Chasing Dreams, Losing Her.

Chapter 27 a queen in exile

Zarya's POV

I reached Tita Clara's private suite. I knew Tita Clara was resting, nanigyan na rin siya ng medications. But I know Iris is there.

I didn't even knock. I pushed the double doors open hard.

Inside, sitting on the sofa beside Tita Clara's bed, holding a book but not reading it... was Iris.

She looked up when the doors slammed open. Her eyes widened when she saw me. Gulat na gulat siya na parang nakakita ng multo.

"Zarya..." She whispered, standing up quickly.

I didn't say a single word. I walked straight to her, grabbed her wrist tightly, mas mahigpit pa sa naramdaman ko galing sa mga sinabi ni Ryan, and yanked her forward.

"Zarya! Anong ginagawa mo?! Masakit!" She gasped, trying to pull her hand away.

But my grip was iron. I was furious. All the pain, the confusion, the heartbreak... it all turned into pure rage right now.

"Shut up. Come with me." My voice was cold, deadly.

"Saan tayo pupunta? Bitawan mo ako!" She struggled, but I was stronger. I dragged her out of the room, slamming the door behind us.

Tears were already forming in her eyes. "Zarya, please...mom is having her rest, ano ba?..."

"GOOD!" I snapped, stopping right in front of the elevators and jabbing the button repeatedly. "Let her sleep. Because what I have to say to you... is NOT for her ears. It is NOT for anyone's ears."

The elevator doors opened. I shoved her inside, followed her, and pressed the button for the Top Floor, sa private office ko.

As the doors closed, trapping us inside the small metal box... Iris backed away until her back hit the wall. She looked at me, terrified. She had never seen me like this.

"Zarya... you are hurting me..." She whispered, rubbing her wrist where my fingers had left red marks.

"GOOD!" I shouted, stepping closer, towering over her. "Because YOU are hurting me too, Iris! And you don't even know HOW MUCH!"

She flinched. Her eyes filled with tears. "I... I don't understand..."

"Don't YOU DARE lie to me!" I screamed, my voice cracking. "Ryan told me everything! He told me you said YES to him... ONE WEEK BEFORE I CAME HOME!"

Iris went pale. Her lips trembled. She looked away.

"Look at me!" I grabbed her chin and forced her face up so she had to look into my eyes. "ANSWER ME! Why THEN?! Why did you wait until the very last moment? Why accept him just when you knew I was flying back to you?!"

Silence. She just cried silently, unable to speak.

That silence... it was the answer that broke me.

"Flying back to me?" She let out a sarcastic laugh that made me even more furious. "Pathetic."

I let go of her face and stepped back, laughing bitterly, tears finally spilling from my own eyes.

"Oh my God..." I breathed out, shaking my head in disbelief. "It is true... You really did it on purpose."

The elevator dinged. Top Floor.

The doors opened to my private floor. quiet, cold, empty. I grabbed her arm again and dragged her out, down the hallway, and into my massive office. Tinulak ko siya papasok dahilan para matumba siya sa sofa.

I locked the door.

Now... there was nowhere to run.

I turned to her, hands shaking, heart pounding like it would explode.

"Sit up." I commanded. "We are going to have a very frank talk, Iris. No more hiding. No more games."

Iris sat up, wiping her tears, her breathing ragged. She looked so small... but right now, I didn't care. I was the wounded animal fighting back.

"Zarya..." She started, voice shaking. "I do not owe you any explanation..."

"Yes! Exactly. Bakit mo naman i e-explain saakin diba?

!" I yelled, walking closer until I was standing right in front of her.

"Why would you explain how you fell in love with my best friend?

Iris! RYAN! The boy I grew up with! The boy I told you EVERYTHING about!

The boy who was like a brOTHER to me!"

I wiped my tears aggressively. "Fuck Iris, I thought okay na ako eh.

akala ko tanggap ko na kayo, pero PUTANGINA!

you didn't just take him, you waited. You FUCKING waited until I was packing my bags.

You waited until I was counting the hours to see YOU again.

.. before you opened your legs for him?! "

"NO! ZARYA! HUWAG MONG SABIHIN YAN!" Iris screamed back at me, finally finding her voice. "Ikaw ang umaliw, and he was there Zarya!"

