CHAPTER 9
THE ACT OF LOVE
No one's POV
"I'm bored," Azara muttered under her breath. She climbed out of bed and stood up to stretch, her movements languid and deliberate.
Her boyfriend, Liam, remained sprawled on the bed, his gaze fixed on her.
"Can we cuddle more? I'm leaving later. I want to feel your warmth," Liam's voice took on a childish, almost pleading tone.
He held a cigarette between his index and middle fingers, taking a long drag before exhaling a cloud of smoke.
Azara responded with a sharp look, flipping him off with her middle finger.
As she turned her gaze to the window, her eyes narrowed upon spotting a young woman outside.
She peered closer and recognized the car of a woman she detested.
Her jaw clenched as the intruder approached her house.
Without a word, Azara stormed out of her bedroom, wearing only a cropped fitted shirt and panties, indifferent to the possibility of anyone seeing her.
After all, she lived with women.
"Where are you going?" Liam asked, rising from the bed.
Azara ignored him, making her way to the railings overlooking the main hall.
She leaned against the railings, observing as Seyren greeted her friend.
Azara's eyebrows shot up, and she silently cursed when the young woman kissed Seyren on the cheek.
"Baby, let's go back to the room," Liam pleaded, hugging her from behind.
Azara shoved him away with one hand, her eyes still fixed on the two friends.
Liam, startled by her reaction, felt his heart skip a beat upon recognizing a familiar face.
"What is she doing here?" he whispered, just loud enough for Azara to hear.
"Right... What is she doing here?" Azara's voice was laced with menace, contrasting sharply with Liam's fearful tone.
Their eyes followed the two women, and when Seyren noticed them, her reaction mirrored the unease in Neome's eyes-an unsettling mix of fear and intimidation.
As Azara and Seyren's eyes met, the younger woman looked away first.
She ascended the stairs with her friend, passing the couple who continued to watch them.
Azara's eyes twitched with annoyance at seeing the two talking happily.
"I-I gotta go. I'm heading to Zambales," Liam stammered, hastily saying goodbye to Azara before leaving.
She didn't acknowledge him. Once he descended the stairs, Azara retreated to her room, slamming the door shut with a loud bang.
"I think your sister's not in a mood," Neome remarked, entering Seyren's room.
Seyren smirked and looked at her friend with amusement.
"Ignore her, they probably just had a fight," Seyren laughed. Neome's eyes widened in shock.
"That was her boyfriend?" Neome's voice was high-pitched with surprise.
Seyren nodded, continuing to pack her belongings.
"Good thing I got a three-day leave. You know, Neome, I don't usually take leaves this long. You should be grateful; you're special to me." Neome forced a smile, her mind drifting back to the man she saw earlier with her idol.
"Thank you, you're the best friend ever," Neome replied, sitting on the bed.
She tried to push the troubling thoughts from her mind.
"Promise, this three-day leave will be worth it. We'll help a lot of kids. We might even see Kalix. He's so handsome, I could set you up with him if you want," Neome suggested. Seyren cringed at the idea.
"You know I hate flings like that. Ew, gross," Seyren said, making a face that lightened Neome's mood.
Neome smiled, a wide, beautiful smile that no artist could capture but came effortlessly from the girl beside her.
"I know, I'm just teasing you," Neome giggled. Seyren laughed, then suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, by the way! Ate Elowen baked a cake for you, and she left a note. Want to try it? It's delicious, I promise." Neome's spirits lifted, feeling a rush of excitement.
Her heart melted at the thought of Cameron baking a cake just for her. "Really?"
"Yes, come downstairs with me if you want. I want some cake too." Neome stood up and stopped Seyren from walking.
Standing in front of her friend, Neome accidentally touched Seyren's toned abs, sculpted like a work of art by a divine hand, revealed by her sports bra and open button-up shirt.
"I-I'll get it. You just keep packing," Neome stammered, quickly withdrawing her hand and leaving the room.
Seyren stood there, stunned by the unexpected contact with her friend's abs.
