Gabie's POV
Gabie's phone buzzed. It was Jhay.
"Besh!" he greeted excitedly.
I answered, "Yes, besh?"
He sounded enthusiastic. "Oh! You just did a TV commercial and you're already speaking English." I chuckled at his joke.
Curious, I asked, "Why did you call?"
"To remind you to prepare a formal dress for your commercial launch," he said. "I thought you might try to get away again with your last-minute queen habit."
I didn't let him finish because honestly, I had already forgotten about it.
"Shit! Oh yeah! Thanks for the reminder, besh — you're really the best!" I admitted. "I was so focused on finishing my research that it completely slipped my mind."
"No problem, my beshie!" he replied warmly.
"That sounds kind of formal, doesn't it?" I teased.
"Yeah! That's why I need to start looking for a tux," Jhay said. "I don't really want to wear one — I'd rather wear a gown — but I don't want to embarrass myself there!"
I laughed softly. "How about this — tomorrow, come find me at school after class, and we'll go look together. Tuesday's coming up — I'm really such an idiot!"
"Sure! Okay, bye for now. See you tomorrow!"
"Thanks, bye!"
I gasped for breath at my own stupidity. Just then, Mama, who had been quietly listening nearby, asked, "Do you need a dress?"
"Yeah," I admitted. "I forgot the commercial launch is this Tuesday."
Mama smiled. "It's a shame you didn't tell me earlier. There are beautiful gowns at Divisoria—I'm sure you'd find something perfect."
"I don't plan to buy. It just feels like a waste of money," I said.
Mama shook her head. "It's a shame to rent something you'll wear only once. Renting might be cheaper, but if you buy a gown, you can wear it again or even rent it out later. That's much more practical."
Her words made me pause. Maybe she was right.
"Yeah," I thought to myself, "Mama really is right."
"Alright, tomorrow I'll tell Jhay we're just going to Divisoria."
Mama asked, "Do you have money? Because if you don't, you can use mine."
I smiled proudly. "Mom, it's okay — I already got paid for the commercial, I just haven't had time to go to the bank to withdraw it."
Mama laughed.
"We should celebrate tomorrow when I can finally withdraw the money and buy a gown. I want to join the celebration. We can't celebrate after the launching since they said there's a party afterwards, and we might get home late," I explained.
"Alright, you take care of it," Mama said.
"We'll just buy food before we go home so we don't have to cook," I added.
Miggy's POV
I woke up earlier than usual—strange, considering I wasn't even working today. But it was Dad's forty days. I had filed for leave just for this.
Gabie immediately crossed my mind. We hadn't told her about the event today. She couldn't come anyway—Mom still didn't know she existed. I'd have to find another time to take her to Dad's mausoleum.
I headed downstairs to the dining room. The morning light was warm, and the house was filled with that familiar clinking of dishes and quiet chatter.
"Good morning," I greeted as I walked in. Mom, Carla, Meynard, and Yaya were already gathered around the table.
"Good morning, son," Mom replied with a smile. I leaned in to kiss her forehead before taking my seat.
"Good morning, Alejandro Miguel," Yaya said, using my full name like she always did. I laughed and kissed her forehead too.
"Where's my kiss?" Meynard teased, grinning.
"Nay, Brother is making fun of me again!" he whined, nudging Yaya for backup.
Nanny smacked him lightly on the arm. "You two, always playing around. Eat your breakfast."
We all laughed. The mood was light; despite the reason we were gathered.
After breakfast, Meynard and I drove to the mausoleum to check on the setup. The flowers had already arrived, and tables and chairs were in place. Everything was ready for the memorial. We just needed to wait for the priest and the other guests.
I stayed with the family until lunch, then excused myself.
"Ma, I'll head out first. I have work to attend to," I said, giving her a quick hug.
Mom nodded, though her eyes lingered on me a little longer than usual. "Alright. Be careful, anak."
Work was calling—and tonight was the product launch. The one featuring Gabie's first commercial.
At the agency, the workload was relentless. We had several campaigns on the table, each one on tight deadlines. My phone wouldn't stop buzzing. Still, every now and then, my mind would drift—her voice, her laugh, the way she looked when she smiled without meaning to.
Gabie.
Before the launch, Meynard and I checked into a hotel near the venue. It wasn't unusual—sometimes we did this to avoid traffic or freshen up before big events—but Meynard seemed suspiciously amused.
"You're acting weird," he said as we changed into our formal wear.
"Weird how?"
"You. Hotel booking. Early prep. You usually hate launches, bro."
I straightened my collar and avoided eye contact. "I just want to look decent tonight."
Meynard raised an eyebrow. "Decent for who?"
I kept quiet, slipping on my watch and trying not to react.
"Bro," he said slowly. "Is this about someone?"
I gave him a sidelong glance. "Maybe."
"Seriously? You like someone."
I sighed. "Yeah."
Meynard leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Who is it?"
I hesitated for a second, then exhaled and sat on the edge of the bed. "Gabie."
His jaw dropped like he just heard the plot twist of the year. "I knew it! I freaking knew it. You were looking at her like a lost puppy during that shoot!"
"Shut up," I muttered, chuckling despite myself.
"Wait, wait—since when?" he asked, grinning like a lunatic.
"Since the audition," I admitted. "She had this… glow. And she was so sincere. Not trying to impress anyone. Just doing her best."
"Wow." Meynard folded his arms, studying me like I was a science experiment. "You're not even denying it. You've got it bad."
