The Billionaire’s Playmate

“I love you, baby… I love you so much.”

I opened my eyes upon hearing Rozzean’s voice.

Ahhh It was a long sleep.

I got up and then checked my cellphone. There were emails and messages, but I decided to go to the bathroom and wash up first.

I miss Rozzean more as his presence is even in my dreams. We are happy in my dream. But in it, I am Thaliana, not Tali. I wish he could forgive me, hoping that our recent argument could be resolved with an explanation.

But I know it’s unlikely because of what Maki and Luther said.

Rozzean is not the kind of man who will let anyone fool him.

What sets me apart? Even if he loves me, he will surely be hurt and angry about what I did.

“I need to call Dad.”

I can’t wait any longer. If I can’t face Rozzean this week, I’ll go to his house in Tagaytay myself to explain what happened. I can’t wait for Dad and Mr. Valleje to schedule our meeting.

I prepared my breakfast while checking messages on my cellphone. My siblings messaged me, checking on how I’m doing. When my cellphone rang, and I saw Dad’s name on the screen, I quickly answered it.

“Good morning, Dad.”

“Good morning, Tangi. Do you have plans this afternoon?”

I sat down and stirred my milk.

“Nothing, Dad. Maybe I’ll be home from Tinatangi by then. Why? Is there something you want me to do?”

“Good because we will meet the Vallejes at 6:00 pm, Tangi. We agreed on the time. You are going to meet your fiancé.”

T-Tonight?

“O-Okay, Dad, is that all?”

“Yes, at Levri Restaurant. See you later, take care okay? I love you.”

“Take care also, Dad, and Mommy. I love you, please tell Mommy I said that too.”

When the call ended, it felt like my soul escaped for a moment from what my father said. Later, I will meet Rozzean. We will see each other, and I will explain everything to him. I clutched the ring in my hand.

Will he recognize me? If not, I would show him this ring. I’m sure when he sees the ring I’m wearing, he will believe that Tali and I are one.

“I may struggle, but I will do everything to earn his forgiveness.”

I straightened up and went to Tinatangi that morning. I kept myself busy attending to flower orders. I personally arranged every order, even for walk-in clients.

“Ma’am Tangi, it’s lunchtime,” Ria informed me.

I just nodded at her while finishing an online order for tulip bouquets. Even online, many people order from my shop. The demand never dwindles. Tinatangi already handles a minimum of 100 orders a day.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“I’ll bring your lunch, Ma’am Tangi?” Ria offered.

“Yes, please,” I replied, smiling.

I planned to go home around three-thirty to prepare for dinner later. I can’t stay calm; I’m really nervous and my chest tightens at the thought of seeing Rozzean later.

Not as Tali anymore but as Thaliana.

“Ma’am, someone ordered again, 2 bouquets of red roses. It’s the same person who messaged yesterday and requested for you to arrange it.”

I looked at Alma when she said that.

“Let me see.”

She showed me the message. Luther ordered flowers yesterday, and he’s ordering again today. He’s having them sent to Larzon Inc., and he ordered two bouquets of red roses.

“It’s also paid online, ma’am.”

“Ah, okay… I’ll do it later because the delivery time indicated is 4:00 pm.”

Time passed quickly. At around three o’clock, I started arranging the two bouquets of red roses ordered by Luther. I also told Alma to arrange for the delivery to Larzon Inc. I reminded her to tell the rider to handle the flowers with care.

I don’t want to tarnish the image of my flower shop with Luther. This is already his second order from me.

“I’ll be going home early today, okay? I have dinner outside with my family. Take care of things here,” I told them while tidying up my things.

“Yes, Ma’am Tangi, take care!” they all replied.

At exactly three-thirty, I left my flower shop and headed to my car. Once inside, I took a deep breath and looked at the ring on my finger.

“I miss you… even though I’m nervous and scared, the desire to see you outweighs everything.”

I started my car and drove home to get ready.