As Neome exited the room and walked down the hallway, she cursed herself under her breath.
Her face flushed as she stared at the hand that had touched Seyren's abs.
"You're so stupid, Neome," she muttered, descending the stairs and heading to the kitchen.
Fortunately, she had memorized the layout of the house.
"Do you need anything, Ma'am?" Marie asked as Neome entered the kitchen.
Neome smiled at her.
"I'm here for the cake Ms. Elowen baked," Neome replied politely.
Marie smiled back and retrieved a large cake box from the fridge.
"Here it is, baked by Madame Elowen. She also left you a note," Marie said, placing the cake on the countertop and handing Neome a small note.
"Thank you," Neome said, reading the note.
Hello Neome,
I heard you asked Seyren to accompany you for your charity work. Good luck, and please take care of Seyren for me. You know how she is, right? She's kind of clumsy and too innocent. She's my baby, so please, please, please take good care of her.
I also baked a cake for you as a token of my appreciation. Let's meet up sometime and hang out. If you ever need financial support for the charity, feel free to call me or my sister Azara. We're happy to help.
Neome beamed with joy, folding the note and tucking it behind her phone case like a treasured keepsake from her idol, Cameron.
She found a plate and cut two slices of cake, tasting one and moaning with delight.
"Ang sarap!!" she whispered to herself, eyes closed.
"Of course it's delicious, my sister baked it. Isn't she amazing?" Neome's eyes flew open at the familiar voice.
"Ms Azara"
Azara approached the cake with a predatory grace, grabbing a fork and taking a delicate bite.
A smile crept across her lips as she savored the sweetness.
The cake's sugary delight seemed to soften her sharp features momentarily.
Neome stood frozen, her eyes wide as she watched Azara.
Her heart pounded with nervous excitement, unable to believe her idol was right in front of her.
Azara, dressed in a sundress that accentuated her bronzed skin and slender waist, was a vision of effortless beauty.
The sundress, a soft yellow that complemented her skin tone, swayed gently as she moved, adding an ethereal quality to her presence.
Neome felt like she might have a heart attack when Azara turned her gaze towards her.
"You're Seyren's best friend, right?" Azara's voice was smooth and curious, her eyes flicking up and down Neome with a scrutinizing look.
She leaned against the countertop, continuing to eat her cake with a casual elegance.
Her every move was measured, almost feline, as if she were always aware of the space she occupied and how it affected those around her.
"Are you sure you're just friends?" she probed further.
Neome nodded, too nervous to speak, fearing her voice might crack.
She could feel her palms sweating and her throat drying up, the combination of fear and admiration rendering her almost speechless.
Azara's beauty was overwhelming, and Neome's breath caught in her throat when Azara reached out, her fingers gently brushing through Neome's hair.
The touch was electric, sending a shiver down Neome's spine.
"I don't believe you," Azara said with a sly smile, her eyes locked on Neome's.
"I saw you that day when she moved here. You kissed her."
"It was just a friendly kiss," Neome stammered, laughing awkwardly as she averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Her laughter was thin and strained, a flimsy shield against the intensity of Azara's scrutiny.
"Oh, come on, we're both girls. We're not oblivious, right? So tell me, do you like Seyren?" Azara's words echoed in Neome's mind, making her heart race even faster.
She hesitated, caught between truth and fear.
The intensity of Azara's gaze felt like it was stripping away her defenses, leaving her vulnerable.
Azara watched Neome intently, noting the nervous rise and fall of her shoulders.
Despite only seeing Neome's side profile, partially hidden by her hair, Azara could tell she was blushing.
It was a subtle, but telling, sign of her true feelings.
"I... I like your younger sister," Neome confessed, her voice trembling with honesty.
Azara's smile widened, but it was a smile laced with hidden flames.
The admission felt like a weight lifting off Neome's chest, even as she braced herself for Azara's reaction.
"She's not my sister," Azara corrected, her voice soft but firm.
"I'm assuming you've liked her for a long time since you've known each other for so long, right?" Neome nodded, and Azara rolled her eyes discreetly.
