The alluring beauty with the darkness inside
The room is bathed in soft, warm hues of pink - velvet cushions, satin sheets, and delicate curtains that catch the fading light. The woman, draped in sheer pink lingerie, lounges effortlessly on the bed, her figure enticingly framed by the cozy, feminine surroundings. Her face remains hidden in shadow, only her lips curled into a faint, mischievous smile.
Her fingers glide languidly across the screen of her phone, stopping deliberately on Dominic's picture. She lingers there, her breath steady but heavy with desire.
"Hmmm... Hmmm... Hmmm…" she hums playfully, her voice soft yet laced with a dangerous edge. "Dominic, I want you..." The words drip from her lips, intimate yet possessive, as her thumb caresses his face on the screen.
In this moment, she is the embodiment of temptation - an alluring figure cloaked in mystery, her intentions as veiled as the face she keeps hidden. And yet, behind the flirty voice and the elegant surroundings, something darker lingers, waiting to be revealed.
Who is this lady?
Meanwhile, at the sprawling mansion, sunlight poured through the tall glass windows, casting long, golden rays across the floor. Yet, despite the brightness, the house remained eerily still. Each of the gentlemen, scattered in their separate rooms, lay heavily in their beds, as if weighed down by the exhaustion of the night before. The remnants of stress and fatigue clung to them, their bodies resisting the morning's call.
Kriiiiinggggg!!! The sharp trill of alarms had been ringing for minutes, echoing through the halls, yet none stirred. The men, one by one, remained entangled in their sheets, ignoring the world outside. Time pressed forward relentlessly, the clock now edging closer to 7:00 AM - just minutes left before they were supposed to rise, prepare, and face the day.
It was still a school day, but not a single one of them seemed to care, lost in their slumber, unaware that the morning was slipping through their fingers.
Knock, knock, knock…The nanny had gently rapped on each door, her soft knocks echoing through the mansion like a distant call to arms, but all remained silent. Minutes stretched into nearly an hour, and the boys continued to slumber, wrapped in their dreams.
Finally, the tranquility of the morning was broken as they stirred, bleary-eyed and disoriented, emerging from the embrace of their beds. With a sudden rush of urgency, they scrambled to dress, their movements a chaotic ballet of shirts and ties, sneakers and backpacks.
In a flurry of activity, they raced down the grand staircase, their laughter and banter filling the air as they dashed toward the waiting car. The chauffeur, accustomed to their hurried antics, revved the engine, ready to whisk them away.
As they sped down the tree-lined streets, the world blurred by in a whirlwind of colors and sounds, the ticking clock a constant reminder of their tardiness. When they finally arrived at school, the vibrant sounds of laughter and chatter greeted them; it was recess time.
They tumbled out of the car, breathless and wide-eyed, already missing the morning's peaceful stillness. Now, the bustling schoolyard beckoned, and the promise of adventure awaited just beyond the gates.
"You are all absent in my class!!!" The Montenegro brothers stood in Mr. Solitario's office, having been summoned to explain their behavior. Mr. Solitario, their subject teacher who only taught them from 8:30 to 9:30 in the morning, seemed far more concerned about their tardiness than their adviser ever was.
Behind the closed doors of his office, a transparent glass window provided a glimpse into the turmoil within. Though the specifics of their conversation were muffled, Mr. Solitario's frustration was palpable, etched across his face in a fierce scowl. For nearly thirty minutes, the air was thick with tension as he expressed his anger, his words tumbling forth in a rush of indignation, while other confidential discussions lingered in the shadows.
What could possibly provoke such rage from Mr. Solitario? Was their absence truly the only issue, or was there something deeper at play?
Just as the four brothers were about to exit the building, a soft, sweet voice called out to them. "Hello, boys…Hi, Mr. Adrian Dominic," the girl said, her gaze fixed on him. The three brothers exchanged glances, each coughing awkwardly while nudging Dominic forward, encouraging him to step closer to her.
"Uh, h-hey. L-let's go," Dominic stammered, trying to ignore the beautiful lady before him. She had an alluring face framed by a ponytail, and though she sensed his reluctance, she maintained her composure. Determination flickered in her eyes; she wasn't about to let him slip away so easily. "Good morning, Miss Villanueva. Sorry, but we need to go. We have some outputs to finish," Dominic explained.
