Prologue

I glanced at the wall clock and realized that it had only been five minutes since the last time I checked the time. I checked my wristwatch too, just in case the wall clock had stopped, but it showed the same time.

It felt forever though....

I have no idea how many times I glanced at the wall clock for today. I can't count anymore. Since the time struck six, I've been looking at the clock for a while

Why the hell am I trying to count how many times I've checked the click though?

I sighed. I just turned the logbook I was holding. I stopped myself from looking at the clock again. I might just get annoyed when Likewise, I see that less than a minute has passed.

I tried to concentrate on what i was doing iIstead. I counted the clothes on one of the display racks and recorded that in the logbook. Then I followed the adjacent display rack and counted the clothes there as well.

I glanced at the wall clock again.

Twenty minutes before seven in the evening. I have to prepare now if I want to get to my destination on time. I don't want to be late for my walks anymore. Likewise, i value time especially if it affects other people's time. I hate it just thinking that someone is waiting for me.

"You have a date with sir Yakov. Ma'am?"

I looked at one of my assistants here at the store. Millie was smiling as she approached me. She fixed the clothes that were messed up because of the customers earlier.

"How did you know? " I asked.

"You've been looking at the clock for a while now, ma'am. You only do that when you have a walk, and you don't want to be late," Andrea said. She was standing by the counter, doing the inventory too.

I chuckled.

"Looks like you know me well, huh?" "Not at all, ma'am. We just know how much you value other people's time," Millie said.

I guess it shows in me though. That's why even they don't really delay getting to the shop. If anything, they would tell me in advance if they were going to be late and that would save me all the hassle.

Sometimes I actually open this shop when there is a chance that both of them will be late at the same time. That's why I like their early telling. At least the operating time of the boutique will not be affected.

"Alright, ma'am. We're here. So you won't be late for your date with Sir Yakov," Andrea said, and I immediately shook my head.

"I just can't do that," I said shaking my head. "Even if I'm the owner, I still want to help here. Even at closing time,"

"You always help us, Miss Nat, When you're out for a walk, you're not here, or you can't go home first," Millie said.

"We're okay here, ma'am. Get ready so you can be prettier in Sir Yakov's eyes."

"To make Sir fall in love with you even more, ma'am!"

I laughed at their teasing. I really like them. That's why I can't make them speak. Not that I was thinking about it. I am comfortable and already content with just the two of them helping me with the shop. They have been working here for a long time, so they know my likes and dislikes. Plus, they're really good at their job. I haven't had any problems with them yet.

"Because you insist, then I'll get ready now," I said. But later, he also winced and looked at them with concern. "Are you sure it's okay for you to go first?"

They nodded together.

"It's okay, ma'am!"

"Enjoy your date!"

I smiled at them before I headed to the back office to get ready and get my purse. I checked myself in the mirror and decided to retouch a bit. I just tucked some errands of my medium Bob-cut hair behind my ears. I dyed my hair light, andwn and I smiled at how the color's my fair skin.

I appreciate pink lipstick on my plum lips. My eyebrows were straight , andI really like it this way. I don't look grumpy or intimidating because I already have an aluitedmond-shape eyes. Because I often get told that when my makeup emphasizes my mats.

I inherited my eye color from my father which is dark brown. While my small nose but with a high bridge was from my mother.

When I was satisfied with my appearance, I left the office with my purse and said goodbye to my two assistants.

I drove to the restaurant where Yakov and I decided to meet for our dinner tonight. I got there five minutes early and Yakov hadn't arrived yet. A waitress guided me to our reserved table and someone served me water while I was waiting for Yakov.

This was okay for me though. I'd rather be the one waiting than other people waiting. I get really anxious and uncomfortable whenever I think that someone is waiting for me where they can use their time more conveniently instead of just waiting.

It was seven in the evening and Yakov still wasn't here. It was normal, the usual thing.

This is not new so I waited another five minutes before I checked the phone for Yakov's text to see if he was late today.

I smiled when I saw the photo that I used as my lock screen wallpaper. It was a selfie photo of me and Yakov. We were both smiling at the camera. Our cheeks were touching so our faces would fit in the frame.