She stabbed her fork into the cake with a bit more force than necessary, her gaze never leaving Neome.
"Seyren is very lovable, so I'm not surprised... How much do you love Seyren?"
"A lot," Neome replied earnestly.
Her voice was steadier now, bolstered by the sincerity of her feelings.
"A lot as in you would do anything for her?" Azara pressed, leaning in slightly.
Her eyes glinted with curiosity and a touch of something darker, something almost predatory.
"Yes," Neome affirmed, her confidence growing.
Each question seemed to fortify her resolve, making her more certain of her feelings.
"Would you spoil her?" Azara asked, leaning in slightly.
The proximity made Neome's heart flutter, but she held her ground.
"Yes."
"Would you cook for her whenever she wants to eat?" Azara continued.
Her questions were relentless, each one pushing Neome further.
"Yes," Neome answered without hesitation. Azara's grin grew more confident.
"Would you be her slave if she needed one?"
"Absolutely," Neome declared, her eyes shining with conviction.
Azara nodded, appearing satisfied so far.
"Would you kill for her?" Azara's question came out of nowhere, shocking Neome.
Her eyes widened, and she looked into Azara's sea-blue eyes, feeling a wave of fear.
The question was absurd, but the intensity with which it was asked made it feel terrifyingly real.
Azara's grin widened at Neome's stunned expression.
"Would you kill for her?" she repeated.
Neome's hesitation was palpable, her eyes darting nervously.
"I-I don't think I could kill someone, but I would protect her from anyone, even a criminal or a monster," Neome stammered, her confidence wavering.
The idea of killing was too extreme, but her protective instincts were strong.
Azara's grin grew even broader.
"You must really love her, huh?" she mused. Neome nodded eagerly, like a child seeking approval.
"Ms. Neome, Madame Seyren is looking for you in her room," a maid suddenly interrupted, entering the kitchen.
Neome excused herself, taking the two plates of cake.
Azara watched her leave, her eyes following Neome's every move.
She even followed her silently until Neome reached Seyren's room.
Seyren noticed Azara's secretive following.
Their eyes met, and Azara glared at the woman in the room before Seyren closed the door.
Azara rolled her eyes and returned to her own room.
She stripped off her sundress, leaving her in only her undergarments.
She took a long bath, immersing herself in the water as she heard the laughter of the two women nearby.
The sound grated on her nerves, a constant reminder of her own tumultuous emotions.
Azara's room was unfortunately close to Seyren's, and the noise only irritated her further.
After her bath, Azara dressed and felt her irritation return.
The luxurious fabric of her robe brushed against her skin, a small comfort against the storm brewing inside her.
When she heard the sound of a car starting, she peeked out the window and saw Seyren and Neome driving away.
The sight of their departure brought a mix of relief and lingering frustration.
Alone in her room, Azara couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled over her.
She tried to distract herself, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Neome's confession and the protective way Seyren had looked at her friend.
Azara clenched her fists, vowing silently to keep a closer eye on them both.
The game was far from over, and she intended to play it to the end.
"She's weak..." Azara muttered to herself, reaching into a drawer for a cigarette.
She lit it and took a deep drag, the smoke curling around her as she exhaled.
"They're both weak," she added, her voice tinged with contempt.
She sat on her bed and grabbed a book, trying to lose herself in its pages.
However, no matter how hard she tried to distract herself, she couldn't stop thinking about how Neome had stammered and looked terrified by a simple question.
"Fucking weak kid," Azara sneered, laughing harshly.
The sound of her own laughter echoed in the room, but it suddenly ceased as a realization struck her, causing her to feel an unexpected pang of fear.
"She's weak," she repeated in a lower, more fearful tone.
Her voice trembled slightly, as if she were afraid of the thoughts creeping into her mind.
"Fuck, stop thinking about it!" she shouted at herself, throwing the book into a corner of the room with force.
She caught her reflection in the mirror and, instead of seeing the confident woman she usually prided herself on, she saw someone she despised.