"Oh yeah?! You waited for years, Iris... YEARS! Nagawa mo nga sa kaniya, bakit hindi mo nakaya yun saakin?"

I leaned down, placing my hands on the armrests of the sofa, trapping her between my arms. I looked deep into her eyes, searching for the truth.

"But you know what the worst part is?" My voice dropped to a whisper, deadly and broken. "I know you, Iris. I know you better than anyone. You are not the type to fall in love that fast. You are not the type to just say yes... unless..."

I paused, letting the words hang in the air like poison.

"Unless... you did it to hurt me."

Iris's eyes widened. Her breath hitched.

"Did you?" I asked, my voice trembling. "Tell me the truth! Did you say YES to Ryan... just to GET REVENGE on me?!"

She stared at me... frozen. Walang sinasabi.

"Did you find out?..." My voice broke completely, tears flowing freely now.

"...did you find out that I was engaged?

Did you find out my father was forcing me to marry him.

.. did you think I'd agreed to it? So you just sad yes?

Or baka naisip mo na baka "Oh, Zarya wants him?

Well, I'LL TAKE HIM FIRST.' IS THAT IT?! Ganon ba Iris?!"

"NO! ZARYA, HINDI! That is NOT why!" She cried, reaching out to touch my arm... but I pulled away violently.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" I roared. "You broke my heart, Iris! You didn't just break my heart...you fucking twisted the knife in my back.

I stood up straight, pacing around the room like a caged tiger.

"I spent 8 years abroad... fighting, studying, working... just so I could come home to you. Just so I could be worthy of you. And what do I come home to?"

I turned back to her, pointing a finger at her face.

"I come home to find out my best friend is sleeping with the love of my life! And you did it ONE WEEK BEFORE I ARRIVED!"

"Fuck your words, Zarya! we both know sino ang dapat nasasaktan dito. If there is someone who is entitled to feel hurt, ako yun Zar. YOU LEFT WITHOUT A WORD, AND YOU EXPECT ME TO WAIT FOR YOUR RETURN?!" her words are like iced cold water na biglang binuhos saakin.

Yes, it was all my fault.

I knelt down in front of her, grabbing her hands, holding them tight. I needed her to understand the pain. Ang lahat ng sakit na dinadala ko ngayon.

"Please, Iris... look at me." I begged, my voice softening into pure agony.

"If you didn't love him... if you said yes only because you were angry at me.

.. TELL ME NOW. Just say it. Sabihin mo lang na ginawa mo yun para sakyan ako, and I will walk away.

I will let you be happy with him if that's what you want.

.. but please don't lie to me and say it was LOVE.

Kasi mas hindi ko kayang tanggapin yun."

I looked at her with desperate, pleading eyes.

"Because if it wasn't love... then I can survive that. I can survive knowing you hated me enough to hurt me. But if you actually LOVE him..."

I choked on a sob.

"If you love him... then that means... you NEVER loved ME at all."

That was the dagger. The final blow.

Iris looked at me, her face soaked with tears, her expression full of pain and guilt. She opened her mouth... closed it. She looked like she wanted to say everything, but something was stopping her. Fear? Doubts? What??

She pulled her hands away from mine and wrapped her arms around herself, shrinking away.

"Zarya... I... I am sorry..." She whispered, looking down. "Ryan... he makes me happy. He is good to me. And... and I do love him. I really do."

It felt like my heart literally shattered into a million tiny pieces inside my chest.

She chose the lie. She chose to hurt me this way. She chose to make me believe... that she never loved me.

I stood up slowly, wiping my face clean. I took a deep breath and forced my face back into that cold, hard mask.

"Okay." I said, my voice flat and lifeless. "Okay. That is all I needed to hear."

"You are nothing to me now, Iris. Nothing."

My own words rang in my ears, sharp and cruel. But God... seeing the look on her face when I said it... seeing the way her knees almost gave out... it hurt me more than it hurt her.

She ran outside. Iniwan niya ako dito, pinili niyang magsinungaling at saktan ako ng paulit ulit.

