Y/n Pov
She stepped closer, her presence almost overwhelming as she stopped just a few feet away. Her eyes held a mix of frustration and something deeper, something I couldn't quite place. The tension between us was palpable, and I could sense that whatever she was about to say wasn't going to be easy.
"I need you to stop this," she began, her voice low but firm. There was an edge to her tone that made my heart skip a beat. "Whatever's happening between you and Aiah... it needs to end."
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I blinked, trying to process what she was saying, but the confusion must have shown on my face because she quickly continued.
"My friend Mikha told me about you and Aiah," she said, her voice softening slightly, though the urgency remained. "And I'm telling you, Kasi it's going to get complicated—more complicated than you realize. Itigil mo na to before it's too late."
I could feel anger bubbling up inside me, my patience wearing thin. "And why do you care?" I snapped. "What does it matter to you? You're not exactly the relationship expert here, Gwen. You and Sheena barely have anything real between you, yet you're telling me what to do?"
Her eyes narrowed, but I could see the flash of hurt behind them. "This isn't about me and Sheena," she said, her voice tight. "It's about you and Aiah, anong mangyayari pag nalaman to ng parents mo?. They own this hospital, Y/n. They have power, influence—and if they knew about you two, it could ruin everything. Nag-aalala ako sayo."
"Nag-aalala ka sakin?" I let out a bitter laugh. "You're just worried about your precious business deal, about keeping up appearances. Don't pretend this is about me."
Gwen's jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought she might lash out. But instead, she took a deep breath, her eyes hardening. "Hindi mo naiintindihan, Y/n. I'm trying to protect you, whether you want it or not. But if you don't care, fine. Just remember that this isn't just about you anymore."
Before Gwen could leave, the door opened, and my parents walked in. My mom's eyes widened in surprise at seeing Gwen. "Gwen? Iha What are you doing here?"
My dad stepped forward, his expression serious. "Y/n, we need to talk."
I turned to them, stunned. "Mom, Dad? What's going on?"
Dad took a deep breath, his face resolute. "We've made a decision. Once you're fully recovered, you and Gwen will be getting married."
I stared at him, the words not fully registering. "Married? But why?"
Mom glanced at Gwen before focusing on me. "This marriage is a strategic decision. It's important for both our families and their business interests."
Dad stepped forward, his gaze firm but his tone surprisingly gentle. "Y/n, you'll need to change into something more formal. We have a dinner meeting with Gwen's family to discuss the marriage details."
I blinked, caught off guard. "Tonight?"
Dad nodded. "Yes, and don't worry about your condition. I'll make sure Dr. Vergara is available to attend the dinner, just in case anything comes up."
I didn't say anything, just nodded in response.
Mom looked between us, her concern evident. "Are you two really okay?"
Gwen immediately stepped in, her tone soft and reassuring. "Yes, Mrs Y/L/N we're fine. Just a little disagreement, but nothing serious." She reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face with a tender touch, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary.
I echoed Gwen's sentiment, forcing a smile. "We're good. Just a couple of arguments, but it's all sorted." I rested my hand briefly on Gwen's arm, playing along with the charade of our unity.
Mom and Dad seemed satisfied with our responses. They exchanged a glance, a mix of relief and satisfaction in their eyes. "Alright then. Enjoy your evening," Dad said, his voice carrying a hint of teasing. "Make the most of your time together."
As they left, Gwen gave me a soft, reassuring smile, her hand finding mine briefly before she pulled away. "Let's get ready," she said gently.
I nodded, playing along with the pretense of normalcy as we prepared for the evening ahead.
Once the door closed behind my parents, Gwen's smile faded. She turned to me, her expression shifting to one of frustration. "I can't believe this is happening," she said, her voice low and tight.
I sighed, feeling the tension between us. "Yeah, neither can I. But we have to get through tonight."
Gwen's eyes narrowed, clearly still upset. "We need to figure out what to do. Ayoko na magpanggap."
I nodded in agreement, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in my chest. "Let's just get through tonight. We'll figure it out."
With that, we both fell silent, the pretense of sweetness quickly dropping as we faced the reality of our situation.
---
As we stepped into Gwen's parents' house, the unexpected sight of a full-blown dinner party took us by surprise. The room was bustling with guests, and the air was filled with lively chatter and the clinking of glasses. Gwen's parents were among the crowd, greeting the guests with warm smiles and outstretched hands.
Gwen, sensing the need to put on a show, immediately slipped into a role of affectionate attentiveness. She kept her hand firmly clasped in mine, guiding me through the sea of guests. Her gestures were exaggeratedly sweet—occasional touches on my arm, gentle guiding of my elbow, and an almost continuous stream of endearing smiles and soft words.
I played along, matching her act with my own practiced smile and affectionate nods. It was clear that we were both trying to project an image of a happily engaged couple, despite the strain beneath the surface.