Her reflection seemed to mock her, highlighting every insecurity she tried to bury.
Anger surged through her, and she grabbed her makeup bag.
Her hands shook as she applied foundation to her face, her movements hurried and rough.
Each stroke of makeup felt like a desperate attempt to mask the turmoil inside.
"God, I hate feeling like this," she growled, gritting her teeth so hard that her jaw ached.
Her fingers trembled as she continued to apply more makeup, trying to create a facade of control and perfection.
The room felt stifling, the air thick with the scent of cigarette smoke and the oppressive weight of her emotions.
Azara's thoughts raced, a chaotic swirl of anger, fear, and frustration.
The more she tried to push away her feelings, the stronger they seemed to grow.
She stood up abruptly, pacing the room in an attempt to shake off the unease.
Her mind replayed the earlier conversation with Neome, each stutter and fearful glance amplifying her own sense of inadequacy.
Azara hated feeling out of control, and the realization that she was affected by someone she deemed so weak only intensified her inner turmoil.
With a final, frustrated growl, she crushed the cigarette in an ashtray and threw herself onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling.
The book lay discarded in the corner, a testament to her inability to escape her own thoughts.
As the minutes ticked by, the room grew quieter, but the storm within Azara's mind raged on, refusing to be silenced.
---
Seyren's POV
"In our six years of friendship, I only just found out today that you know how to drive," Neome remarked as I navigated her car through the winding roads.
I laughed at her comment because she was right. Until now, I had never mentioned my ability to drive.
"I've known how to drive for four years, thanks to an angel who taught me," I replied, a nostalgic smile forming on my lips as memories of my driving lessons flooded back.
Those lessons had been chaotic but fun, a blend of excitement and anxiety.
If I could relive that first lesson, with all its thrilling and nerve-wracking moments, I definitely would.
"You're grinning widely; something's up. Who taught you?" Neome prodded, curiosity evident in her voice.
I rolled my eyes playfully and reached down with one hand to adjust her seatbelt, ensuring it was snug and safe.
She seemed surprised by my action, her eyes widening in shock, which I caught from my peripheral vision.
I ignored her reaction and put my hand back on the steering wheel.
To break the silence, I turned on the stereo, letting the soft hum of music fill the car.
We traveled for several hours, but the journey was worth it.
Upon arriving at the location Neome had given, we were greeted by a throng of children, their faces lighting up with excitement.
I watched Neome as she interacted with the kids, my heart swelling with admiration.
She had a natural way with them, her laughter blending with theirs as she crouched down to their level.
I leaned against her car, arms crossed, a smile playing on my lips.
A little girl approached me, her steps tentative yet curious.
She smiled sweetly, and I raised an eyebrow at her, intrigued by her boldness.
"Hi," she waved at me, her tiny hand fluttering in the air.
I waved back, matching her enthusiasm.
"Hello."
She extended her hand after waving, her eyes wide with expectation.
"I'm Althea. What's your name?"
"I'm Seyren," I responded, taking her small hand in mine and giving it a gentle shake.
"How old are you?" I asked, crouching down to her level to make the conversation more comfortable for her.
"I'm five. What's the name of your friend?" She pointed behind her, directing my attention to Neome, who was engaged in an animated conversation with a group of kids.
Our eyes met, and Neome smiled at me, her face glowing with happiness.
I could see the joy she felt from helping out, a passion that made her eyes sparkle.
"That's Neome," I answered, my gaze still locked with Neome's.
"Bagay kayong dalawa" Althea said, her innocent comment making me smile wider.
I knelt down to be at her eye level, her sincerity touching my heart.
"Really?" She nodded eagerly, her enthusiasm infectious.
"I think so too, but it doesn't seem like she feels the same way," I pouted, a playful glint in my eye.
Althea mimicked my pout, her expression earnest.
"That's okay. You're handsome anyway," she said with a seriousness that made me laugh.
Her random comments were a delightful distraction.
After a few more minutes of chatting, someone called her away.
She said goodbye with a wave, and as she left, Neome returned, her presence bringing a calm that settled over me.
