CHAPTER 2

I didn’t look back and walked straight into the nearby convenience store to calm myself down.

I wanted to strangle Lourdes! Why didn’t she tell me what was inside that paper bag? And how careless of me not to check before carrying it around! I wouldn’t have been so humiliated if I had only looked!

I bought a bottle of water and sat down at one of the small tables. My hands were still trembling from everything that had just happened.

Once I’d collected myself, I took out my phone and called Lourdes. She may be my boss, but I wasn’t going to let this slide.

“Yes, Annie?” she answered casually.

“Damn you! Why didn’t you tell me what was inside the paper bag?”

There was a brief silence before she burst into laughter on the other end. “Oh, why? Did something happen to my toy?”

“Oh my God, Lulu! It was so embarrassing! The d***o spilled onto the street, and some crazy guy saw it and assumed I actually use it! What the hell have you done to me?”

“And how is that my fault? Why didn’t you take care of the bag properly?”

“I can’t believe this! Whoever that jerk was probably thinks I use that thing for pleasure! This is so humiliating!”

“Whoever he is, you probably won’t see him again, Annie. Don’t stress about it. And take good care of my toy, okay? I’ll get it back when I return. Goodnight!”

I didn’t even get to reply. Furious, I shoved my phone back into my bag. The vibrator was still there, and I shut my eyes in frustration.

I just hope to God I never see that obnoxious man again. I’m sure the image of me using that toy is permanently etched in his dirty, perverted brain. As if I’d ever consider using something like that—not even in my wildest dreams!

Oh, Lourdes… you better be ready. I’m going to yank your hair out when you get back!

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I woke up early the next morning. Before I took a shower, I sent a good morning message to Daniel—my boyfriend who’s currently working in Japan.

It’s been a year and five months since he left. I still have to wait seven more months until he comes back, and just thinking about it fills me with excitement.

We’ve been together for over seven years, and I can’t help but hope that when Daniel returns, he’ll finally propose. I’m already thirty-five. Daniel is thirty-six. A lot of people are already telling us it’s time to settle down.

I put on my favorite oversized T-shirt and shorts, then stepped out of my bedroom. I went straight to the small kitchen in my duplex to prepare breakfast. It was only seven in the morning, and I usually leave for work by eight.

I made oatmeal and topped it with mixed fruits. Still no reply from Daniel. But I was used to that. I knew how busy he always was. While eating, I messaged my assistant Ricky to remind him that he was expected back at work today.

After breakfast, I stepped outside to check on the plants in my little garden. I immediately noticed a sleek car parked in the garage next door. I owned one unit of the duplex. The other unit had been vacant ever since the couple who lived there migrated a month ago. I even recommended the property to one of our clients who was looking for a place, but Mr. Austria hadn’t told me if it was sold.

Judging by that car, though, my new neighbor must be rich.

I pulled out the garden hose and began watering the plants. Gardening helped me relieve stress. Most of the plants I owned were expensive ornamentals that I lovingly cultivated. I even gave some to Lourdes and Ricky.

“Good morning!” a deep baritone voice called out.

I looked up and my eyes locked with the man standing behind the fence separating our yards.

I couldn’t hide my shock when I realized it was the same guy I fought over a taxi with last night. He looked just as surprised, though he recovered faster.

The events from last night flashed through my mind. I couldn’t believe it! Was he really my new neighbor?

The man slowly approached the iron fence. He was tall—probably around six feet—and even with his stubble, he looked young. I guessed he was in his mid-twenties. He rested his arms casually over the fence and grinned at me.

“I can’t believe this! We’re neighbors?”

I pretended to be unfazed and gave a cold smile. “Good morning, neighbor,” I greeted coolly before turning my back on him.

What kind of twisted joke was this? Lourdes said the chances of seeing that jerk again were slim—but now he’s living next door?!

“I’m Jeff. Jefferson Carl Navarro. And your name is—?”

I didn’t care who he was. I quickly resumed watering my plants, trying to ignore him.

“Hey, neighbor! Don’t tell me you woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Didn’t the toy do its job?”

I kept ignoring him. I didn’t want to engage. He was just going to ruin my day. Scratch that—he already had.

“Tsk tsk. See? I offered to take you to a hotel last night, but you turned me down. Regretting it now, aren’t you?”

That did it.

I turned to him sharply, raised the hose, and sprayed him with a strong stream of water.

“Hey! Stop it!” he yelped, dodging and backing away from the fence. But it was too late—he was already soaking wet by the time I stopped.

“Is this how you welcome new neighbors?” he asked, scowling.

I raised an eyebrow. “Why? Didn’t anyone warn you?”

He shook his head. “Whatever! I needed a shower anyway,” he replied with an annoyingly smug grin. “So, are you going to tell me your name now?”

“You think I’ll tell you my name just because we’re neighbors? Don’t play games with me unless you want me to file a complaint. Got it?” I glared at him.

“Woah, relax! I’m not trying to start a fight, okay? Like I said, I’m Jeff. And if you ever need anything, you can knock on my door. That’s what neighbors are for, right?”

I scoffed. “As if I’d ever ask you for help.”

“What did I even do to make you hate me this much? About last night, I was being sincere. I offered myself... you know, to spare you from the toy.”

“I told you, it wasn’t mine! Don’t you get it? Just because I was carrying it doesn’t mean I use it. And even if it was mine, it’s none of your business! I’d rather use a d***o than sleep with someone like you!”

“Fine! If it’s not yours, then I believe you,” he said, holding up his hands.

I couldn’t tell if he truly meant it, though. I could still see that infuriating smirk playing on his lips. I stared at him for a second longer before turning back to my plants.

“Is watering plants really that satisfying?” he asked.

I looked over my shoulder—not to answer, but just to glare at him.

“At least your plants get watered often. Aren’t you a little jealous?” he added with a wink.

My nostrils flared at that second comment. Before I could raise the hose again, he ducked and ran back into his house, laughing all the way.