"Miss Brigette Pearl Villanueva!" Another voice, more forceful, interrupted. "Yes…" Brigette answered politely with a smile. "Do I know you? An autograph?"
This lady is Brigette Pearl Villanueva, known simply as Brigette by many, and referred to as Miss BCA by others after winning the pageant the previous school year. She stands out with her radiant beauty, characterized by a flawless complexion that glows even under the harshest lights. Her long, silky golden hair cascades down her back in soft waves, often styled in a high ponytail that accentuates her elegant neck and graceful posture. With striking almond-shaped eyes that shimmer with determination and kindness, she captivates those around her. Her well-defined cheekbones and a warm, genuine smile give her an approachable aura. Brigette's fashion sense is impeccable; she dresses in a blend of trendy and classic styles that highlight her figure while maintaining a sense of modesty. Whether in her school uniform or a glamorous gown, she carries herself with confidence.
She is quite popular at school, with many guys chasing after her. However, she remains unmoved, believing that her heart belongs to the one she loves for the rest of her life - Dominic, her childhood crush and classmate from their elementary and junior high school days in Manila.
In the eighth grade, her mother passed away, forcing her father to flee to Negros - his hometown - to continue his business. Brigette never forgot her first love, even though they were far apart. She had faith that one day they would be together despite the distance, knowing that both their families were close friends who shared a commitment that their eldest, Dominic, would eventually marry their daughter - for business purposes, of course.
While Brigette was ecstatic about this possibility, Dominic, in contrast, did not agree with his father's plans for him.
"Miss Villanueva! You know me, and that's why I'm here," Ingrid said, standing before her with a determined voice.
"Ahhmmm… Oh, well, Miss President, nice to meet you," Brigette greeted perfunctorily.
As the deep conversation was about to begin, the tension between them became increasingly palpable. The boys merely served as an audience to this unfolding drama, and Dominic remained silent.
"I'm here to clear my name, not to get an autograph!" Ingrid emphasized her purpose. Brigette, though seemingly understanding, remained calm and acted oblivious. "W-what are you talking about? What have I done to you?"
"I don't want a serious conflict with you. I'm just wondering why you resort to such dirty tactics that a beauty queen should never employ," Ingrid replied earnestly. Brigette was taken aback by her words.
"Honestly, I don't care how you perceive me or your personal motives. But using my name in your petty issues has caused so much turmoil for me. It has ruined my reputation!" Ingrid declared fearlessly, her conviction evident in her voice.
"Oh, so this is about your post regarding the scandal? It was you, wasn't it? How can you accuse me of this? You're the one who can always waltz into her office as the academy's trusted president!" Brigette shot back, her irritation rising.
"Enough! You don't know me at all," Ingrid retorted, her eyes narrowing. "I have the evidence!"
"Oh, evidence…" Brigette replied, feigning confidence, but a flicker of nervousness betrayed her composure in this escalating conflict. She let out a heavy huff, biting her lower lip in a silent acknowledgment of her defeat. Yes, it was her. But rather than confess, she chose to hide her embarrassment over the worst mistake she had ever made. Her face fell, clouded by gloom, and she remained silent as she walked out quietly.
"H-hey! We're not done yet!" Ingrid shouted, but Brigette acted as though she were deaf, refusing to turn back. "I just want you to - "
Before Ingrid could take another step to catch up with her, a firm grip seized her arm, preventing her from moving any further. "That's enough…"
She hadn't expected Dominic to intervene, and she struggled against his grip. "H-hey, why? Let me go!" Dominic held firm, his tone reassuring. "She has realized she can't win against you. Brigette is a role model; she'll admit her fault and won't make those mistakes again."
Ingrid narrowed her eyes, distrust evident in her expression. "I don't think so. Not unless she confesses publicly, admits what she did, clears my name, and begs for an apology."
"H-hey, can you let me go now?" she added, exhaling sharply, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
With a hint of anger, she fished out two bills from her pocket and thrust them into Dominic's hand. "Here! Thank you for helping me, but let's cancel the deal."
She turned on her heel and stormed away, her footsteps echoing her anger as she left him standing there, stunned.
----