"Are you happy doing this?" I asked her, my eyes following her every move.
She stood next to me, her smile unwavering.
"I love helping people. Now we just have to wait for Kalix and his team so we can start. They're bringing the materials for the school renovation, the food for the kids, and groceries for the parents," she explained, her excitement palpable. I nodded, appreciating her dedication.
"It's a shame Troy isn't alive anymore. He and his partner were great and kind vloggers," she said, her tone somber, making me frown in confusion.
"I never heard of them, but I'll believe you because I trust you," I said, my voice sincere.
I looked at her, and our eyes met, a silent understanding passing between us.
"You're not active on social media. You're always working. You should make time for fun activities too," she said, narrowing her eyes at me in a mock scolding manner.
"I just don't want to be a slave to social media. But I do have accounts. I'm just rarely active," I replied, my tone defensive yet lighthearted.
We continued our conversation, discussing various topics until we decided to take a stroll.
I wanted to buy some food, and we ended up at a nearby 7/11. We hung out there, eating onigiri, which I bought.
"Kalix is taking a long time to arrive," I said, glancing at my watch.
"Yeah, but they'll be here soon. Everyone here is expecting them," she replied, trying to calm her nerves. I could see the worry etched on her face, so I decided to distract her.
"Eat first before you panic," I told her, and she complied, although she still looked uneasy.
I bought some chocolate at the counter, hoping to cheer her up.
I opened the chocolate bar and handed it to her.
"What's this for?" she asked as I placed the chocolate on the table in front of her.
"Chocolate makes you happy during times like this, so eat it. Calm down," I advised, smiling reassuringly.
She stared at the chocolate for a few seconds before accepting it. She bit into the bar, blushing slightly.
"You're supposed to break it into pieces, not bite into it like that," I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
She laughed, the sound like music to my ears.
"I'm a psychopath, so what?" she said suddenly, surprising me.
I moved away slightly, my eyes wide with shock.
She laughed again, clapping her hands in delight at my reaction.
"I'm just kidding. You're so serious," she said, her laughter infectious.
I clutched my chest, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves.
"Earlier, I told you psychopaths kill their victims, and now you're joking like that. Don't do it again," I scolded, my tone more playful than serious.
She pouted, pressing her fingers together in a gesture of mock remorse.
"Aww, did I scare my baby? Sorry, Mommy won't scare you again," she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
I stared into her eyes, captivated by their beauty.
I remained silent, my gaze steady, making her quiet as well. We locked eyes, and I saw her pupils dilate, a telltale sign of her emotions.
"Your eyes are really beautiful," I said, my voice soft with sincerity. She looked away, continuing to nibble on her chocolate.
"Stop it. You can't make me blush," she said, her tone defiant, but a small smile tugged at her lips.
She looked down, so I stood slightly to meet her gaze, my actions surprising her and causing her to freeze.
"I'm serious. I like your eyes. They're lively and full of love," I said before sitting down again. She didn't respond, so I continued eating.
I was serious. I loved her eyes. They were expressive and full of genuine emotion.
The atmosphere became quiet, the silence comforting.
After finishing our snacks, we walked back to our car.
When we arrived, we saw a crowd gathered, a sense of unease in the air.
Someone was crying, so we hurried over.
"What's happening?" Neome asked a woman who was sobbing.
"We've been scammed, ma'am. No help is coming," she said, making me frown.
"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice tense.
"They're not coming. Their agency said we're not worth helping. Those influencers tricked us," the woman explained, her words causing Neome's mood to drop.
Her face turned to anger, and she muttered a curse under her breath, loud enough for the children to hear.
I saw the sadness on the children's faces. Earlier, they were smiling and playing, but now they were downcast, their energy drained.
It was like the sadness had sucked the life out of them, leaving them huddled together, looking lost and forlorn.
I watched as Neome repeatedly called the person she had spoken to, but no one answered.
"Neome..." I called her softly, but she ignored me, her focus solely on her phone.
I looked around, seeing the disappointed faces of everyone there.