Upon arriving, I immediately looked for an outfit for tonight’s dinner. I chose a white fitted dress that I haven’t worn yet. Mommy gave it to me. After picking my outfit, I went into the bathroom and took a shower.

I thought about what to say several times, but I know that later, when I’m face-to-face with Rozzean, I’ll forget everything.

My heart is beating so fast… the anxiety is overwhelming.

“You can do this, Thaliana Tangi. You managed to enter Rozzean’s house and pretend; now you need to have the courage to face him!”

As I saw that it was almost five in the afternoon, I blow-dried my hair. I applied light makeup and wore a necklace. I didn’t bother with earrings since I’m not fond of them.

I curled the ends of my hair and let them fall naturally before putting on the fitted dress. I also picked out heels, and when I checked the time, it was already five o’clock. I hurriedly grabbed the purse I would use.

“This is it, Thaliana,” I told myself in the mirror, staring at my reflection.

“You need to face Rozzean.”

I took a deep breath and looked at the ring on my finger. I will not remove this ring. I won’t take it off.

After making sure I didn’t forget anything, I headed to the restaurant Daddy mentioned. I also received a message from him saying they’re on their way. The restaurant isn’t too far from my house. In thirty minutes, I was there.

I am nervous. So freaking nervous. My hands are getting cold.

“Calm down, Thaliana…”

I took a deep breath. I was close to the restaurant when I received a call from Daddy. I put on my wireless earphones connected to my car and answered the call.

“Tangi, we are here, where are you?”

I made a turn.

“I’m here already, Daddy, I’ll park now.”

“Okay, okay.”

Are Rozzean and his family already there? I forgot to ask Dad!

As I turned off the engine, I examined myself in the mirror. I took another deep breath and grabbed my purse and cellphone.

“Whatever the result, I need to accept it. But that doesn’t mean that if I accept it, I’ll stop. I would do everything for his forgiveness.”

I got out of my car and entered the restaurant. I saw my parents’ backs, and from behind, I knew it was them. The Vallejes weren’t there yet; only my parents were present.

“Mom, Dad.” I approached them and kissed them on the cheek.

I took a seat in the middle as it seemed like the vacant chair in the middle of my parents was for me.

“I received a call from Royce Valleje; they’re near. He apologized, but I told him it’s still early, not yet six.”

I swallowed nervously. I didn’t speak anymore. I just waited for their arrival.

I’ve been restless since earlier.

“Where did you buy your ring, Thaliana? It’s pretty,” Mommy said, noticing my ring.

“Uhm… Mommy–”

“George!”

I froze upon hearing that voice calling my Dad. I felt Dad stand up beside me.

“Royce! Long time no see!”

Mommy also stood up beside me.

“Cynthia… it’s good to see you again.”

I didn’t look back. I was scared. But when Dad called my name, I had no choice but to stand up and face them.

“This is my only daughter, Thaliana Tangi Dela Vezca.”

I put on a smile when I saw Royce and Cynthia Valleje. I kissed both of their cheeks.

“Oh, you are so beautiful, hija. That’s why your father hides you! Few people know that George Dela Vezca has a daughter; most think he only has sons!”

I smiled at Mr. Valleje’s remark.

“Well, she’s my only daughter, the gem of our family. I’m just protecting her, Royce,” Dad replied, followed by laughter.

“I feel like you really trust and chose my son for Thaliana. And, speaking of, our son just parked his car,” Mr. Valleje said, glancing around. “Oh, there he is.”

I also looked in the direction he was pointing, along with my parents.

But what stunned me was when I saw who Mr. Valleje was talking about.

I looked at him, holding two bouquets of red roses. He handed them to my mother. When he looked at me, he approached and kissed me on the cheek.

“Thaliana,” he said.

I looked at the bouquet of roses he gave me.

“This is my second son, Luther Rico Valleje, Thaliana, your fiance.”

W-What? W-What is happening?