My legs finally gave way. I slid down until I hit the floor, sitting on the cold marble tiles, pulling my knees to my chest. And there... I finally allowed myself to shatter.

I cried. I cried harder than I ever had in my entire life. It wasn't just tears... it felt like I was crying out pieces of my soul. My body shook with violent sobs. I bit my lip to muffle the sounds until I tasted blood.

Ang sakit. And I carried those tears through my sleep.

I woke up with a massive headache and a heartache so heavy I could barely breathe. For a split second, upon opening my eyes, I felt hope. Maybe it was just a bad dream.

But then... reality crashed over me.

It was real.

I sat up abruptly on my sofa. My hair was messy, my eyes still swollen. I looked at the clock. 7:00 AM.

Pinilit kong itago lahat, I tried to trick my mind and heart. I must fulfill my duty, kailangan kong bumalik as Zarya De Luca.

I checked my emails first, and I saw a sign.

Subject: INVITATION: GLOBAL LUXURY

HOSPITALITY SUMMIT 2026–MILAN, ITALY

FROM: The International Hospitality Council [email protected]

TO: Zarya De Luca [email protected]

DATE: [march 2, 2026]

PRIORITY: HIGH

I opened it immediately. This is a yearly exclusive event, sent only to the top 50 hotel groups in the world. And of course, De Luca Hotels has always been part of this. I read the details carefully.

This is not just an event, this is my escape.

After reading the email carefully and saving a copy to my files, I stood up and fixed my coat. I knew I couldn't just decide this alone, even though I already knew what I wanted to do. This was a matter of the company's reputation, and my father would expect to be informed immediately.

I immediately get my car keys para puntahan si dad, alam kong may hawak parin siya sa company kaya for sure he already knows about this.

I left the hospital and drove straight to my father's residence, a large, quiet mansion located in the exclusive part of the city. The guards bowed respectfully as I entered, and the maids greeted me softly as I walked towards his study on the second floor.

I knocked firmly on the heavy wooden door.

"Come in," his deep, authoritative voice called from inside.

I turned the handle and stepped in. My father is sitting behind his massive mahogany desk, reading documents and signing papers as usual.

The room smelled of old books, leather, and expensive tobacco.

It was always quiet here, always serious.

But when I was a kid, kapag nandito siya ay tahimik kami.

But what shocked me is his situation, beside him was my mom. dad is sitting on his chair but he has oxygen tank beside him, he doesn't look good. Regardless, he is still working.

He looked up when he saw me enter, his sharp eyes scanning my face. He didn't smile. He rarely did.

"Zarya," he said simply, putting down his pen.

I walked straight to his desk, placed my tablet down in front of him, and opened the email I had received. I stood tall, my posture perfect, just as I was raised to be.

"Good afternoon, Pa," I said formally and clearly. "I came here to inform you regarding an official invitation that arrived today. It is from the International Hospitality Council."

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, and looked at the screen. His expression remained calm, but I saw the slight shift in his eyes as he read the title. "we got invited again." He asked

"Yes pa."

""Very well, I am coming with you–"

"Hon, you can't." My mom interrupted our conversation. "Look at you, sabi ng doctor you need to rest."

"Ma, ano ba nangyari sa kaniya?" I asked mom before I looked at my dad. "Pa, are you okay?"

"he had an asthma attack last night, he needs to rest." mom informed me, she looks really worried.

"Dad, I can handle this. leave this on me nalang please." I insisted, kahit ngayon lang sana naman ay ako naman ang mag control sa kaniya.

"Zarya, that event is no joke. That is a huge event, there would be biddings and lands, this would be a gamble–"

"Have I not gained your trust yet, pa?" I asked.

That made him sigh and accept defeat against me, gusto niyang patunayan ko sa lahat na kaya ko. Then he should let me do my part.

"Send them your confirmation immediately. We will leave tonight or tomorrow morning whatever is best for your schedule. I will sign the authorization letter so you have full power to sign agreements and make decisions on behalf of the company while you are there."

I just nodded and was about to left the room, when..

"zar" he called me again.

I turned to face him. "I have faith in your leadership, win that bidding. But be really mindful who you trust with, you carry the whole company with you."

I just smiled and left the room. That wasn't a threat to me, mas lalo lang akong ginanahan sa event na to.

