CHELSEA

"The next item is a diamond ring weighing 8.20 carats. Let's start the bidding. The bidding starts at 300,000" said the MC on stage.

I was amazed by what I saw. It is very beautiful, and the rock is huge. I don't know how high I can bid, but if it's less than that, I can probably use my salary in advance to get it.

"600,000"

I was surprised when Redemon suddenly spoke. What? Will he bid? But he was looking at me while saying his price. I guess he noticed that I liked that ring. Will he get it for me?

"800,000!" the old man shouted in front.

"1 million!" Redemon shouted back.

Is he even serious?! 1 million for a ring?! This man is crazy.

"1.1 million," said a beautiful lady who was obviously rich because she was wearing an elegant dress with matching fur on her neck.

"1.2 million!" Redemon shouted in annoyance.

This one is really a fighter; he doesn't want to lose. It's 1.2 million. Maybe I won't be able to pay that anymore. That's why I immediately stopped him while holding his shoulder.

I whispered in his ear. "Let it go. Don't go for it, I can't afford that much money."

He just stared at me and frowned. "Quiet, are you going to let people think that I can't afford to buy that stone for my wife?" he whispered back and I could sense how furious he was right now.

I was stunned by what he said. It turns out that he just doesn't want to be embarrassed in front of other people. I thought he was buying it for me because he knew I liked it. After all, he only cares about his image.

The MC exclaimed enthusiastically while still clapping, "1.2 million! Doesn't anyone want to chase more? Okay, going once, going twice, going three times! Congratulations to Mr. Buenavista for successfully bidding for 1.2 million."

"Mr. Buenavista seems to have a happy day today. He spent a large amount on a ring for his beautiful wife. I wonder how many ladies will feel jealous of what he did!" He even said it jokingly. "Mr. Buenavista, can we ask your wife, why did she take an interest in this ring?" he asked with a smile while looking at me.

"Go ahead," Redemon replied.

Suddenly, he got closer to my ear and whispered. "Say whatever you want, as long as you don't embarrass me, my wife."

I just rolled my eyes as I stood up and smiled at everyone. The lights suddenly turned dim and there was a spotlight that turned in my direction. What does he think of me? Stupid? Watch and learn how I will impress you tonight, Redemon.

"Well, if I remember correctly, that ring is known as White Envy. It was designed by a famous jeweler for his wife. 08/20 is his wife's birthday. That's why he used 8.20 carats in it. After seeing it tonight, it immediately caught my attention. Thank you to my wonderful husband, because he was able to get it for me. Thank you, love…" I answered with a raised forehead. They all seemed amazed at my words.

I heard Redemon whisper something in my ear when I went back to my seat. "Not bad," he said.

After the event, all the guests were sent to the dining area to eat. I was left alone here at Redemon’s table. He said he was just going to talk to some of his business partners. I was about to eat the chocolate cake when suddenly someone spoke behind me.

"Lady Buenavista, is this your first time attending this party?"

I turned to the voice of the man behind me. He seemed familiar to me, but I couldn't remember.

"Yes, it's my first time. Do I know you?" I asked curiously as I narrowed my eyes and stared at him.

"I'm Mr. Lee, I bumped into you earlier, I'm sorry for that, I hope you weren't startled." He calmly answered.

-

Meanwhile, while Mr. Lee and Chelsea were having time to talk together, an evil stare was directed at them. It was Red who was staring at them from a distance. It seems like he doesn’t like how Mr. Lee approached his wife.

"Seems like someone is getting jealous…" a man said.

Red looked at his back. "Christian?" Red asked.

He is Christian Thaddeus Javier, Red's best friend. He possessed a striking appearance that may have helped him stand out in a crowd. He was attractive. He was fair, nearly white. His light-toned face contrasted brilliantly with his unfathomable, golden-brown eyes. If you stare into his eyes for a while, you could become lost in his eyes since they were so expressive and profound.

"Looks like your wife and Mr. Lee are getting along," Christian said, looking like he was teasing Red.

