Chapter 01

"INTRODUCING the new exclusive designer of A.Ly.Ce line, Miss Andree Castelle!"

The announcement was then followed by a loud of applause and a girl step out from the backstage where the guest were staying and wave her hand with a small smile on her lips.

Everyone was amaze by her beauty. She have a long blonede hair with an angelic face. Girls in all age envied her beauty.

The crowd were roaring and the medias were crazy taking pictures to the new face of A.Ly.Ce.

No one ever think that the goddess Alixee Lywittz Castelle would ever let her granddaughter took that role for such a young age. They've been caging their youngs for a long time.

It's the first time that Andree Castelle made a public recognition even if her parents, grandparents were known worldwide for not just being rich but because of their timeless beauty and talents.

"No wonder Andree Castelle made a perfect debut." One commented.

"Her beauty is absolutely breath taking."

She's loved by the public. She's talented, smart, rich and gorgeous. She's perfect.

.. . ..

ANDREE PoV

"SWEETIE, are you okay?" Masuyong tanong ni Mommy pagkauwi namin mula sa magarbong pagtitipon.

"I'm fine, Mom." I replied with a smile. I know she's worried about me.

My family might be well-known but she let us hide from the public's eye of expectation and criticism. Now, I'm helping Lola Alixee and it means I have decided to go out from the comfort zone my parents provided.

"I know you will be." She said with a smile. "I know you're brave and smart, but if there's anything out of control, please don't hesitate to come and ask for help."

"Thank you for always being there, Mom." I said gratefully.

"Always, Sweetie. Your siblings, Dad and I will always be with you every step of the way." She assured me.

I know you do, Mom. I know you will. I know you'll do everything for us.

MY PUBLIC DEBUT spread like a wildfire. People knew my face and who I am. They cherished for who I am.

If many 'loved me', I did expect haters too.

"So, the ever talented and smart Andree Castelle is finally known by public." A girl a year older than be spoke behind me.

I don't have to turn to them to know who it was. But I have to because it would be rude not to listen the rest of her speech.

"What's the big deal, huh? No one studied in this school came from a lowly and untalented family." She continued. That, for once is a fact. "Soon, this news will be over, Castelle. Are you ready?"

"I am aware of my actions, Felysse." I replied boredly. "Baka ikaw hindi."

"You still have that sharp tongue." She replied with a mocking smile. "That Vittori got you all covered. You should be thankful for that."

"I'm always thankful about that." I replied curtly. "Naiingit ka ba?"

She laughed out loud. Yung tawang nanunuya.

"My dear Andree, why would I? I can have all I want."

"Light seems out of your 'want', Felysse." I pointed out coldly.

Tinignan niya ako ng masama dahil sa sinabi ko. I know I hit her right. She likes Light so much and he doesn't care a bit about her.

"There's a thing we called 'puppy love', Andree. Malay mo hanggang doon ka lang."

"Malay mo din kahit katiting lang nun di ka pa rin pagbibigyan ni Light."

"You little witch!" She growl at me.

"Your anger is beneath me, Felysse. I suggest to stop acting like a queen bee in front of me."

"You're just Andree Castelle!"

Yes, I am just Andree Castelle.

I sighed and let her leave when the bell rings. I know she won't let me ruin her day. Ngayon ang klase niya na kasama si Light.

I went back to my things and gather them all and went to my class. Pagpasok ko, madami ng tao sa loob. They're playing at the only one side of the room. Pagtingin ko sa tahimik na lugar, andun na pala nakaupo si Light sa table niya habang nakatingin sa labas ng bintana.

Felysse on the other hand was sitting two tables away from Light. She's been staring at him the whole time. She clearly like the guy and I kind of pity her about that. Kahit kailan kasi hindi naman siya papansinin ni Light. It will always be an unrequited and one-sided love.

Felysse maybe b-tching around with me but I know the reason why.

I sighed and went to my chair.

"What took you so long?" Light asked me while he's still looking outside.

"Library. I forgot to check the time." Simpleng sagot ko at naupo.

"You've been staying on the library these past few days, Andree. Iniiwasan mo ba ako?" This time he turn to me and look me straight in the eye.

I smiled at him. "No, Light. I'm making some research." Tinaas ko yung hawak na notebook ko.

Actually, iniiwasan ko talaga siyang makita sa school. Girls were starting to get hook at his beauty. He's getting popular in the looks division and I don't want to be with that spotlight. Being with Light will also make me known.

"Okay." Sagot niya lang at humarap ulit sa labas ng bintana.

I fix my table and received a text message from him.

"We'll talk later. Don' t you ever run away again."

He never really bought my alibi.

To: Mathieu

I'll go with you later.

Then I hit send.

"Better." He muttered after he read my reply.

OUR CLASSES went well and as usual Light was just listening the whole time without even exerting an effort to participate. Sabagay, hindi naman required talaga sa kanya ang magparticipate. If he passed the examinations, he passed his subject. That's his deal.

When the bell rang, I can hear the rushing footsteps outside our classroom.

May natanggap ulit akong text message.