"Neome..." I called again, stepping closer to her. She cursed again, her frustration evident.
On the third call, she turned to me, her eyes brimming with tears, and suddenly hugged me tightly.
"I hate this, Seyren. I feel so sorry for them," she whispered, her voice breaking.
She buried her face in my neck and sobbed, her body shaking with the force of her emotions.
I hugged her back, my heart aching for her and the people we were trying to help.
"Ako nalang ang tutulong. Ako ng bahala sa funds," I said, my voice firm with determination.
"What?" Neome pulled away from the hug, her eyes wide with surprise.
"I'll take care of it. I'll handle the money. I don't care if I spend a lot and empty my bank account. At least we're helping. I'm helping," I repeated, my resolve unwavering.
---
No one's POV
As night fell, the vast mansion of the Camerons lay in a hushed silence, illuminated only by the dim glow of the outdoor lights.
Elowen returned to her expansive home, her footsteps echoing softly in the empty hallways.
She had anticipated the solitude that awaited her.
Seyren was away on a trip, and her elder sister, Azara, never bothered with welcoming gestures.
"Good evening, Madame Elowen," the maids chorused respectfully as she entered.
Elowen acknowledged their greetings with a brief nod and proceeded towards her room, her maids trailing behind her, ready to assist with anything she might need.
"Ma'am, what would you like for dinner?" one of the maids inquired politely.
"Anything will do. Has Azara eaten?" Elowen asked as she continued to walk.
"Yes, ma'am. She left earlier, mentioning she had somewhere to go. She said she would return later," the maid reported, causing Elowen to sigh deeply.
Annoyed but resigned, Elowen accepted that her sister had gone out without giving her any notice.
Azara's erratic behavior was becoming a norm that Elowen was reluctantly getting used to.
Once in her room, Elowen changed into more comfortable clothing.
She then headed to the dining room to wait for her dinner to be served.
Pulling out her phone, she sent a quick text to Skyler, the woman she was courting, informing her that she was alone at home.
From Skyler:
You're alone? Wait, I'm coming over.
To Skyler:
No need, I can manage alone. I have plenty of maids here.
From Skyler:
I don't care; it's dangerous to be alone. Don't argue.
Elowen couldn't help but smile at Skyler's protective nature.
She waited a few minutes and, when Skyler arrived, went to meet her at the gate.
The night air was cool, and the stars were beginning to dot the sky.
"Where's Azara?" Skyler asked immediately upon seeing her.
"Straight to the point? No 'Hi' or 'Hello' or 'Have you eaten?'" Elowen teased, but Skyler just gave her a stern look that said she wasn't in the mood for games.
They walked back into the house and settled in the spacious living room, filled with plush furniture and elegant decor.
"Azara's out again, as usual. She'll probably come back drunk. Ever since she became an actress, she's been addicted to alcohol," Elowen said, her voice tinged with a mix of irritation and resignation.
Despite her words, there was a subtle undercurrent of concern for her sister.
"That doesn't surprise you, does it?" Skyler remarked, taking in the opulent surroundings with a discerning eye.
"Where's Seyren, by the way? Didn't she take a three-day leave?" Skyler asked, glancing back at Elowen.
"She's in Zambales, doing charity work for the victims of the typhoon. Food feeding and so on," Elowen replied, picking up the remote and turning on the TV.
She navigated to Netflix and started browsing through the options.
After a brief search, she decided on a movie starring Azara, her sister's acting prowess captivating the screen.
The maids served their dinner quietly, setting the table with precision.
The two women ate in companionable silence, their attention divided between their meal and the movie.
"You Camerons are really something," Skyler commented, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Elowen frowned slightly and turned to look at the detective, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
"What do you mean?" she asked, intrigued by the statement.
"You three siblings are the most diverse trio I know. One's grumpy, you're calm, and the other's over the top. There's the green-minded one, the innocent one, and the baby-minded one. What an adorable dynamic, right?" Skyler said, her tone playful yet sincere.
It was rare for Skyler to tease Elowen, but when she did, it always managed to lighten Elowen's mood.
