The pressroom buzzed with anticipation as Mr. Arnulfo Rivera, the esteemed CEO of the Rivera Clothing & Co., took the podium. Flanked by Liam and Ricci, he addressed the media with a confident smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the synergy between Liam and Ricci is palpable," Mr. Rivera began. "Their collaboration not only elevates our brand but also embodies the harmonious blend of fashion and purpose. It's a partnership that promises great things for Rivera Clothing."
The room erupted in applause, cameras flashing to capture the moment.
Watching the live broadcast from her office, Wendy felt a pang in her chest. The words felt like a confirmation of her deepest fears—that Liam and Ricci's bond extended beyond professional boundaries. She turned off the screen, the room's silence amplifying her inner turmoil.
Jace, noticing her distress, approached gently.
"Wendy, you've been distant lately. Is everything alright?"
"It's just... seeing them together, hearing Mr. Rivera's words—it feels like I'm losing something, not just professionally, but personally."
Jace took her hand, offering silent support, his own feelings for Wendy evident in his eyes.
Two months later.
The grand auditorium in Zurich was alive with anticipation. The Miss Universe 2025 pageant had drawn spectators from around the globe, their excitement palpable as they awaited the evening's spectacle.
Backstage, Ricci stood poised in her national costume—a breath-taking ensemble inspired by Bicolandia culture and the majestic Mount Mayon. The intricate design, vibrant colors and cultural significance captivated all who saw it.
"You look stunning," Liam whispered, his eyes reflecting admiration.
Ricci smiled, her nerves momentarily eased by his presence. "Thank you. It's an honor to showcase our heritage on this stage."
As she stepped onto the stage, the audience erupted in applause, their cheers echoing through the venue. The judges nodded appreciatively, clearly impressed by her presentation.
Backstage, reporters clamoured for interviews. Ricci, still glowing from her performance, graciously answered their questions.
"Representing the Philippines is a dream come true," she said. "I hope to inspire others to embrace their roots and pursue their passions."
Liam watched from the side-lines, his admiration for Ricci growing with each passing moment. Her grace under pressure, her eloquence and her unwavering commitment to her cause stirred something deep within him.
Later that evening, as the finalists were announced, Ricci's name was called for the Top 10. The audience cheered, but when the Top 6 were revealed, her name was not called.
Backstage, Ricci maintained her composure, though her eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment.
"You were incredible," Liam said, approaching her. "The world saw your brilliance tonight."
"Thank you," she replied softly. "I'm proud of what I've achieved."
In the days that followed, Liam and Ricci travelled to Berlin, seeking solace from the whirlwind of the pageant. The city's rich history and vibrant culture provided a picturesque for reflection and connection.
One evening, they found themselves in a cozy café, the soft glow of candlelight casting shadows on their faces.
"It's been a journey," Ricci mused, sipping her wine. "From the Philippines to Zurich, and now here."
"And through it all, you've remained true to yourself," Liam said, his gaze steady.
She looked at him, her eyes searching. "You've been by my side every step of the way. I don't know what I would have done without you."
"I'm grateful for every moment we've shared," he replied, reaching for her hand.
Their fingers intertwined, the world around them fading as they focused solely on each other.
"I've come to realize," Liam began, "that what we have goes beyond friendship or professional ties. It's something deeper."
Ricci nodded, her eyes glistening. "I feel it too."
That night, in the solitude of their hotel room, they shared their dreams, fears and hopes. Their connection deepened, built on mutual respect and understanding.
As dawn broke over Berlin, they stood by the window, watching the city awaken.
"Whatever the future holds," Ricci said, leaning into Liam's embrace, "I'm glad we have this moment."
"Me too," he whispered, holding her close.
Back in Manila.
Wendy sat in the dimly lit corner of her apartment, her fingers trembling as she held the handwritten note from Liam. The ink was still fresh, the words stark against the creamy parchment. "I hope this finds you well. I would like to see you again, Wendy. There's a lot I need to say. Please, join me at the Rivera Clothing & Co. Gala next week. It's been too long and I think it's time we reconnect."