This must be very intriguing.

Umuwi na din ako after leaving his house because I need to fix my schedules.

Wala akong assistant, wala ring ibang tao sa bahay, just me.

I managed everything on my own. Ganoon ako pinalaki, hindi ako sanay na may umaasikaso sa mga gawain ko.

Everything was always handled by me, from the biggest decisions down to the smallest details.

I went straight to my room pagkadating ko ng bahay, I placed my tablet on the desk, and sat down. Tiningnan ko ang oras, it was already afternoon of March 2.

Base sa invitation, the registration and first official activities in Milan would start on March 5.

Kung aalis ako ngayong gabi, I would have enough time to travel, rest, and adjust to the time difference.

I refused to arrive tired or disorganized.

kailangan kong maging maayos at handa the moment I step into that summit.

Kailangan ko ng sapat na pahinga, kaya mas mabuti nang umalis na ako ngayon.

I opened my digital calendar and my schedule manager. Ang dami kong naka-schedule na gawain dito sa Pilipinas, but right now, wala sa mga 'yun ang mahalaga. I had made my decision, and I had my father's full approval.

Isa-isa kong kinansela ang lahat, personally.

First, I went through my hospital schedule. Ang daming naka-schedule na check-ups at follow-up patients for tomorrow, the day after, and the rest of the week. I composed formal messages and sent them to the head nurse and to the other doctors in my department.

Next were the board meetings, administrative gatherings, and project reviews I was supposed to lead. I opened my email and typed out the announcements to the hospital board and the company management.

Hindi lang doon natapos. I went through every single entry in my calendar. meetings with suppliers, site visits, charity events, even small personal commitments. Lahat, kinansela ko. Wala akong iniwan na nakabinbin. I wanted to leave this place clean, empty, and silent.

Once I was done clearing my schedule, I opened the airline booking portal on my screen. Hindi ko kailangan ng ibang tao para gawin 'to. I selected First Class, direct flight to Milan, Italy. I chose the departure time: 11:30 PM, March 2. Exactly tonight.

I booked it, paid for it using my corporate account, and saved the e-ticket directly to my device.

Okay na.

Leaving tonight gave me exactly what I needed.

The long flight would take about 12 hours, plus the time difference.

Pagdating ko doon ay umaga pa lang ng March 3 sa Italy.

That gives me two full days March 3 and March 4, just for myself.

Dalawang araw na pahinga, to rest, sleep, prepare my documents, and adjust before the big event starts on March 5.

Two days where I could just be alone, far away from everything that was hurting me here.

I stood up and walked to my closet to pack. Kaunti lang naman ang dadalhin ko, mostly formal clothes, suits, gowns, things I needed for business. As I packed every piece of clothing, every item, I felt like I was also packing away the pain, the memories, and the confusion I left behind.

I also felt this strange feeling na para akong nirewind ulit...the day I packed my 17 years of life in 3 suitcases.

But deep inside, I knew... kahit ilang araw pa akong mawala, kahit gaano pa ako kalayo... leaving was easy, but forgetting them was impossible.

I closed my suitcase. I took one last look at my quiet house, turned off the lights, and grabbed my bag.

It was time to go.

I pulled my luggage out and locked the front door behind me. Parang ang bigat ng bawat hakbang ko habang papunta ako sa sasakyan, but I kept my head high. I placed my bags in the trunk and sat behind the wheel. For a moment, I just stared at the empty street in front of my house.

I started the engine and drove towards the airport.

It was already past 9:30 in the evening when I arrived.

Since I was flying First Class, everything was arranged smoothly.

The staff greeted me respectfully, as usual, kilala na nila ako dito, but I just gave them a polite nod, wanting to be left alone.

Pagkatapos ng lahat ng checking and immigration, I walked towards the VIP lounge. I still had an hour before boarding. I sat there quietly, holding my phone in my hand. For a second, I was tempted to turn it on. Baka may nag-message? Baka naghanap sila?

But I shook my head. No.

I opened the back cover, took out my SIM card, and placed it inside a small envelope. I put it in the inner pocket of my bag, deep where I wouldn't see it.