Red looked at him and seemed interested in what he said. "You know him?" he asked.

"He was a gifted musician who had been living in another country. He received a major award last year and only returned to the country a few months ago, so it's understandable that you are unfamiliar with him," he answered while drinking wine.

Suddenly, Red walked closer to his wife and left Christian alone. Christian didn't pay attention to him anymore and just sat at a table with a beautiful woman sitting on it.

"Mr. Lee, please allow me to speak with my wife for a moment." Red smiled and held Chelsea’s waist.

"Go ahead," he replied with a smile.

Red only gave Mr. Lee a quick smile before taking Chelsea's hand. He took Chelsea's hand and walked her to the balcony before releasing it.

"Is Miss Garcia really in such a hurry to find a new home?" he asked seriously while staring into Chelsea’s eyes.

"Huh? What are you talking about? Am I not allowed to talk to another man now? Don't take it too far, Mr. Buenavista!" Chelsea said angrily.

Red moved away from Chelsea to get some air before she faced him again and spoke. "Miss Garcia is more talented than her younger sister if she can get a brilliant musician to be her husband," Red responded sarcastically.

Chelsea was annoyed by what he said. "If you don't trust me, find a girl you can trust!" Chelsea said and walked away. Before she could leave, she turned her back and looked at Red. "Ahh, by the way, if you don't have anything good to say, then I'll be leaving first."

Red was left alone on the balcony. His face was clearly annoyed by the fight between him and Chelsea. When Chelsea left, she went to the fountain and sat there first. She was so annoyed to the point that she picked up a stone and threw it somewhere.

CHELSEA

"Bastard! People who admire you must be blind." I said angrily. That Redemon is really annoying. He was a pain in the neck.

I am currently at the fountain right now. I just want to take a break first from this new world that I've entered. I didn’t belong here... Why does he get so angry like that? Is it because Mr. Lee suddenly talked to me? He is a narrowed-headed man!”

I was about to pick up another stone when my phone suddenly rang.

BUZZZZZ

It's a notification. A text message from my sister. What does she want this time?

While I was reading her message, I suddenly felt like my heart was about to pop out. I need to go home now!

I immediately called Redemon and when he picked up, ".....I'll be right back. If you have something to say, just say it later.” I said before hanging up the call, without even waiting for his reply.

I took a taxi right away after leaving the hotel. Because there wasn't much traffic, I arrived home fast. As soon as I arrived home, I immediately went to my father's room. I ran into my stepmother and my sister Maxine. They were sitting outside my father's room on the sofa.

"Where's Dad?" I immediately asked.

"It took you a long time to come. Dad is already asleep." Maxine responded.

I was surprised when my stepmother suddenly stood up and came to me. "Chelsea, your sister’s birthday is next month. You have to go to the party. Bring Mr. Buenavista too, because I haven't met my son-in-law yet." she said softly.

She is Safara Garcia, my stepmother. He was my father's second wife when my mother died.

"Of course, I will bring my husband here, but on the anniversary of my mom's death. I want him to meet my mom." I seriously replied.

"Sister! What's with your attitude? You act like that because you just married the CEO of a large company!" Maxine shouted angrily.

Safara immediately stopped her dearest daughter. "Ah—eh, that's not my intention, hija. I just wanted to take the opportunity and get everyone acquainted. You probably won't let your dad be sad and embarrassed, right?"

They are both fakes. They really are like mother and daughter. They have the same attitude, good at manipulating people, but not me. They believed they could force me to their will. What a joke!

My dad has not taken good care of me ever since Safara came home. He doesn't even have time for me. My nanny is always my companion. He prefers to go out of the country with my stepmother. That's why I'm not really happy about it. Especially when Maxine came into our lives. We were close when we were kids. I always play with her, and she is also next to me when I sleep. We went to school together and supported each other in everything. She was my best friend back then. But everything changed when she was sent to the States to study when she was only 12 years old. She promised that she would come back and we are still best friends, but when she came back here, everything changed between us. There were many problems, and the worst of them was that she flirted with my ex.

