My eyes widened, anger bubbling within me. "You!" I exclaimed sharply while pushing him away, my gaze narrowed.

"Hey, I had no intention of causing offense," he explained, flashing a charming smile that revealed his white teeth and deep dimple.

"Nice try!" I quipped, raising an eyebrow at him skeptically.

"Listen, I apologize. I was just in a rush for a meeting that day," he responded calmly.

Without a word, I strode to the door and flung it open with force. "You can leave now!" I asserted firmly, avoiding his gaze.

He smirked and made his way toward the open door. Stepping back to allow him to exit, I waited, but he halted right in front of me.

"Thanks for the coffee," he muttered quietly.

Maintaining a neutral expression, I thought back to the embarrassing incident on the road and felt my annoyance resurface.

"Leave," I reiterated with finality, unapologetic for my abruptness.

As he took another step forward, I involuntarily glanced downward. Another step followed, his intense gaze fixed on me, causing my heart to race erratically.

"Your ex-boyfriend will surely regret breaking your heart," he remarked in a composed tone.

I lifted my eyes to meet his, captivated by his gaze. I felt the urge to respond but ultimately remained silent.

"And you know what?" he continued, "We make a better pair than you and your ex-boyfriend."

As days passed, I immersed myself in work and solitude at my condo. On a Sunday morning, Cindy paid me a visit.

"Best friend!" she exclaimed, enveloping me in a tight hug. I chuckled at her enthusiasm.

"Margaux, Carrick has finally proposed to me!" she revealed tearfully.

"OMG! I'm thrilled for both of you!" Tears welled in my eyes as I embraced her warmly.

"Margaux, we must celebrate!" she suggested excitedly. However, the elation soon faded from my face as thoughts of Lester and our postponed wedding clouded my mind.

"Hey, bestie, are you alright?"

"Of course. I'm fine, and I'm genuinely happy for you. Let's celebrate!" I replied, trying to maintain my cheerfulness.

"Are you sure? You seem a little off," she observed, grasping my hand and raising an eyebrow in concern.

"I want to celebrate your engagement with Carrick," I shared a warm smile with Cindy.

We decided to head to the mall and catch a movie. Cindy was deeply moved by Popoy and Basha's story, shedding tears throughout the film. Her compassionate nature and lively storytelling never failed to bring laughter and joy.

"The movie was fantastic!" I remarked as we entered the shopping mall to browse for dresses and bags.

Cindy treated me to dinner at a renowned restaurant, where I indulged in an array of exquisite dishes. Somehow, the act of feasting seemed to provide solace for my pent-up frustrations, acting as a release valve for my stress.

Our cheerful dinner took a turn when a couple caught my attention entering the restaurant. Observing them from afar, a range of emotions stirred within me, prompting me to rise from my seat, much to Cindy's surprise.

"Hey, bestie, are you finished already? You barely touched your food," Cindy remarked, puzzled by my behavior.

But I remained fixated on the couple engrossed in their conversation. Cindy's exclamation drew my focus to them, revealing the tender exchange between them.

"Margaux, what are you planning?" Cindy's cautious voice halted me mid-stride.

Ignoring her warning, I approached the pair. Lester's expression drained of color upon seeing me, subtly distancing himself from the woman seated beside him, who leveled a puzzled frown in my direction.

"Is there an issue, Miss?" the woman raised an eyebrow.

"Not with you, but with him," I curtly replied, casting them a stern gaze filled with anger.

"Margaux, please calm down," Cindy intervened, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"Let's talk," I declared, striding out of the restaurant, aiming a sarcastic glance back at them.

"Margaux!" Lester grabbed my arm as we reached the parking area.

"Is she the one who replaced me in your heart?!" I demanded indignantly.

He remained silent, head bowed in remorse.

"So, it's true? You b*stard!" I exclaimed, delivering a resounding slap to his face.

"I am truly sorry," he murmured, reaching for my hand, but I swiftly evaded his touch.

"Can an apology change anything? I doubt it," I asserted boldly, turning back towards the restaurant.

"She's pregnant," he disclosed.

His words struck me like a thunderclap, freezing me in place, unable to process the revelation.

"She's carrying my son," he continued.

Closing my eyes tightly, emotions swirling within me, a solitary tear traced down my cheek.

"I'm sorry, Margaux," he expressed softly, extending a hand towards me. "I regret not telling you earlier." His voice wavered. "She is Mr. Mondragon's daughter, our family's business partner. Upon learning of the situation, her father insisted I take responsibility for the child, threatening to severe all ties if I didn't comply.”

Cindy drove me back to my condo in silence, the weight of heartache heavy in the air as I gazed out the window, consumed by pain.

As we traveled, Cindy turned to me, breaking the quiet with a gentle, "Margaux..."

"Why, Cindy? What did I do wrong in our relationship? Why am I the one left in anguish like this?" Tears pooled in my eyes, the ache of betrayal weighing heavily on my heart.

"No. You've done nothing wrong. If anyone is to blame, it's him!" Cindy's voice quivered with righteous anger. "He's the one who's lost, not you. You deserve far better than someone like him. It's good that you know the truth now."

I let out a sigh, nodding in acknowledgment.

Hours passed since Cindy departed from my condo, yet sleep eluded me. The haunting scene at the restaurant lingered in my thoughts, etched into my memory. From this moment forward, I vowed there would be no more tears shed over the same heartache. I made a promise to myself that it would be the last time I allowed myself to be hurt in such a manner.