"For seven days, Zarya... you don't exist in their world. And they don't exist in yours."

When they announced the boarding call, I stood up, took my bag, and walked towards the plane. As I stepped inside the cabin, I felt the door close behind me. It felt like... the door to my old life finally shut close as well.

When I opened my eyes, the sunlight was already peeking through the window shades. The plane was descending. I quickly wiped my face, washed up in my private bathroom, and fixed myself.

The plane touched down smoothly. It was March 3, morning time here in Italy. The air was cool and fresh, very different from the humidity back home.

A private car arranged by our hotel management was already waiting at the tarmac.

"Welcome to Italy, Signorina De Luca," the driver said as he took my bags.

"Thank you," I replied simply.

The drive to Hotel was breathtaking. The streets of Milan were elegant, classic, and full of history. Ang ganda dito, everything looked like a painting. But my heart remained heavy.

When I arrived at the hotel, the General Manager, was there to greet me as I described before. He showed me to the Presidential Suite. It was massive, luxurious, with a perfect view of the Duomo.

"Would you like us to prepare breakfast, Signorina?" he asked.

"No thank you," I said. "Just... I need to settle in. I will call you when I need something."

When the door clicked shut and I was finally alone in that huge room... I walked straight to the bed and collapsed. For the first time in days... I felt silence. Real silence.

I decided to just lay in my bed and let the time pass. Kahit nasa ibang bansa ako, I can't help but to think about what's left in the Philippines.

Hindi naman ako makakagala dito since halos napuntahan ko naman lahat ng parte ng Italy, ano pa nga bang magagawa ko?

..........

?? DAY 1 OF THE EVENT: MARCH 5

The first official day of the Global Luxury Hospitality Summit.

I woke up early, exactly at 6:00 AM. I did my skincare routine, styled my hair into a sharp, sleek bun, and applied makeup that made me look fresh, fierce, and untouchable.

For today, I chose a crisp white power suit. It screamed elegance, purity, and authority. White means you have nothing to hide... but they don't know that everything inside me is a mess.

When I arrived at the Convention Center, the energy was electric. Hundreds of people, owners, CEOs, investors, designers, all in their best formal attire.

As I walked in, heads turned. Naririnig ko ang mga bulungan.

"Is that De Luca?"

"That's the heir... Zarya De Luca."

"She looks incredible."

I held my chin up higher. This was exactly the reaction I wanted.

The first day was filled with Opening Ceremonies and Keynote Speeches. I sat at the front row, right beside the biggest names in the industry. I listened intently, taking notes, nodding at the right moments, shaking hands with everyone who approached me.

I went to the side of the venue where young people gathered, ibat ibang lahi sila ang nandito.

And this is where I met Mr. Henderson for the first time here. we immediately started talking about business. He invited me for coffee during the break.

"You are very young to be carrying such weight, Miss De Luca," he said, watching me carefully. "But you handle it like a queen."

"Being a De Luca means you learn to carry weight even before you can walk, Mr. Henderson," I answered coolly.

He laughed. "I can see that. I look forward to seeing what you do today."

That night, after the long sessions, I went back to my hotel room exhausted physically... but my mind was still wide awake. Day 1 done.

?? DAY 2 OF THE EVENT: MARCH 6

This was the day I really showed them who I was.

I wore a deep navy blue suit today — professional, sharp, and commanding.

Today's agenda was Round Table Discussions and Strategy Meetings. This was where the real battle happened. We sat around a massive circular table, each representing our own hotel chains, discussing the future of luxury travel.

One by one, the older executives spoke. They talked about money, about cutting costs, about maximizing profit. It was all very dry and... cold.

Then, the Chairman looked at me.

"Miss De Luca," he called out. "We haven't heard from you yet. You come from a family known for emotion and legacy in their hotels. What is your take on this?"

I stood up slowly. All eyes were on me. I adjusted my coat, took a breath, and spoke. This was the speech that silenced the room.

"Excuse me, gentlemen... but with all respect... you are all wrong."

The room went silent. Some looked shocked, some looked annoyed. But I didn't care.

"You talk about hotels as if they are just buildings made of concrete and glass.

You talk about guests as if they are just walking wallets," I said, my voice firm and clear.