CHELSEA

I'm currently in the park. I came here right away to be by myself. I need some fresh air to breathe. It was 11 o'clock before I realized what time it was.

To calm Redemon down and prevent him from becoming particularly irate at me tomorrow, I texted him. I said that I had an emergency at home and couldn't leave.

I started crying when I submitted my message. I recalled what had happened at home just before I left.

FLASHBACK

Ah—eh, that's not my intention, hija. I just wanted to take the opportunity and get everyone acquainted. You probably won't let your dad be sad and embarrassed, right?"

"Enough! Why didn't you show up when my dad needed you if you genuinely care about him? Do you really believe I was unaware that you had taken items from the house and taken them to your parents' home? You! Plus, you are the cause of daddy's business slowly failing! You have only managed to ruin my family and everything we own!" I screamed as I looked at her.

She raised her hand and was about to give me a slap but then I stood there like I wasn’t scared of her and gave her a look.

"If you dare to touch me then go on, but I am warning you. I can easily make your life worse than a rat’s life…" I said as I challenged her gaze.

She was stunned by what I said and backed away as if she couldn't believe what I said.

"Chelsea Leigh Garcia! What are you talking about?! After you achieve high status because of your husband, you will not start to act like that?"

Maxine approached her mom. "Hasn't she been like this for a long time, mommy? I told you, mommy, that we shouldn't waste effort on her. She was like that because no one loves her! I doubt that brother-in-law really loves her…”

END OF FLASHBACK

My heart was aching as I tried to stop my tears from falling. This kind of feeling was the worst thing that I experienced. I don’t have anyone by my side. They are right, I am alone. This feeling is very difficult. Alone and without a partner in everything. I don't even have anyone close to me at times like this... My tears are starting to fall again.

"Chelsea? It’s you! What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

I was shocked by the man's voice. When I looked up, It was Mr. Lee. What is he doing here at this hour? I quickly wiped my tears.

"H-huh? Mr. Lee, is that really you?..." I tearfully asked the man in front of me.

"If you're upset, don't keep it to yourself, can you tell me what's bothering you? It's fine, I won't say anything else. I'll keep it a secret." He promised.

I couldn't see his face well because of the tears in my eyes and it was really dark here in the park. I laughed at what he said. "Pfft! I don't want to be bashed by your fans. Besides, I didn't expect you to be interested in other people's problems." I said while trying to calm myself. It's embarrassing that he even saw me in this situation.

"Don't worry, I won't let them bash you." He answered jokingly.

He sat down and appeared really serious about talking to me. Is he genuinely curious? I don't want to stir up trouble with others.

"Do you know, when I was 14 years old I was sent to the International School of Music to continue my studies. At that time I was very young and I was not that good at English. Also because of me being Asian, I have been bullied by my classmates and my studies have not been going well..." I was surprised by his sudden telling of his past.

"Huh?" That's all I said out of surprise.

There was a moment of silence between us. He seems to be thinking very deeply. Does he have a problem?

"Didn't anyone help you during those times?" I asked him.

"The number of Filipinos who can enroll in an International School of Music is quite limited. I didn't have time to make friends since I was focused on finishing my studies so I could return to the Philippines. I was also afraid that my family would worry so I didn't tell or tell them what happened to me. I just hid it and kept it to myself, I almost had depression because of what happened." He said. I can feel the sadness in his voice.

I did not know that the genius musician Mr. Lee had this experience. I actually feel sorry for him.

"Ahmm... Are... Are you okay?....." I asked shyly.

"I'm fine now, thanks for asking. At that time I met a nun from a nearby church, and she said to me... If I had nothing to vent my anger and hurt in my heart, then I can talk to the grass, flowers, trees, and even a trash can. I've tried it and you know how effective it is! It really helped me a lot." He said with a smile.

I laughed at his story. Can we really talk about those things without even looking crazy? Well, it’s not a bad idea. I can try it once in a while. There's nothing wrong with trying, right? Maybe it will help me and make me feel better. Especially now and I don't really have anyone close to me.

