CHAPTER 4

Adela's Point of View:

"What war? I don't understand," I whispered to Olivia, who let out a sigh.

"Don't tell anyone about this, okay?" she said, and I nodded.

"Our grandparents have a longstanding feud that's still unresolved. Don't ask me what it's about because I don't know either. For now, nothing bad is happening between the two families, but they still ignore each other. I don't know how Archer and Margareth met, but all I know is he courted her two years ago," she softly confided in me.

"So Archer can't talk about their relationship because of the feud between your and Margareth's families. But you said earlier that it seemed like the feud was over, so why are they still afraid to tell everyone?" I asked.

"It's just awkward, and just because both sides aren't making a fuss doesn't mean everything is okay. Let's not talk about it. Our lives are already complicated," she replied, and I couldn't do anything but fall silent and continue eating.

Time quickly passed, and I was thankful that I managed to take a nap before heading to Olivia's friend's birthday celebration.

I didn't bring a gift, which is embarrassing. I don't know if I should still buy one or not.

I rummaged through my belongings and remembered that I had an unopened set of makeup I bought here. It was still sealed, so I thought of giving it as my gift.

When you're in a tight spot, you hold on to what you have.

Fortunately, it was still in her paper bag, so I didn't need to wrap it anymore.

I'm also thankful it's a girl's birthday, so there's no problem with the gift.

"Skin Shine," I read on the packaging.

I hope it's okay. I'm not good with makeup, and this was the last thing I ordered from a legitimate online shop selling the brands I saw some of my favorite singers endorsing, so I bought it.

I chose to wear a long-sleeved vintage dress in white with black accents on the edges. I tied my hair into a ponytail.

I wore doll shoes because I'm not used to heels; my feet and legs hurt when I wear them. I prefer to be comfortable.

Olivia arrived at eight in the evening. She asked permission from the household staff to bring me along, and Demeter also agreed to let me go out.

I was ecstatic. I still haven't seen Primo, so I was really excited inside.

Who wouldn't be happy not to see the person you can't stand?

When Olivia and I arrived at the venue, I asked her where to put the gifts.

"Come with me, I'll show you. I'll put mine there too," she said, and I followed her.

When I placed my gift for the birthday celebrant on the gifts table, Olivia's eyes widened.

"Are you serious about this?" she asked, pointing at my gift, and I nodded.

"It's a bit expensive, huh?" she remarked.

"Never mind, it's rare anyway," I replied as we walked towards a clean table.

"How old is the birthday celebrant?" I asked, as it seemed quite grand.

"She's turning 24. Quincy is insistent on having extravagant birthdays. But what usually happens is a short program, then it turns into a party right away. You'll see, the party will start in a bit. It was supposed to start a while ago; I don't know why it hasn't begun yet. Filipino time, I guess," Olivia said, shaking her head.

After a few minutes, the birthday celebrant appeared. She was beautiful, wearing a dress that hugged her curves, with a low neckline and long sleeves.

As Olivia mentioned, there was a short program before it quickly turned into a party.

"Oh hi, Olivia!" Quincy greeted as she reached our table.

"Hi, Happy Birthday! By the way, this is Adela, my friend," she introduced me, and Quincy gave me a cold look from head to toe, seemingly displeased to see me.

"Hi," she greeted with a chill, and I smiled.

"Happy Birthday!" I greeted, and she simply nodded before bidding Olivia farewell and walking away.

"Look at that bitch," Olivia said as Quincy moved away, and I couldn't help but laugh.

Olivia noticed how Quincy looked at me.

"Are you really her friend?" I asked, still amused.

"A plastic friend? She befriended me because she wants to get her hands on a Montero, and I know she really likes Archer. Maybe she doesn't like you because she knows or heard that you're Archer's fiancée. Tsk. Shameless, huh? You should take back that skin shine makeup you gifted her, it's a waste to cling to her plastic skin! It's also expensive, what a waste!" she said sarcastically, and I chuckled even more.

"But why did you come if she's a plastic friend?" I inquired.

"Oh, Primo asked me to come. He said he has something to do," she replied, wiping the grin off my face.

What could he be doing here?

Is he going to breakdance to slow music?

"What is he going to do?" I asked, curious, because I would feel embarrassed for him if he's up to something foolish.

"I don't know. But speaking of the little devil, here he comes. He's with a girl; I wonder who that is," she said, raising an eyebrow as the two approached our table.

Her raised eyebrow settled as they got closer, and I watched them with interest.

"Good evening, Olivia and..." Primo greeted, and then he paused and faced me with a big smile, making my eyes roll.

"Adela," he continued with what he was saying.

A girl came out from behind him. I recognized her, and my cheeks warmed up when I realized who she was.

The girl he shared the dare with! Goodness...

"This is Catherine, Quincy's little sister. My girlfriend," he introduced, and my eyebrows raised.

Quincy's sister? Hmm... not on my good side. I don't like her sister's attitude. Just kidding, I don't care, but I feel embarrassed about what I remember about them. I even heard the dare they were doing in that cottage! Even though they didn't know I was there at that time, I still feel embarrassed!

Olivia couldn't hide her shock upon hearing what Primo said.

"Congratulations, Primo. I didn't know you also have a girlfriend," Olivia said, then Primo looked at me.

"Are you not going to congratulate me?" he asked, and I was puzzled.

"Do I need to do that?" I innocently asked, and Olivia just tapped me, so I did what Primo wanted.

The two of them sat at our table because there were still plenty of spaces available.

"I'll just get some dessert," Olivia excused herself, and I nodded.

I just drank the juice on the table and looked into the distance.

I was surprised when Catherine also stood up to briefly talk to her sister, leaving Primo and me alone.

Tsk, until when will my luck be like this?

I'm not happy about seeing her, and from morning till before I sleep at night, she still shows up to me? That's a terrible curse!

"What can you say about that?" Primo suddenly asked me, most likely referring to his relationship.

"Stay strong?"

"Tsk, baby, you're so damn innocent," he said softly, and I didn't understand, but it seemed like he was angry about my reaction.

"Did I say something wrong? I read in books and saw in movies that it's often said to new couples," I replied, and I noticed him looking at me irritably.

What did I do now?

"I am making you jealous, that's why I got a girlfriend," he straightforwardly said, causing my jaw to drop.

"Oh, that's not good," I responded with a shake of my head.

"Yeah, it isn't good," he agreed, and my forehead creased in confusion.

"It wasn't good because you didn't get jealous, even just a bit," he added.

"Baby, I am getting crazy because of you, damn this feeling!" he whispered to me, leaving me flabbergasted.

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