"But you forgot the most important thing.

Luxury is not about how expensive your chandelier is.

It is about how you make people feel."

I looked around the table, my mind flashing back to her. To the pain. To the feeling of being unwanted.

"People travel because they are looking for something," I continued.

"Sometimes, they are looking for adventure.

Sometimes, they are looking for peace. Sometimes.

.. they are running away from heartbreak and loneliness.

Or sometimes, who knows?? When they walk into our hotels, they are vulnerable.

It is our job to give them a home, even just for a few nights.

A place where they feel safe, where they feel seen, where they feel. .. valuable."

I paused, letting my words sink in.

"Profit will follow if you give them heart. And that... is the strategy De Luca Group will always stand by. We do not sell rooms. We sell moments."

For three seconds, there was total silence.

Then... applause. Slow at first, then louder and louder. Even the old, stubborn executives were clapping, looking at me with new respect.

Mr. Henderson was clapping the loudest, looking at me with eyes that said and muttered "very well"

When I sat down, my heart was beating fast. I had done it. I had conquered this room.

But as I sat there, receiving compliments and handshakes... the thought hit me again, harder than ever. "I know how to make a building feel like home... but why couldn't I make her feel home with me?"

The success tasted bitter in my mouth.

Later that afternoon, during a break, Mr. Henderson came up to me again, looking impressed.

"That was... magnificent, Zarya," he said genuinely. "You didn't just speak about business. You spoke about life. Where does that wisdom come from?"

I smiled at him, a sad, closed-off smile.

"Just experience, Mr. Henderson," I replied softly.

He looked at me closely, as if trying to read my soul. But before he could ask more, the session resumed.

As the second day ended, I walked back to my suite. I was winning here. I was impressing everyone here. I was making my father proud.

But deep inside... I felt like the biggest loser in the world.

Day 2 is over... and I still miss you, Iris. More than I miss my own heart.

?? DAY 3 OF THE EVENT: MARCH 7

Today, the agenda was "Global Expansion Investment Opportunities". This was the most critical day of the Summit. This was where everyone fights for the best locations, the best partnerships, and the biggest deals.

I wore a sharp, all-black pantsuit today. Black is power. Black means I am ready for war. My hair was pulled back so tight it almost hurt, my makeup sharp. I walked into the main conference hall with my head high.

The room was even more packed than usual. The atmosphere was thick with competition. Ramdam mo agad... everyone here is hungry for power.

I took my usual seat at the front table. Mr. Henderson was there, he gave me a respectful nod and a small smile. I nodded back, but my focus was entirely on the stage.

The Chairman stood up at the podium.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," he announced loudly.

"Today, we present the Prime Development Projects.

These are the most valuable lands and locations available for acquisition or joint venture across the globe.

We will start with the most anticipated location of them all.

.. The Grand Coastal Strip, Southern France. "

A huge map appeared on the screen behind him. My eyes widened slightly.

The Grand Coastal Strip.

This was legendary land. It was a massive, breathtaking piece of property right by the Mediterranean Sea.

Perfect for a 5-star luxury hoyels, and private villa community.

This was the dream project for every hotelier in the world.

And honestly? I came here specifically for this.

My father told me before I left. "Win the bidding" but he also reminded me to be careful.

"As per the rules," the Chairman continued. "This project is open for Exclusive Bidding. But... there is one condition. We will only award this to a partnership of TWO major hotel groups who can combine their resources and reputation."

Murmurs spread across the room immediately. Everyone started whispering, looking at each other, trying to find who to team up with.

Mr. Henderson leaned over to me immediately.

"Zarya," he said eagerly. "This is it. This is the big one. Partner with me. De Luca and Henderson... together, nobody can beat us. We will own France."

I looked at him. It was a tempting offer. He was powerful, reliable... safe.

But before I could even open my mouth to answer...

CLICK.

The large double doors of the conference hall swung open wide.

Everyone went silent.

All heads turned towards the entrance. Walking in... was a man. And not just any man.

He was tall, maybe in his mid-30s, wearing a bespoke grey suit that looked more expensive than some of our cars.

He walked with a swagger, arrogant but charming, like he owned the whole building.