Mr. Lee stood up. I took a deep sigh as if I had released my problem even though I didn't tell him. It's comforting even if you just listen to other people's stories.

"Ahh, is that it? That’s your story?" I'm asked, innocently.

"Haha... yes…" he laughed and apologized.

Why is he apologizing?

"It was nice talking to you, Mr. Lee…”

I was surprised when he stopped moving and just stared at me. He focused on looking at my face. Is there dirt on my face? It was already making me uncomfortable so I looked away.

"....Is—Is there a problem?" I was embarrassed to ask him and I was still scratching my cheek, I couldn't look directly into his eyes.

"Sorry" he answered me smiling.

He suddenly sat down on the road as if he was shrinking himself. I was surprised by what he did. What is wrong with this guy?

"Hi! I am Mr. Lee the rock, whatever you want to say even if that is a problem you can say it to me!" He said it in his smallest voice.

"Pfft! HAHAHA" I laughed while looking at him.

To my delight, I couldn’t stop myself from telling him my story. I know that he is a stranger but he seems nice. I started with the story of my life and the problems I am facing now. What I said was so long that I was dumbfounded.

"Ahh, I'm sorry for talking too much... Where am I?" I asked him. I don't know what I said to him last.

"It's fine. Your last story was about you going to Australia, you said you want to study in Australia but Mr. Buenavista won't let you?" he asked.

Ahh yes, I was telling him about my plans. Maybe it's okay if I tell him about the contract, right? Maybe it's okay if he finds out that Redemon and I were just married by agreement. He seems like a nice man after all.

"Ahh... Because... Actually, Mr. Buenavista and I were married by agreement. Everything was fake. It's really a secret and we can't tell anyone..." I said as I scratched my head.

"Huh?!" He asked in surprise at what I said.

"Forget it" I answered with a smile. "Fakes will always be fakes, but I'm going to Australia to study and learn to rely on myself," I added.

I stood up smiling. It feels good to have someone tell me about my problem. The heavy thing that was burdened on my chest earlier is gone.

"You're very pretty, Chelsea…" he said seriously while staring at my face.

"Ahh... Huh?"

What did he say? I think I am hearing things that I shouldn’t be hearing. I need to clean my ear.

"Those who work hard to achieve their goals are the most beautiful. I believe you will succeed, Miss Gracia," he added.

"Thank you, Mr. Lee…" that was all I said before giggling.

Why do new people that I met so kind and willing to listen to my problems, while my family considers me an enemy… He then took something from his pocket. A golden ticket.

"I'm friends with the Westlife concert's event organizer, she sent me two tickets. I just came back and I don't have anyone else to take with me, because I don't have any friends to take with me to that concert. If Ms. Garcia doesn't mind, would you go with me?" He smiled as he offered it to me.

I was surprised when he handed me a golden ticket.

"Can... Can I really go? Are you serious? Hey, maybe this is joke time! I’m stupid sometimes and tend to believe people easily…"

Shit! I'm going to a Westlife concert. Since I was little, I have been a devoted Westlife fan. When my mother was still living, she enjoyed playing their music when she put me to sleep in the afternoon. Lucky for me, it appears that I will be able to witness their show for free, and it says that it is a VIP ticket. It happens that Mr. Lee is a richy rich man!

I gasped as I received the ticket. Gosh!

"I guess that's a yes. Then we'll meet in front of the Araneta coliseum at 5 pm tomorrow" he said.

"Ahhh—Y-yes! thank you so much Mr. Lee"

"Just call me Kent or Jackson, we can count on each other to keep our secrets right?"

“Yes of course! Thank you so much!”

I suddenly looked at my phone and saw that it was 1:02 a.m.

"Ahh, it’s late, I'm sorry for bothering you for so long..." I shyly said to Kent.

"Don't be, I enjoyed talking to you, Chelsea. Let me join you to wait for a taxi so you can go home," he offered. When I got into a taxi, I even saw him waving at me until we were far away.