's eyes widened in surprise before she flashed me a knowing smile. "Well, Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Maybe it's time to let him know how you feel," she suggested, her words sparking a flurry of emotions within me.

With newfound determination, I made a mental note to gather the courage to share my feelings with Blade before Valentine's Day arrived. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mingled with anticipation for what the future held.