The bridal suite was quiet when Chloe arrived, her clipboard tucked beneath one arm, her other hand carrying fabric swatches. She was early — the meeting with the designer wasn't for another thirty minutes. But she liked arriving before the chaos. It gave her a moment to breathe.
She pushed the door open gently.
"Bella?" she called.
No answer.
She stepped further in, her heels muffled by the plush carpet. The sliding door to the veranda was slightly open, letting in the sound of rustling leaves and distant laughter.
That's when she heard it.
A voice — low, angry.
"Bakit ngayon mo lang sinasabi 'to?"
Maverick.
Chloe's brows furrowed. She moved closer, just enough to peek through the sheer curtains.
Bella stood on the balcony, arms crossed, face flushed. Maverick stood close — too close — his jaw tight.
"Because I had to make a choice," Bella snapped. "And I chose Vince. Alam mo 'yan."
"And now you regret it?" Maverick asked, voice shaking. "Ganun ba 'yon?"
Bella looked away, biting her lip. "It's not about regret. It's about survival. Vince can give me the life I need. You—"
"I loved you first."
Silence.
Chloe's heart pounded.
No.
She took a step back, breath catching.
She shouldn't be hearing this.
She shouldn't be feeling this.
Chloe turned away, willing herself to walk back to the hallway, to pretend none of it happened.
But then she heard it.
A kiss.
Soft. Familiar.
Like something long denied — and suddenly allowed.
She turned, unable to stop herself.
Bella's hand cupped Maverick's cheek. Their foreheads touched. And then...
She kissed him.
Not a peck. Not a mistake.
But a kiss filled with memory and fire.
Chloe's world tilted.
She stepped back too fast, knocking over a glass on the side table. It crashed, shattering the quiet.
Bella pulled away instantly. "Sino—?"
"Chloe," Maverick said grimly, seeing her through the doorway.
Bella followed his gaze. Her face shifted — from shock, to guilt, to icy control in seconds.
"Chloe," she called smoothly, stepping into the room. "You're early."
"I... I was dropping off the swatches," Chloe said, struggling to keep her voice even.
Maverick remained on the balcony, watching silently.
Bella walked toward her like nothing happened. "You look pale. Are you okay?"
Chloe nodded. "I didn't mean to—"
"To overhear?" Bella supplied, a slight smirk playing at her lips.
Chloe swallowed. "None of my business."
Bella tilted her head. "Exactly. So let's not make it one."
The air shifted.
Gone was the warm, laughing bride Chloe had met weeks ago.
In her place stood someone sharper. Colder.
"Just curious," Chloe said, surprising even herself. "Did you choose me as your planner because I was cheap... or because I was easy to manipulate?"
Bella's smile didn't falter. "Neither. I chose you because I wanted someone quiet. Someone who wouldn't ask too many questions."
"Well," Chloe whispered, "I'm starting to have a few."
Bella leaned in slightly, voice low. "Don't let curiosity ruin your career, Chloe. Some stories aren't yours to tell."
Later that evening, Chloe sat with Denise at their favorite café.
She stirred her iced coffee absently, eyes distant.
Denise watched her closely. "Hey. Spill. Something's off."
Chloe hesitated. Then, finally: "I think the bride is in love with the groom's brother."
Denise choked on her drink. "What?!"
"I saw them," Chloe said softly. "Kissing."
Denise leaned in. "Holy crap. Did you tell Vince?"
Chloe shook her head. "No. It's not my place."
"Chlo," Denise said gently, "if this wedding pushes through and he finds out after... you think he'll forgive you for staying quiet?"
Chloe didn't answer.
Because she didn't know.
Back in her apartment, Chloe stared at her reflection.
Cracks.
That's what she saw now. Not on her face — but on the image she'd built of professionalism, detachment, control.
She wasn't supposed to feel this involved.
She wasn't supposed to care.
But Vince had smiled at her like she mattered.
And Bella had kissed someone else.
Chloe pressed a hand to her chest.
Something inside was shifting.
Not just doubt. Not just guilt.
But anger.
Not for herself.
For him.
For Vince.
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BVOSqTCty
36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGgASiH4ut
and then Add to home screen.