Rhea Marie

Rhea Marie's Books(2)

Illegitimate Child Of The Alaister Family

Romance

5.0

I grinned widely as I revealed my winning cards, and my friends immediately voiced their complaints. "Sorry, guys. This one's mine!" I scooped up the bets from the table. "Come on, May-may! You always win!" "Are you cheating?" I flipped Fillan off for his comment. "You're just salty because you lost. Loser!" I taunted. "One more round, May!" Elmo challenged. "Nah, it's late," I said, glancing at my broken watch, which I only wore for style. "The dead aren't going anywhere! This place never closes anyway!" I glanced toward the house where our friend's coffin lay. Sam had been stabbed in the lung by his enemies. "You can help keep watch over Sam, too. It's tough staying up all night. Why don't you take his spot instead?" I smacked Elmo on the head. "How about I put you next to Sam instead?!" "Stay a little longer, May! Free snacks!" Fillan gestured toward the coffee and bread. I narrowed my eyes. They looked good. "Fine, I'll eat, then I'm leaving." "Stayyyy!" --- I ate the sandwich I took from Sam's wake as I walked through the dim alleyways toward home. "Out late again, May?" called out Tatay Gurong, drinking outside his house. "I was at Sam's." "That boyfriend of yours? Haven't seen him around lately." "He's dead," I replied casually, passing by. "Oh? What a waste." Hearing about deaths was normal here. A week without a killing was rare. This place was full of thugs, and honestly, I wouldn't even be surprised if someone got murdered in front of me. I was confident no one could intimidate me here-until I saw the man standing in front of my rented room. I instantly looked for a hiding spot. My sandwich slipped from my hand as I ducked behind a nearby post. Just as I was about to peek, a dog barked at me. My eyes widened in horror-it had definitely caught the man's attention. "Shut up, Choco!" I hissed at the dog. "You know me, damn it!" "Maria Zia Salazar?" I shrieked in shock at the man's voice. "Is that you?" "Look, dude, I swear, even though I was Sam's girlfriend, I had nothing to do with his debts. I don't have any money!" I pleaded, pulling out my pockets, which were full of candy. The man, dressed in a tuxedo, looked at my pockets, then at me, confused. "Even if you kidnap me, you'll get nothing. So just don't, okay?" I begged. He cleared his throat and stood straight. "Ms. Maria Zia Salazar Alaister." I froze at the mention of my full name. "I'm here to take you." I raised an eyebrow and laughed. "You've got the wrong person, dude." I walked past him. Before I could reach my rented room, two men blocked my way. "This is a direct order from your father, Giovanni Alaister," the man behind me said. I glared at him and turned around. "And what if I refuse?" I challenged. "We will use force," he said, pointing a gun at me. I met his gaze, my expression darkening. What does Giovanni want with me this time?!

My Three Stepbrothers

Romance

5.0

I woke up to loud knocking and someone repeatedly shouting my name. I was sure it was Aling Lourdes, the owner of this rental place. Aling Lourdes shouted, "I stood up and immediately opened the door for her." "Well, Maki, it seems like you're forgetting something?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Aling Lourdes, I don't have any money right now. Can I—" I couldn't finish my sentence because she interrupted. "If you can't pay, you should leave now. Nothing is free, and if you don't, I'll report you to the barangay," she said before leaving. I took a deep breath and decided to leave this place. •3 hours ago• I was outside Aling Lourdes' apartment, still thinking about where I should go when my phone suddenly rang. I answered it. "Hello?" "Maki? How are you, my child?" I couldn't respond when I heard my dad's voice. "What do you want?" I asked coldly. "Look at you, your attitude never changes," Dad said. "If you don't have anything good to say, I'll hang up now," I said irritably. "Maki, why don't you come live here so you can see how beautiful it is?" Dad suggested. "In your dreams," I started to say, but then I remembered I needed a place to stay. "Just send me the address," I said curtly and ended the call. My phone vibrated, and I saw the address he sent. I smirked a little and called a taxi. •Fast Forward• I was now in front of his mansion, and someone greeted me and told me to follow them. I stopped walking when I got inside. The place was huge and beautiful. I was startled when someone spoke behind me. "So, it's you?" the person said, looking angry. "M-me?" I stammered, pointing at myself. "Who else, stupid?" the person said before turning away. "HEY, YOU'RE SO ARROGANT! I'LL STRANGLE YOU!" I shouted, moving closer. "Sure, if you can, brat," the person said mockingly. I was about to hit him with my bag when someone laughed loudly.