From: Mathieu

I'm waiting, Andree

I immediately make my reply.

TO: Mathieu

Same place.

Then I hit send.

I glance at Light as he read my reply and left.

Paglabas niya biglang nagtilian ang mga schoolmates namin na obvious na inaantay siya. That's his life now. Little by little he's getting famous not because he's a Vittori but because of his looks.

Narinig ko rin ang biglang pagdating ng mga taong humawi sa daan para makadaan ng maayos si Light ng walang nakaharang o kahit dumikit man lang sa balat niya.

He hated close contact. Kaya ang pinakamalapit sa kanya ay isang metro ang layo. This is why I pitied those girls who were truly in love with him. They can never be with him.

Napatingin ako kay Felysse na nanlilisik na ang mata sa mga babaeng nag-aantay sa paglabas ni Light. She hates those girls who's eyeing Light with admiration.

I sighed and make my way out. Madali lang naman sa'kin ang dumaan kahit saan. People hated me for being me. Those praises and admiration were all fake and it's more than okay to me. I don't have to pretend at all.

Our day started and ended like usual and at the end of the day, I went home to prepare my meeting with Light.

NASA LABAS na ako ng pintuan ng silid niya sa Head Quarter at inaantay na pagbuksan. This is where he wants to talk to me. This is his haven for secrecy. Hindi rin naman kasi ako komportable na may mga taong makakarinig sa usapan naming dalawa.

I don't have to knock because I know he can see me inside.

After a minute, he open the door for me. Pumasok naman ako at naupo sa couch niya. He followed, closed the door and sat at the carpeted floor in front of me.

"What is it?" Tanong ko ng makaupo na kami ng maayos.

He sighed and hold my hand. He just played my fingers and I waited for him to talk.

Alam niyang ayokong pangunahan kung anong nasa isip niya.

"Is this all about that Alissa, Andree? You've been avoiding me since then." He concluded and he is right.

Pero hindi ko sasabihin sa kanya yun. Yes, I did avoid him, but it was not just because Alissa talked to me. Alissa made me remember what I have to do.

"We talked about your deal too, Mathieu." I replied and hold his hand. "Di ba sabi mo, you need to distance yourself because your enemies were closing in?"

His family might be out of that mafia world, but their enemies were still around and they can't afford to slack around. He's still a royalty. He's also a perfect candidate to be the next Guardian Circle Emperor. It also means making more enemies.

"They won't harm me until I signed for candidacy."

He's still stubborn as ever.

"Di ba dapat dumistansya na tayo sa isa't isa ngayon pa lang para masanay tayo pareho?"

"No. I'll talk to Dad that I won't sign--"

"No." Pigil ko sa kanya. He can't withdraw. I won't let him withdraw. It's already settled. "If you won't be the next Emperor, everyone you care will be in danger. Ayaw mong mangyari yun di ba?"

"But I can't--"

No, I need to fix this.

"Mathieu, makinig ka sa'kin." I said calmly. "They know everyone around you. Kung ako ang pipiliin mo, what would they do to me and my family? They will use me as your anchor of defeat."

"Anyone can do it." He argued. "The Lionheart can do better."

"No, Mathieu. Only you can do it." Giit ko.

"How certain can you be, Andree? Why it has to be me? Why can't I choose my own happiness? Why can't I be free like them?" He's frustrated, alright. Pero wala akong magagawa. It has to be him or war shall rise up and killed everybody.

Malungkot na ngumiti ako at hinaplos ang pisngi niya. Yes, Light Mathieu might hate close contact but we grow up with each other. Growing up together makes us both feel that we're living as each other's half.

"You are the light to them, Light Mathieu. Why would your parents name you that?" I kissed his hand on mine. "Because they know you are the only hope to stop the uprising evil works on Guardian Circle. They haven't figure it out yet but we both already know. You can protect us and stop their wicked plans. You can get rid the traitor in our midst." Masuyong hinaplos ko ang buhok niya. I continued with a sad smile. "If you choose me, everyone will suffer."

He smiled back sadly. "You don't want me to choose you."

It wasn't a question. It's a clear statement.

"No. I choose to sacrifice than to let them suffer." I smiled kindly at him. "Sana ganun din ang gawin mo. Your sister will also suffer if you choose me, Mathieu. At ayokong mangyari yun."

He nodded and buried his face on my arm.

"Choosing me means sacrificing their lives, Mathieu."

Tahimik na tumango ulit siya. Gamit ang isang kamay ko, hinaplos ko ang buhok niya.

"Everything will be fine, Light." I assure him.

"Yeah. If you say so." Sagot niya.

Mahinang tinampal ko siya sa braso. "Bakit parang inaasar mo ako?"

"I missed you, Andree." He confessed and sighed. He's clearly not on the mood for arguments. "And I agree with your plan."

Masuyong ngumiti ako sa kanya. I know he will always be on my side but hearing him those words will always warm my heart.

"Thank you for trusting me, Mathieu." His trust is all I have.

Nag-angat siya ng tingin at tipid na ngumiti saka tumayo at hinalikan ako sa sentido.