Yakov and I were childhood friends. Our family is close to Yakov's family. I guess it was also because both families benefited from each other and have been friends ever since.

We're a family of politicians. My father is a senator. While Yakov's father is the chief of PNP.

I realized that our family has been working together since then.

That's why our parents were so happy when Yakov and I became friends. I was happy for making my parents happy, especially my father. That's why I've been trying so hard for my relationship with Yakov to work.

I really like Yakov's company. As childhood friends, we already know a lot about each other. Our relationship was really convenient for me. I didn't have to go to the trouble of answering questions such as what's my favorite flower, my favorite color, or food. Especially the one where they would ask what type of men I am.

And I'm comfortable with Yakov. Plus, I really like him.

But in these situations I really don't like Yakov. While I value time, Yakov wasn't. He is always late for our conversation. Only sometimes be on time and rarely if he is ahead of the meeting time. I told him about it several times but he still hasn't changed. He's always making me wait. Every damn time.

Twenty minutes after seven had already passed and Yakov still wasn't here. I ordered wine a while ago and I'm drinking the second glass now. I'm not planning to get drunk tonight without eating dinner. But it looks like that will happen before Yakov arrives.

It was seven-thirty in the evening when Yakov finally arrived which was really a good thing 'cause I was already thinking of going home. I couldn't hide my annoyance with him when I approached him.

“Thank God! You're finally here!" I said as I stood up to greet him. I don't know if it's still called a greeting because the annoyance in my voice is obvious.

“Have you been here for a while?" he even dared to ask as he kissed me on the cheek. I couldn't help but roll my eyes in annoyance.

"Yakov, the conversation is seven in the evening. I got here five minutes early," I said as we both took our seats. "You're always arriving earlier than the call time," he said like it was my fault for being early." I frowned. "Really? You're blaming me?" Yakov sighed. It was obvious that I was bored. When it's like this, he'll stop and won't do anything to annoy me even more. That's why it's really convenient for both of us that we have already known each other since we were kids. We avoid pointless arguments. "Alright, I'm sorry. I got caught up with something." I waited for him to elaborate more on what he said. What is the thing he is referring to why he is late now. But he already called the server's attention so we could order our food. I just let it go and didn't ask any more about that matter. I just let him order for me too since he also knows what I want to eat.

We talked as the servers prepared our orders. Our talk was always casual. We don't have anything else to talk about because when something happens in their family, I find out more about Mommy than her. That's how close our family is.

This was really... comfortable.

“How's the shop?" Yakov asked as we started to eat. I glanced at him before proceeding to cut my steak.

“It's doing good. We're planning to branch out again."

“What?" I heard a strange tone in his voice so I looked at him. I saw the disapproving look on his face. "Maybe that will make you busy? This will be your third time now."

“It's okay. I have an assistant," I said simply.

“Where are you planning to branch out this time?"

“I'm still thinking," I said, shrugging my shoulders so we could drop this topic.

I was starting not to like the look on his face like he was disapproving of my thoughts so I decided to change the topic of our conversation.

“How about you? How's your day?" I asked.

“Oh, before I forgot... Clear your schedule next weekend," Yakov suddenly said which made me frown.

“Why?"

He showed me his smile. I also smiled when I saw that she looked excited.

“Kuya will visit. We have forced him, finally."

My smile froze. After a while, the smile on my lips completely disappeared.

Oh, that's right... Yakov has a brother. A half-brother. I almost forgot.

What I know is that his brother is in Russia and has not visited the Philippines for a long time.

That's why Yakov and his mother were convincing him to at least visit just for a while. Yakov is now his Mommy's second family. His half-brother was left behind in Russia with his Russian father. I have no idea why but it seems like his mother didn't want to go back to Russia so they are forcing only his brother to visit here in the Philippines.

I remember the last time his half-brother visited. It was so long ago. Yakov and I were both young then. We were both eight at that time and his brother was in his teens already. I can't even remember how old they are.

Lyon was the last visit of his brother. It never happened again.