"I'm not cute. I don't want to be called cute," Elowen said, narrowing her eyes in mock annoyance.
"You're adorable; you can't make me change my statement," Skyler insisted, her smile widening.
Elowen put her plate down and took Skyler's plate from her as well, placing it on the glass table in front of them.
"Why'd you take it? I was still eating," Skyler complained, reaching for her plate, but Elowen suddenly pushed her back against the sofa.
Looking up, Skyler saw Elowen smirking mischievously.
Elowen straddled her lap and placed her hands on Skyler's shoulders, her gaze intense.
"I told you, I'm not adorable. I want to be called sexy or beautiful, not adorable," Elowen said in a flirtatious tone, her voice dropping to a seductive whisper.
Skyler's breath caught in her throat as Elowen grabbed her hands and pinned them down against the cushions.
"Elowen," Skyler managed to say, her heart pounding so hard she felt it might burst.
"Do you really believe me when I said I love you? I mean, I was telling the truth then. And you let me pursue you. I'm not impatient or rushing you, but sometimes I wonder if I'm worthy of your love," Elowen said, her voice trembling as if she might cry.
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, making her vulnerability even more apparent.
Skyler stared into her eyes, finding herself mesmerized by the depth of emotion she saw there.
"I feel like I'm not worthy. Sometimes I think about just giving up," Elowen continued, her voice breaking.
"Why would you give up?" Skyler asked, her voice deep and concerned.
"Because..." Elowen trailed off, unable to find the words.
Skyler rolled her eyes, a gesture that was both exasperated and affectionate.
She broke free from Elowen's hold and cupped Elowen's cheeks, forcing her to meet her gaze.
"Are you giving up?" Skyler asked softly yet firmly.
Elowen shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes.
"Give up, Elowen," Skyler repeated, her tone more insistent.
Elowen shook her head again, refusing the idea. She didn't want to give up on Skyler because she knew she loved her deeply.
"Give up, Elowen," Skyler repeated once more.
"Stop asking me to give up, please!" Elowen pleaded, tears finally spilling over.
She tried to stand, but Skyler pulled her back into her arms.
Unexpectedly, Skyler claimed Elowen's lips in a passionate kiss.
Elowen gasped in surprise but soon responded, matching Skyler's intensity.
Their kiss was slow, filled with love and tenderness, melting their hearts.
The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in that moment.
Elowen wrapped her arms around Skyler's neck, pulling herself closer.
Skyler held Elowen's waist, drawing her nearer, their bodies fitting together perfectly.
In their kiss, they felt a sweet thrill, a spark that ignited a deeper connection.
When they finally pulled away, their faces flushed, they gazed into each other's eyes, their breaths mingling in the intimate space between them.
"I told you to give up because my answer is yes, Elowen. Yes, I want to be your girlfriend, and I'm sorry it took so long," Skyler said, her voice soft and filled with affection.
Elowen beamed, overjoyed by Skyler's words. She hugged her now-girlfriend tightly, her heart soaring.
"You said yes, no take-backs," Elowen declared, her voice filled with happiness and relief.
"No take-backs," Skyler confirmed, her smile mirroring Elowen's.
"You don't know how happy you've made me, Skyler. I promise I'll love you and never hurt your heart," Elowen vowed, her voice trembling with emotion.
"It's okay to hurt it sometimes, as long as you take care of it," Skyler replied, her eyes softening with understanding.
"I will... I will show you how Camerons love their lovers," Elowen promised, sealing her vow with another tender kiss.
---
Breaking News!!
A woman's body was discovered at the residence of the late actor Loren Manaloto. The woman had been brutally murdered. Neighbors reportedly heard her screams the previous night, but dismissed them as a typical domestic quarrel. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to uncover what truly transpired.
In related news, the notorious Psycho killer Verick Jeon remains at large. The reward for information leading to his capture has been increased from 50 million pesos to 90 million pesos. Governments worldwide are on high alert due to the renewed threat posed by this once-feared individual.