CHAPTER 1

“Stop sulking already, Ricardo!” I snapped at my gay assistant over the phone. I stepped into the empty elevator. As soon as the doors closed, I leaned against the wall and listened to Ricky’s sobs and complaints.

“Ma’am Annie, come on! I’ve told you I don’t want to be called by that name, and yet you insist? How insensitive! You’re my boss, but sometimes you really cross the line!”

“And what do you want me to call you instead? Martyr? Even if you die for him, your Judas of an ex isn’t coming back! You fed his whole family, and what did he do in return? He still cheated on you! You’re being pathetic chasing after that guy!”

“But I love him, Ma’am! Can’t you understand that? Don’t you get what I’m going through?”

“Oh, I understand perfectly. You’re moping over a worthless man while you’ve left a mountain of important work behind! Ricardo, get yourself together and report to the office tomorrow—no excuses! I’ve already given you three days of leave. If I don’t see you at your desk tomorrow, then don’t bother coming in again. Ever. Got that?”

I hung up just as the elevator doors opened to the ground floor of the building where my office was located. I work as a Creative Consultant at The Idea House—an independent, traditional advertising agency. I’ve been with this company for almost twelve years, ever since it started. I was here even before it officially launched.

I nodded to the guard on duty as I walked out of the building and headed to the street where I usually hailed a cab. It was past eight in the evening. I should’ve gone home by six, but with my assistant absent and the amount of work I had to finish, I couldn’t leave early.

Ricky should be thankful I wasn’t in a worse mood when I called him. My friend Lourdes—who also owns the ad agency—had food delivered for me. Dinner was taken care of, so I could rest as soon as I got home. It was her way of making up for taking a week off, and because I was filling in for her, the bulk of the responsibilities now fell on my shoulders.

“I’ll send you my new address so you can drop my car off there. Thanks, bro!”

I turned at the sound of a deep baritone voice not too far away. A tall man stood there, brows furrowed as he stared at the screen of his phone.

I looked away and waved at an approaching taxi. It passed me slightly before slowing to a stop. I quickly walked toward it, eager to get in—but I was caught off guard when someone else reached for the door handle at the same time. The tall man stood beside me, his brow raised in challenge.

“Sorry, Miss, but I got here first,” he said casually.

I raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me? I flagged this taxi down, so it’s mine.” I opened the backseat door, but he quickly blocked me with his arm, preventing me from getting in.

“Come on, Miss. Just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you get a free pass. I hailed this cab first.”

“I don’t care if you did. It stopped for me, so I’m taking it!”

We started arguing right there on the sidewalk until the taxi driver grew visibly irritated.

“Hold on, Driver! This guy doesn’t understand simple logic!”

“Sir, didn’t you stop for me?” I added, turning to the driver for backup.

“Oh, for crying out loud! I’m leaving. Find another cab!” the driver barked in frustration.

“Wait, Driver! I’m getting in!” I shoved the man’s arm away, too tired to wait any longer.

“No, wait!” the man grabbed my arm, pulling me back. I resisted, and in the struggle, his hand brushed against the paper bag hanging from my arm. I yanked it back, but the red paper bag tore, and its contents spilled onto the street.

“Look what you did!” I snapped at him—only to freeze in shock when I saw what had fallen out.

“What’s this?” the stranger asked, picking up one of the items. I saw a smile slowly creep across his face, his eyes glinting with mischief.

“You actually use this? How sad!”

My face drained of color. It was clearly a box of... a d***o. “T-That’s not mine!” I snatched it from him, but he pulled it out of reach with a teasing laugh.

“Is this why you’re rushing home, Miss? Can’t wait to use it?”

I was speechless. The vibrator wasn’t mine. I had no idea it was inside the paper bag Lourdes had asked me to grab from her drawer.

“It looks expensive too. Must be the real deal,” he chuckled.

“Give it back!” I demanded, snatching the ‘toy’ again. Finally, he let go.

My heart was pounding. I shoved the box into my handbag, now that the paper bag was ruined. Then I hurried into the taxi, thankful the driver hadn’t driven off yet.

To my shock, the man climbed in and sat right next to me.

“What are you doing?!” I snapped, but he ignored me.

“Sorry, Driver. We’re together. Let’s go! Just take us to the nearest hotel,” he told the driver.

The car pulled away from the curb before I could protest.

“What hotel are you—” I started, but the man leaned close and whispered in my ear:

“Relax, babe. I’m doing you a favor. You don’t have to settle for a toy when I’m here. I’m bigger, real, and very much alive. What do you say, hmm?” He even winked at me.

“W-What?!” I gasped, eyes wide in disbelief.

That was the last straw. I clenched my fist and punched him square in the chest.

“Ow!” he grunted, but grinned at me anyway. Infuriating man!

“What’s your problem, babe?”

“You’re insane! Driver, stop this taxi! I want to get out!”

The driver looked back at us, clearly fed up. “What now? You two are causing a scene. I’m just trying to do my job here!”

“Don’t worry, Driver, I’ll double your fare. Just take us to the hotel,” the man offered coolly.

“I don’t even know him! Pull over—I’m getting out!” I shouted, glaring at the man beside me. My nostrils flared in anger.

The driver finally pulled over. I immediately opened the door.

The stranger grabbed my arm again. “Babe, don’t be like that!”

I slapped his hand away and cursed. “You asshole!”

“Are you really going to waste this chance? We’re almost at the hotel,” he said with a laugh, clearly trying to provoke me.

“You lunatic! Go to your hotel alone!” I snapped, stepped out of the taxi, and stormed off.