Because of Yakov's mention of his brother, I suddenly remembered what happened before. The reason why I hated his arrogance

I was a kid at that time so of course, I enjoyed playing. I was digging the ground, in the garden behind Yakov's house. I don't even know why Mommy let me till the land then. Maybe because she and Dad were busy talking with Yakov's parents that will benefit our family because Daddy was already planning to run for politics.

I don't even remember where Yakov was then and why I was the only one playing in their back garden.

Suddenly, his half-brother was already in front of me. I was crouching down on the ground while he was standing in front of me. I don't know if that's why I think he's so tall. He was looking down at me and that was the first time I felt so small.

But still, he looked like a prince to me. He looked so handsome and cool. With his hands inside the side pocket of his trousers as he looked down at me. I still remember how impressed I was with him, especially when I saw his blue eyes.

Not until I saw his smile. He even scoffed like he was laughing at me.

"You shouldn't be here," I remember him saying.

I remember just staring at him then. He has an accent. That was only four words but... He looked more attractive with his accent.

"What?" I asked.

"Beggars are not allowed in here," he said again with that thick accent.

It took me a moment before I finally realized what he meant 'cause I was so fascinated with his accent and his blue eyes... and everything about him. I stood up in annoyance and waved in front of him.

Now, that I think about it, I probably didn't look intimidating with my pigtails. That's probably why Yakov's brother still laughed at me at that time.

"I am not a beggar!" I shouted out of annoyance.

"Hmm?" He eyed me from head to toe with a smirk on his lips. "Okay. My bad."

I remember that I was just more annoyed by what he said. Then our parents called for us.

When Mommy saw me, she almost passed out. I didn't know why. She said something like she was going to wash my face but Yakov's mother stopped her, saying that it was adorable. Then they forced us to pose for a picture. Yakov, his brother, and me.

"Your brother will finally visit here?" I asked Yakov when I was done with my memory lane.

He nodded, still with a smile on his face.

"Yeah... Mom wanted to spend time with him. I should take you with me."

"Hmm," I just said and nodded once.

I heard Yakov chuckle.

"Are you still mad at brother? It's been a while."

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Well, first impression lasts. I never saw him again after that, that's why

the image of your brother in my brain."

"Let it go... Maybe now, you'll change your mind about him."

Yakov looked really excited that he'll finally meet his brother again. He's his only brother.

He has no other siblings. Because of the situation, he grew up as the only child of his family. Maybe that's why the brother is so excited to finally be together.

I guess he wanted to get spoiled too. Especially since he's the younger brother. He also probably wanted someone to talk with things that we couldn't talk about. Things that only boys will understand.

At the restaurant, Yakov and I parted because we had the same cars. I drove home and while looking at my own house, I felt proud. It was a two-story house with four bedrooms and a spacious terrace on the side. The style was simple with gray and white paint.

I bought this house with my own money after the success of my business. I've wanted to leave my parents' house for a long time. At first I was even hesitant, knowing how controlling my dad is. So I was very happy when they allowed me to buy my own house.

After I parked the car, I went inside the house. I put the keys on the bowl that was on the display cabinet that can be passed through the living room. It's also where the pictures from different moments in my life are placed.

The picture of Yakov and I was there when we graduated from college. I was holding a bouquet that he gave me. Next to that was the picture during the grand opening of my boutique shop. He was also with me in the picture, and I'm holding flowers that he gave me as well.

Only then did I remember the picture that had been buried in oblivion for a long time. It's in the back because it's covered by recent photos. I took it and stared at the picture in my hand.

When I saw that picture, then I understood why Mommy reacted like that and why Yakov's older brother laughed at me. I looked like a mess. My face and clothes are dirty from tilling the soil. My pigtails are also uneven. One is lower than the other. My hair was still messy. Some strands were sticking out.

It was a photo of me, Yakov, and his half-brother. I was in the middle, looking at Yakov's half-brother with a frown on my face. Yakov is smiling at the camera, doing a pogi-sign, with his thumb and his forefinger spread out under his chin. While his brother was just cool looking at the camera. He wasn't even smiling.

A smile escaped from my lips. I suddenly began to wonder how this arrogant and rude teen had been.

Nothing... I was just curious.

\~𝘼𝙎𝙃\~

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