I Can Be Happy Without You

March 5, 2023, 3:00 PM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Ayala Malls Vertis North

Daniel's heart sank as a familiar voice pierced through the air, instantly sending a mix of unease and apprehension settling in his gut. He turned, and there she was—Judee, walking towards him with JM by her side. It was the voice he had hoped to never hear again.

"Daniel? Is that you?" Judee's grin widened as she saw Daniel's discomfort. Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.

Turning, they both saw Judee walking towards them with JM by her side. Daniel felt a knot forming in his stomach as he forced a polite smile. "Hey, Judee. How are you?"

Judee's grin widened as she saw Daniel's discomfort. "I'm doing great! Look, JM just bought me an Armani watch worth Php. 16,000!" She paused, noticing Daniel's watch. "Oh, I see you're still wearing that cheap watch. Some things never change, I guess."

*Ding!*

Suddenly, Sampaguita's robotic voice interrupted Daniel's thoughts.

"Major Mission Assigned: Overcome Betrayal and Ridicule," Sampaguita announced inside his head. "Show them that you can be happy despite their hurtful actions."

"Reward: Cash. The amount will depend on how well you perform," Sampaguita's voice continued.

Daniel steeled his heart, realizing that Sampaguita was right. He should not let Judee continue to hurt and ridicule him with her words and actions. He took a deep breath and forced a smile on his face.

"Well, I'm happy for you, Judee," Daniel said, trying to sound genuine. "I'm still shopping with Molly, so I'll just see you around."

He turned to Molly, hoping she didn't catch onto his discomfort. "Let's go inside. I think I'm going to buy an Armani watch after all."

Daniel's sudden change in attitude took aback Judee. She had expected him to be hurt and embarrassed, but he seemed unfazed. She watched him and Molly walk away, her mind racing with confusion and disbelief.

However, she suddenly thought that Daniel might only be pretending to make her regret leaving him. After all, Daniel is just an employee at some company. How can he afford a luxury watch? She quickly made up her mind and decided to follow them.

Dragging JM along with her, Judee walked into the Armani store and spotted Daniel and Molly looking at a watch. She strode up to them, her eyes fixed on Daniel.

"Stop pretending, Daniel. We all know you can't afford anything here in Armani!" Judee said with a voice that carried a tone of superiority and mockery.

Some people overheard her and started to stare at the commotion. Gossiping tongues began to wag.

Daniel ignored her remark and approached one of the store staff with a genuine smile.

"Hi, I'm interested in that set. Can you show it to me, please?" Daniel requested politely.

The staff member nodded and brought out the watch set for Daniel to examine. Daniel carefully inspected it and then looked up at the staff member.

"You have a good eye, sir. This is the Armani Exchange AX2606 Set," the staff member complimented.

Daniel nodded, his interest piqued. "Yes, it looks impressive. Can you tell me more about its features?"

The staff member enthusiastically began explaining the watch's various features, including its water resistance, chronograph, and premium materials.

But just as Daniel was listening attentively, Judee rudely interrupted.

"As if you can afford that! That set is actually Php. 34,000! Hah! That's like two months' worth of your salary already," Judee interjected, smirking with satisfaction.

Daniel paused for a moment and then turned to Judee. He maintained his composure, refusing to let her words affect him. "Actually, I can afford it. But even if I couldn't, I don't see why that would be any of your business."

Judee's smile vanished as she realized her mistake. Stammering, she tried to backtrack, "I...I didn't mean it like that."

Daniel shook his head, disappointment etched on his face and turned back to the staff member. "I'll take the set, please," he said, confidently taking out his BDO card.

Judee watched in disbelief as Daniel completed the transaction. The reality of his ability to afford such an expensive item hit her, leaving a twinge of jealousy and regret for the way she had treated him.

Daniel then turned to Molly with a warm smile. "I liked the look of this watch, but since it's a set, the other one is yours," he said, extending the second watch toward her.

Molly's eyes widened in surprise, and she tried to refuse the gift. "I can't accept that. It's too expensive," she said, feeling a mix of gratitude and shyness.

Daniel could sense her hesitation and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Take it. I have no one else to give it to anyway. Consider it a token of our friendship," he said sincerely.

Judee's emotions churned as she watched the scene unfold. Embarrassment, anger, and surprise continued to swirl within her, making it difficult for her to process what she was witnessing. The fact that Daniel seemed to be living a better life after their breakup was almost too much for her to believe.

However, Judee's confusion and resentment reached their boiling point, and she could no longer contain her emotions. In a burst of frustration, she blurted out, "Where did you get that money? Are you stealing now?" Her accusatory tone reverberated through the store, capturing the attention of both the staff and other customers.

Daniel's calm demeanor faltered for a moment, taken aback by Judee's audacity. Yet, he quickly regained his composure, fully aware that he had nothing to hide.

"Where did this accusation come from? I did not steal anything," he responded firmly, his voice laced with a touch of disbelief. "As for where I got my money, it's none of your business. And there's no need to check anything. I used my own legitimate bank card to make this purchase."

Turning his attention toward the store staff, Daniel continued, "If there are any doubts, I'm more than willing to provide my identification. You can verify that my name matches the bank card."

He handed his ID to the cashier woman, displaying a gesture of transparency and confidence in his innocence.

The cashier attentively examined Daniel's ID and bank card, confirming that everything was in order. She glanced at Daniel and nodded, satisfied with his explanation and the legitimacy of his transaction.

Turning her gaze towards Judee and her companion, the cashier's tone shifted, firm and authoritative. "I'm sorry, but I must ask you to leave. Your behavior towards another customer is unacceptable and disruptive. If you don't comply, I will have to call security to escort you out."

"B-but," Judee protested, her voice laced with confusion and disbelief. She struggled to comprehend the situation unfolding before her, unable to fathom how Daniel, who had once been a corporate employee earning just a little above minimum wage, could now afford such luxurious items.

The store staff, tired of Judee's disruptive behavior, swiftly made a call for security.

Judee's panic surged as she realized the gravity of the situation. Feeling humiliated and embarrassed by her own actions, she clutched onto JM's arm tightly and hastened her retreat from the store before security arrived.