I fell back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. "She's different. I don't know how to explain it."
"She's also our talent. Are you going to tell her?"
"I don't even know what this is yet. I just know I feel something."
Meynard walked over and patted my chest twice. "Well, bro, welcome to the club."
"What club?"
"The 'I'm-Crushing-So-Hard-I-Might-Die' club."
I laughed out loud. "You're stupid."
"Hey," he said, throwing a pillow at me. "Don't blame me when you end up writing her name in your notebook like a lovesick teenager."
I grinned, then checked the time. "Let's go. It's almost call time."
"Sure. But later tonight, after the launch—drinks on you. I need more juicy updates."
"Get in line," I said, grabbing my coat.
But I couldn't deny it. Every step I took toward the venue, every second ticking down until the commercial played—I was excited.
Not for the accolades.
Not for the campaign.
But because I'd get to see her again.
Gabie's POV
"Son of a bitch! We were stuck there forever! If we weren't dressed like this, I swear I wouldn't have taken a taxi!" Jhay complained as we got out of the car.
"Can you not be so loud? There's nothing we can do now," I said, adjusting the strap on my heels. "We should be thankful we got here safely. It wasn't the Uber driver's fault his car broke down. If we had waited for a replacement, we wouldn't have made it on time."
"Fine, fine. Go get your room key so we can head up already. We need to fix your makeup. If you had just agreed to get ready here like they offered, it would've been so much easier."
"I didn't want to miss any more classes—you know that. Every absence counts."
"Yeah, yeah. Let's go."
"We might still make it in time," I muttered, glancing at my phone.
"You're so anxious."
I had dressed up back at school because there was no time to go home. Jhay had picked up my things at the house earlier while I was in class, then met me on campus so I could change and do some light makeup. Now, I was wearing a fitted sleeveless backless mermaid dress in a nude shade with three-inch skin-tone strap heels. My hair was tied in a low ponytail.
As soon as we stepped inside the room that had been reserved for me, Jhay dropped the bag on the bed.
"I was supposed to get dressed here," I explained, "but I had schoolwork. Still, Neri texted earlier that she kept the room, just in case we needed to stay over. It was already in the budget anyway."
"Damn, this place is fancy! You're really something else, girl," Jhay said, spinning around as he took videos of the room.
I ignored him and headed straight to the mirror to retouch, then rushed into the bathroom.
When I came out, he was still busy taking selfies.
"Of course," I muttered under my breath.
"Just once, please! IG moment! Let's take a quick picture before we head down. I want your mom to see how gorgeous her one and only daughter looks tonight."
He had a point. Mama didn't get to see me in the dress. It hits different when it's not just a fitting. So, we took a few quick photos before heading down.
"Neri just texted asking if we're here already," Jhay said as he tucked his phone into his pocket.
"Can you reply? Please?" I asked, trying to calm my nerves. My hands were getting cold.
"It's sent. Let's go," he said, looping his arm with mine.
"Your hand is freezing! Calm down, Gabie. Don't faint on me now. You look amazing tonight. Just breathe. Remember, your commercial is launching tonight. Keep it together," he whispered as we walked toward the venue.
As soon as we entered, we spotted Neri near the entrance, waiting for us. The place was already filling up.
"Wow! You look amazing!" she beamed, giving me a once-over from head to toe.
"Thank you," I said with a small smile.
"That dress looks perfect on you!" she added.
"Thanks again."
"Come on. The bosses are asking for you—you need to be introduced."
She walked ahead while Jhay and I followed behind.
"Girl, your crush is here. He looks so good in person!" Jhay whispered when we spotted Sir Miguel.
"Stop it! Don't be obvious!" I hissed.
"He is so fine! And he looks like he smells amazing. Ugh, I might faint—there are too many good-looking people here!"
"Jhay, please! You're embarrassing me."
"Sir!" Neri called out, waving toward Miguel.
"Yes, Neri?"
"Gabie and Jhay are here. Can you introduce them to the bosses? They were asking earlier."
"Hi!" Sir Miguel greeted us with a smile.
"Good evening, sir," Jhay and I chorused.
"You look beautiful tonight, Gabie," he said warmly, and for a moment, I forgot my own name.
"Thank you," I replied shyly.
"Jhay, do you want some wine?" the guy beside Sir Miguel offered. "I'll take you over—I'm drinking something good. You, sir, want a refill?" he added.
"Sure, thank you."
"Are you really leaving me already?" I teased as they walked off.
"That's just Meynard. Don't mind him. He's my secretary and a good friend," Miguel said with a small laugh. "He's not scary, I promise."
"So, his name's Meynard," I thought.
Miguel turned to me. "Are you okay?"
"Huh? Oh—yeah, I am. I mean, I know this kind of event, but I'm not used to it. Still makes me nervous."
"Relax. I saw you earlier—you were nervous, sure, but you looked so natural in front of the camera. It was impressive. And it paid off—the commercial turned out great. You'll see it later."
"Honestly sir? I was a wreck. But I had to tough it out. Desperate times," I chuckled, hoping he wouldn't notice how anxious I still was.
"Well, it worked. You couldn't tell. You did really well."
"Thank you for that sir."
"And drop the 'sir,' please. I'm not that much older. I'm twenty-five. You?"
"Twenty-two. Turning twenty-three next month."
"See? Just a couple of years apart." He laughed softly, and I found myself laughing too.
Somehow, in the middle of the noise and crowd, talking to him made me feel a little calmer.