His hair was perfectly styled, sunglasses still on even though he was indoors.

Beside him walked his team, all looking serious and intimidating.

"Who is that?" I whispered to myself.

Mr. Henderson stiffened beside me. His smile disappeared completely.

"Oh no," he muttered. "Not him."

"Who is he?" I asked again, more urgently.

"That... is Gabriel Sterling," Henderson answered, his voice full of dislike. "Owner and CEO of Sterling International Resorts. The most aggressive, ruthless, and dangerous competitor in our industry. If he wants something... he gets it. No matter what."

Gabriel Sterling walked right down the center aisle, ignoring everyone's stares, until he reached the front row. He stopped... right in front of our table.

He took off his sunglasses slowly, revealing piercing grey eyes that landed directly... on me.

My heart skipped a beat. Grabe ang tingin niya... parang sinusuri ang buong pagkatao ko.

He ignored Mr. Henderson completely. He leaned one hand on our table, looking straight at me with a smirk that annoyed me instantly.

"And who is this beautiful new face sitting at the front?" he asked, his voice deep and smooth but dripping with arrogance. "I am sure I would remember seeing a face like yours before."

I didn't flinch. I sat straighter, staring right back at him with the same intensity. Hindi ako matatakot sa'yo.

"Zarya Eir De Luca," I answered coolly, extending my hand for a firm shake. "And I am not just a 'face', Mr. Sterling."

He chuckled, shaking my hand but holding it a second longer than necessary. His grip was strong, challenging.

"De Luca..." he tasted my name. "Ah, yes.

The new heiress. I've heard rumors that a 'princess' has come to play with the big boys.

I didn't believe them... but now that I see you.

.. I think this game just got interesting.

"

His tone is as sharp as any Italian, nandoon talaga ang intimidating accent.

"Save the games for children, Mr. Sterling," I said, pulling my hand away. "We are here for business."

"Exactly," he said, his smirk widening. Then, he turned fully towards me, completely ignoring Mr. Henderson who was fuming beside me.

"Miss De Luca... I heard that man" he pointed his thumb at Henderson disrespectfully " histrying to get you to team up with him. Don't do it. He is slow. Old-fashioned. Boring."

He leaned closer, lowering his voice so only I could hear, but loud enough for Henderson to boil in anger.

"Partner with ME instead."

My eyes widened slightly. What?

"With you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We are rivals everywhere else... but here?

Here, I see an opportunity." He looked me up and down, his gaze assessing but respectful in a strange way.

"I have the money, the connections, and the power in Europe.

You... you have the vision, the design, and that 'heart' you spoke about yesterday.

I was there, Miss De Luca. I heard your speech. It was... captivating."

For the first time, his expression turned serious. The playfulness vanished.

It was the craziest, most unexpected offer I had ever received.

But the worst part? He was right. I could see it in his eyes. He wasn't just playing. He really did respect my capability.

But then... Mr. Sterling whispered something before going to his table that made my blood run cold.

"Think about it, Zarya," he whispered, using my first name casually like we were old friends.

"Imagine... building the most magnificent hotel the world has ever seen.

I've heard something about you, Principessa.

You speak of 'healing' and 'safety' with too much passion.

.. like you are describing something you yourself have lost."

My breath hitched. How... how did he know? How did he hit exactly the spot where I hurt the most?

It felt like this stranger, this dangerous rival... could see right through my mask. He saw that I was building empires because my own world was falling apart.

Mr. Henderson slammed his hand on the table.

"That is enough, Sterling!" he shouted angrily. "Leave her alone! Zarya will NEVER work with someone like you!"

Gabriel just laughed loudly, standing up straight again. He looked at Henderson with mock pity.

"We shall see, Mr. We shall see what the lady chooses."

He turned his gaze back to me, winking playfully but with a serious glint in his eyes.

"I will be waiting for your answer, Principessa. Choose wisely... because this partnership... might change your life completely."

And with that, he walked away, his team following him, leaving the whole room buzzing with whispers... and leaving me sitting there, completely stunned.

What the hell just happened?

The rest of the morning session was a blur. My mind was spinning. Everyone was looking at me, shocked that Gabriel Sterling, the most feared man in business, had personally approached me.