The following days found me immersing myself in work, seeking solace and distraction in the familiar routine of the office.

"Bestie, is everything alright with your wedding plans?" I inquired as we dined on grilled pork chops at a restaurant she had invited me to that evening.

"I'm designing your gowns. I want you to wear something a bit bold," she enthused, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Don't make them too stunning. Your bridesmaids might feel threatened. You should be the standout beauty," I teased, chuckling lightly.

"Of course, my gown will be as dazzling as can be, just as Carrick wishes," she swooned, touching her cheeks with a dreamy expression.

Rolling my eyes good-naturedly, I continued savoring my meal.

"We have the fitting for your gown scheduled this Saturday. Carrick's cousin will be getting fitted for his as well. Oh, bestie, he's incredibly handsome! My goodness!" Cindy gushed, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Here we go again, Cindy. I'm not ready to entertain thoughts of romance. I prefer focusing on our family business," I disclosed with a smile.

"I just want you to enjoy life. Also, Lawrence seems to be unattached now. Though, word has it he's quite the heartbreaker, with numerous women vying for his attention," she shared eagerly.

"So, he's a player," I remarked, shaking my head lightly at the news.

"Despite that, he's quite the catch. I met him at their family reunion, and Carrick took me to their resort," she recounted, still brimming with enthusiasm.

I merely nodded, continuing to eat, my apparent lack of interest in the topic evident.

On the day of my gown fitting, I exuded confidence with my well-proportioned body, comfortable with not having to adhere to strict dieting habits.

Stepping out of the car, I sported a white long-sleeved polo layered over a spaghetti top, paired with sleek black skinny jeans and white stiletto heels. My wavy hair cascaded over my shoulder as I donned sunglasses, striding into Cindy's boutique with purpose.

"Good morning, Lenny!" I greeted the receptionist at the front desk.

"Good morning, Miss Margaux."

"Is Cindy here already?"

"Not yet, Ma'am, but she should be arriving soon," Lenny responded.

"Thank you!" I acknowledged before wandering through the boutique. Mannequins and an array of dresses adorned the displays, a testament to Cindy's success in fulfilling her dream of becoming a renowned fashion designer.

As I perused the garments, a man entering the boutique captured my attention. Clad in a blue long-sleeved polo and black jeans, he exuded confidence as he headed towards the front desk.

My expression soured upon recognizing the man Cindy had mentioned.

"Hi, I'm looking for Miss Cindy Fajardo," I heard him inquire.

"Are you Mr. Lawrence Saavedra?" Lenny’s unease was palpable as she sat behind the desk.

"Yes."

"She'll be here shortly. Would you like some coffee or tea while you wait?" Lenny offered warmly, a stark contrast to her earlier reception.

My eyebrows rose at her courteous treatment towards him, pondering why she hadn't extended the same courtesy to me.

"No, thank you. I'll wait here," the man replied in a deep baritone, taking a seat on one of the couches.

"Of course, Sir." Lenny's smile waned as she returned to her duties, her initial attempt seemingly ineffective.

I couldn't help casting sideways glances at him as I continued examining Cindy's creations. Moments later, I sensed his presence as he approached me.

"Hi!" he greeted, his striking features commanding attention with his angular face, dark brows, expressive eyes, and inviting smile.

"What's with the smile?" I questioned, irritation lacing my tone.

"Nothing. It's just... what a small world!" he remarked.

I rolled my eyes dismissively, choosing to ignore his comment.

Unfazed, he redirected his steps towards the front desk, engrossed in conversation with Lenny, their laughter filling the boutique as if in their own world.

Frustrated by the situation, I impatiently removed my sunglasses and made my way out of the boutique.

"Ma'am Margaux, are you leaving?" Lenny inquired, a wide smirk evident on her face.

I shot her a sharp look before turning to the antipathetic man, who appeared to lose his grin in my presence.

"Yes, I'll have to reschedule with Cindy. I suddenly have a meeting to attend," I replied.

"Ah, I see. I'll inform Cindy when she arrives. Take care," Lenny responded.

Exiting the boutique with a tinge of irritation, I swiftly climbed into my car. However, instead of driving away, I sat still, mulling over the recent events that had left me unsettled.

As I composed myself and prepared to ignite the engine, a sudden series of knocks interrupted my thoughts. Peering out of the car window, I was met with Cindy's beaming smile. Hastily, I lowered the window.

"Margaux, where are you off to? Aren't you fitting your gown today?" Cindy queried, her forehead creased in concern.

"I have an unexpected meeting, so I need to reschedule. Lawrence is there to assist, though," I stated firmly, avoiding direct eye contact.

"Oh my goodness, have you met him? What do you think? He's quite the catch, isn't he?" Cindy asked eagerly.

"Yes, he is," I whispered to myself.

"Yes, I've met him," I replied, restarting the car engine.

"Wait, are you truly skipping your gown fitting today?" Cindy questioned, her brows furrowed in confusion.

Feeling a pang of guilt for my deception, I conceded, realizing I wanted to avoid the earlier confrontation.

"Alright, I'll cancel all my appointments for today," I declared, turning off the engine and stepping out of the car.

Cindy's face lit up, and she enveloped me in a tight embrace. "Thank you so much, bestie!"