Dr. Vergara, ever the professional, kept a low profile amidst the crowd. She mingled politely but stayed observant, her presence a silent support in the background.
As we moved through the party, Gwen's parents greeted us with enthusiastic approval, their eyes scanning us for any sign of discord. Gwen, ever the performer, leaned in close to me, her voice low but sweet as she whispered, "Just a bit longer, okay? We'll get through this."
I nodded, returning her smile with a practiced warmth. The evening was an intricate dance of appearances, and while Gwen and I maintained our roles, the underlying tension remained.
The evening progressed with guests mingling and laughter echoing through the grand house. Gwen and I were eventually summoned to join our parents, who had gathered around a beautifully set dining table.
Gwen's mother, a poised woman with an air of sophistication, welcomed us with a warm smile. "Y/n, Gwen, come join us," she said, motioning to the empty seats next to her and Gwen's father.
As we settled into our seats, the conversation naturally shifted to more personal topics. Gwen's mother looked at me with a gentle curiosity. "Y/n, have you and Gwen thought about starting a family together?" she asked, her tone laced with genuine interest.
I glanced at Gwen, catching the briefest flicker of surprise in her eyes. Playing along with the charade, I turned back to Gwen's mother with a polite smile. "We haven't really discussed it in detail yet. What do you think, Honey?" I asked, feigning casualness.
Gwen's smile was a touch strained, but she maintained her composure. "We've talked about it," she said, her tone diplomatic. "But we're still focusing on our careers and getting things settled."
Gwen's mother smiled understandingly, but before she could respond further, my mom chimed in with an eager tone. "Well, I must say, I'm looking forward to having grandchildren. It feels like the perfect time for our families to grow even closer."
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and she glanced between Gwen and me. "I'm not getting any younger, you know. I'd love to see both a grandson and a granddaughter soon."
Gwen and I exchanged an uncomfortable glance, the weight of our parents' expectations suddenly feeling more pressing. Gwen gave a strained smile and nodded, trying to keep the conversation light. "Pag-uusapan pa namin yan tita ni Y/n in the future. For now, we're both focused on our careers and making sure everything is in place."
I forced a smile, nodding along with Gwen's response, though my thoughts were far from the cheerful veneer we were presenting. The conversation shifted as the dinner continued, but the pressure to meet expectations hung in the air, an unspoken challenge that we would have to address sooner or later.
---
Aiah's Pov
Lying in bed, I stared at the ceiling, my mind spinning with restless thoughts. The book I'd been reading now lay forgotten beside me, its words overshadowed by the unease gnawing at my insides. The conversation I'd overheard about the experiment and the cryptic exchanges between Dr. Vergara and the others replayed in my mind like a broken record.
But it wasn't just the experiment that kept me awake. I couldn't shake the memory of the moment Y/n and I had almost kissed. The way our faces had been so close, the electric tension between us—it felt like a promise unfulfilled. The thought of that almost-kiss, combined with the worry for Y/n, created a storm of anxiety that I couldn't escape.
I tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position, but the weight of my thoughts made it impossible. The idea of Y/n being involved in something so dangerous was unsettling, and the memory of our nearly shared kiss only added to my frustration.
I finally managed to get comfortable enough to drift off, but just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard the door creak open. I assumed it was the nurse coming to check on me, but then I felt a warm, tender hand gently holding mine.
Startled, I jolted upright, my heart pounding as I squinted into the darkness. My mind raced with fear, and for a moment, I thought a ghost was touching me. My breath hitched in my throat, and I slowly turned my head, trying to see through the dimness.
To my shock, I saw Y/n standing there, dressed in a formal outfit that I hadn't seen before. The elegance of her attire contrasted sharply with her usual casual clothes, making her look almost ethereal in the dim light. My breath caught in my throat again, but this time for a different reason.
"Y/n?" I whispered, my voice trembling. My mind struggled to comprehend why she was here and why she looked so stunning. I couldn't help but stare, completely star-struck by how different and mesmerizing she appeared. It was as if she'd stepped out of a dream, and for a moment, I couldn't believe she was real.
Still feeling a bit dazed, I blinked up at Y/n, trying to steady my racing heart. Her presence was overwhelming in the quiet room, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Bakit ka nandito?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper. The question hung in the air between us, the intimacy of the moment making everything else seem distant and unimportant.
As Y/n moved closer, my heart pounded so loudly I was sure she could hear it. The air between us felt charged, thick with something I couldn't quite name. When she perched gently on the edge of my bed, I had to remind myself to breathe.
My eyes traced every detail of her face—the way her hair fell slightly out of place, the warmth in her eyes, the way she looked at me with something that made my stomach flutter. I could smell the faint scent of alcohol on her breath, mixed with something uniquely Y/n. It was intoxicating.
She reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, her touch sending shivers down my spine. "I missed you," she whispered, her voice soft and sincere, wrapping around me like a warm embrace.
My heart skipped a beat. All I could do was stare up at her, completely lost in the moment. The world around us seemed to fade, leaving just the two of us in this small, intimate space. I could feel the heat radiating off her as she leaned in closer, every inch of space between us disappearing.
Y/n's face was so close now that I could feel her breath on my lips. My eyes fluttered closed as the anticipation built, my pulse racing in my ears. She paused, our noses almost touching, and for a moment, time seemed to stop. Then, slowly, Y/n closed the distance.
The first brush of her lips against mine was soft, tentative, as if we were both afraid the moment might break. But when she kissed me again, it was deeper, more certain. The warmth of her lips, the gentle pressure as she cupped my cheek, made my heart swell with emotions I couldn't quite name.
I melted into the kiss, my hands finding their way to her shoulders, needing something to hold onto as the world spun around us. Everything else fell away—there was no hospital room, no worries, no fears. Just Y/n and the way her kiss made me feel alive in a way I hadn't felt before.
When she finally pulled away, our foreheads rested against each other, our breaths mingling in the quiet space between us. I kept my eyes closed, not ready to let go of the closeness, the warmth that seemed to linger in the air. My heart was still racing, my thoughts swirling in the aftermath of what had just happened.
When I finally opened my eyes, Y/n was looking at me with an intensity that sent another wave of warmth through me. It was like she could see right through me, past all the walls I'd built up, and straight into the heart of who I was. And for once, I didn't mind being seen.
As Y/n's gaze remained locked on mine, something shifted within me. The vulnerability and intensity of our moment filled me with a newfound courage. I was no longer content to simply bask in her affection; I wanted to show her just how much she meant to me.
With a deep breath, I moved with deliberate slowness, shifting my weight so l was sit on Y/n's lap. Her eyes widened in surprise, but the warmth in her gaze remained unwavering. It felt daring, exhilarating, to be this close, to feel her heart beating beneath my own.
I could see the soft curve of her lips inviting me closer. The scent of her—a subtle blend of perfume and something more intoxicating- filled my senses as I leaned in. The room seemed to shrink around us, leaving only the space between our lips.
As I hovered just inches from her, I could feel the electric tension crackling in the air. My heart pounded with anticipation, and my breaths came in shallow, uneven gasps. Y/n's hands rested lightly on my hips, grounding me as I finally closed the gap between us.
When our lips met, the kiss was a bold declaration. It was soft at first, tender and exploratory, but quickly deepened into something more passionate. My hands slid up to her shoulders, pulling her closer as the kiss grew more urgent, more desperate. I could feel her responding in kind, her lips moving with a fervor that matched my own.
The sensation of her kiss was intoxicating, each touch sending shivers down my spine. I felt like I was falling, but not in the way that scared me-falling into a place where everything made sense, where the chaos of the world outside melted away.
Y/n's grip tightened around me, her kiss growing more fervent as she tilted her head to deepen the connection. The warmth of her body against mine, the way her hands cradled me, made me feel cherished in a way I'd never experienced before.
As we finally pulled away, breathless and flushed, our foreheads rested together once more. I kept my eyes closed for a moment, savoring the closeness, the unspoken bond that had been forged between us. The kiss had been a bold move, but it had felt right-more right than anything else ever had.
When I opened my eyes, Y/n's expression was one of pure contentment, her lips curling into a soft, satisfied smile. I couldn't help but return her smile, my heart full and my mind racing with the possibilities of what this moment meant for us.
As we lingered in the tender afterglow of our kiss, Y/n's breath tickled my ear. Her voice was a whisper, soft and intimate. "Aiah," she murmured, her tone filled with gentle urgency. "Wake up."
The words were unexpected, sending a jolt through me. My eyes fluttered open, and I realized with a start that I was still lying in bed. The warm, comforting embrace of Y/n was just a fleeting dream, and the reality of the hospital room began to solidify around me.
I blinked, disoriented, as the vividness of the dream slowly faded. Y/n's voice was a lingering echo, and I was left with the sweet ache of her touch and the memory of our kiss.
As the dream dissolved into the stark reality of the hospital room, I couldn't help but curse myself under my breath. "Damn it, Aiah," I muttered, frustrated with my own longing. "Why'd you have to dream about that?"
As the dream faded away, I sat up abruptly, my heart still racing. I couldn't shake the lingering sensation of Y/n's kiss, so vivid it felt like it had actually happened. "Why did it feel so real?" I questioned aloud, my voice trembling with confusion and frustration. "Why does it have to be just a dream?"
The intensity of the kiss, the warmth of her touch—it all felt so tangible. I ran my fingers through my hair, feeling the sting of disappointment. The vividness of the dream was almost too much to bear, and I couldn't help but wonder why my mind had conjured such a powerful illusion.