"Get up, they're coming."

Tumango ako at hinayaan siyang alalayan ako patayo. Magkahawak-kamay na pumunta kami sa conference room. But before we get in, he stop and tugged my hand that makes me look at him.

"Will it be okay here?"

Ngumiti ako at umiling. "We can't trust everyone on your team, Light. Not until you became the Emperor."

He nodded and kissed my forehead and let me go.

"Go, be my queen." Utos niya.

"I am your queen." Pang-aasar ko sa kanya.

He slowly smiled. "Yeah, you are. Now go and terrorize them."

Napailing na pumasok na ako. Bumungad sa akin ng ilang pamilyar na mukha at ilang ngayon ko lang nakita sa personal.

"Everybody here?" Tanong ko habang tiningnan sila isa-isa.

"Uh, no." Sagot ni Roseia na itinaas ang hawak na lollipop. "Kryven is late as ever."

"Shall I make some countdown to make this exciting?" Nakangising tanong ko. Akmang tatango sila para mapag-trip-an namin si Kryven nang may marinig kaming sumigaw.

"Lady Andree! I'm here!" Mabilis na sigaw ni Kryven na kadarating lang.

He was taking a deep breath when he finally get in.

"Close the door, Captain." Utos ko sa kapitan ng squad nila.

The captain obediently closed the door.

"Si lord Light?" Tanong nila sakin.

"He's checking something. He'll be here in a minute." Sagot ko. "While he's away, I suggest to take your seats properly."

Mabilis na inayos naman nila ng upuan nilang lahat. They left one chair all away from them. Obviously yun ang magiging upuan ni Light Mathieu mamaya.

"You can all make some catching up with each other while waiting." Utos ko sa kanila. I need to observe everyone.

Mabilis na nagkwentuhan sila sa mga katabi nila habang inaantay si Light. It took a couple minutes when the door I opened and Light walk inside the room.

Agad natahimik ang lahat. Light also hated noise.

"Let's start." He ordered and sat down on his assigned chair.

I nodded and went in front.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, we gathered here for our monthly meeting." Simula ko. I told them everything we need to know for our next month's project.

... .. . .. ...

"THE COMPETITION will be months from now, Hija. Please don't work yourself too much." Sabi ni Mama Alixee ng maabutan niya ako sa workshop ko.

"Hello, Mama." I greeted her and kissed her cheek. "Snopping Mommy's credibility?" I asked her instead.

I was just making some designs for a gift. It's nothing to do with the competition.

Tumawa ang mabait kong Lola sa tanong ko at umiling. "No, Hija. Your Mommy is very amazing. She tripled my achievements. Anyway I'm here to see you." She smiled kindly at me.

Ngumiti ako. "Mommy would be delighted to hear those compliments, Mama."

"Nahihiya nga ako sa Mommy mo. She's been all trying to please me. Ni hindi niya alam ang totoo nahihiya ako sa pagiging kontrabida ng magkasintahan pa lang sila ng Daddy mo." I can clearly see the sincerity in her beautiful face. Papa Zero once told me about Mama Alixees stupid reactions and actions before.

"Mom will still love you, Mama." I assured her.

"I know she will. Ako kaya ang Mommy ng pinakamamahal niyang asawa."

Ngumiti ako at yumakap sa kanya. She hugged me back.

"Mama." Tawag ko sa kanya pagkaraan ng ilang segundo.

"Hmm?" She gently caressed my head.

"If I'll leave for Wisteria, do you think Mom and Dad will let me?" Inosenteng tanong ko sa kanya.

Natigilan si Mama Alixee sa tanong ko. "You're leaving?"

I nodded and laid my plans. "After my 18th birthday, no country would ask me to carry a guardian whenever I go."

"Hindi pa rin ba nagbabago ang isip mong magtravel sa buong mundo?" She remembered my plans when I was young.

"I want to explore and improve my creativity, Mama." Nakangiting sagot ko.

"Andree, leaving means breaking your parents' heart. Pero I'm sure hindi ka pipigilan ni Yshi. She know she can never clip your wings forever. And your Dad. I know he will have a hard time letting you go." Then she smiled like she remember something amusing. "Alam mo bang iyak ng iyak ang Dad mo ng malaman niyang gusto mo ng maging official designer ng A.Ly.Ce?"

"Why would he cry like that, Mama?" Kunot-noong tanong ko kahit alam ko na kung bakit.

"Because your Dad finally realized you're all grown up and he doesn't want that. He wants you to be on his wings forever."

"Si Daddy talaga."

"Your parents love you so much, Andree. Kaya kung anong sa tingin nila ang makakabuti sa'yo, gagawin nila. Kahit masakit sa loob. About your question, my answer would be 'yes'. Your Mom and Dad will let you go if that's what you want."

That's all I want to confirm.

"Thanks, Mama." Nakangiting ngumiti ako sa kanya.

"Your parents raised you well. I know you know what you're doing."

Ngumiti ako at humilig sa kanya. "Yes, Mama. I would do everything for my family."

Everything.