She read the note again, her heart racing, a swirl of emotions churning inside her. She had long since distanced herself from the complications that had come with working closely with Liam—those lingering glances, the unspoken words, the tension that had built between them like a storm waiting to break. Yet here he was, reaching out, a part of her heart still aching with questions that had never been answered.
Why now? She wondered, biting her lip as she read again the invitation. There were so many things left unsaid between them—the unspoken feelings, the unresolved tension and the promise of something more that had never fully materialized. But was she ready to face that again? Could she handle the unpredictable path that reconnecting with him might lead her down?
A soft knock at her door snapped her from her thoughts. She quickly folded the note and placed it on the table, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she stood up to open the door.
Jace stood in the doorway, his face soft with concern, but his smile as warm as always. He had become such a constant presence in her life, a friend who understood her in ways no one else did. She wasn't sure if she had let him in too much, but in moments like this, his company was a comfort.
"Are you okay?" Jace asked, stepping inside with the casual ease he had come to master. His eyes quickly shifted to the note on the table, though he didn't comment on it immediately.
Wendy forced a smile, her heart still heavy with the weight of the decision she had to make. "Yeah, just... thinking."
Jace, ever perceptive, followed her gaze to the invitation on the table. His expression softened as he understood the reason for her distraction. He knew the story—he had been there through the highs and lows of her tangled history with Liam. But he also knew Wendy was a woman who thought carefully before making decisions, especially when emotions were involved.
"You're thinking about Liam, aren't you?" Jace asked gently, sitting down across from her.
Wendy's eyes flickered, her lips parting to speak, but she hesitated. How could she explain the chaos that was in her mind right now? She had told Jace about her feelings for Liam—how they had always been tangled, always on the edge of something more but never fully realized. She didn't want to revisit it all, but the thought of the gala, of seeing Liam again, had stirred up something deep within her—a feeling she couldn't name.
"It's not just him," Wendy finally said, her voice strained. "It's everything. I have to be honest, Jace. I'm scared. I've been running away from this... whatever this is between me and Liam. I don't know what to do, how to approach it. And then there's you. You've always been there, always steady. But with him… it's complicated. And now, this invitation..." She trailed off, eyes dropping to the floor.
Jace listened carefully, his face unreadable as he leaned back in his chair. Wendy's words were layered with uncertainty, fear and a quiet sadness that had taken root in her heart. He knew she was torn between the past and the future, between something uncertain and something safe. But he had always believed in her ability to find clarity.
"Whatever you decide, Wendy, just know that your happiness matters most to me," Jace said, his voice soft but firm. His words weren't about possession, weren't about pushing her towards him. He is about giving her the space to choose what was best for her, even if that means stepping back.
"You deserve to feel whole, to make the decision that brings you peace."
His words struck her like a wave, and for a moment, Wendy's chest tightened. She had always known that Jace was someone who genuinely cared for her. But she also knew that his feelings ran deeper than friendship. She could see it in the way he looked at her, the way he was always there, even when she had doubts about herself. He had never demanded anything from her, always patient, always understanding. She couldn't ignore that.
"Thank you, Jace," she whispered, swallowing the lump in her throat. "But I don't know if I can choose. It's not that simple."
He nodded, his eyes sincere. "I know. Just take your time. Whatever you decide, I'll be here for you."
His words were a lifeline, offering comfort without expectation. It made her feel safe, but it also reminded her of the complexity of her own feelings. As much as she had tried to push Liam out of her mind, as much as she had convinced herself that their connection was a distant memory, the truth was, it had never gone away. Liam had always been there, in the back of her mind, pulling her in like a magnetic force.
Later that evening, as the gala drew nearer, Wendy found herself standing before her full-length mirror. The soft glow of her apartment's lights illuminated her reflection as she surveyed her appearance—her black dress, the delicate jewelry she had picked out, the simple elegance that would allow her to blend into the crowd. Yet, as she studied herself, she saw more than just her external appearance. She saw the uncertainty, the turmoil that swirled within her. The gala was a place where people celebrated success, where the Rivera name would shine in its full glory. And yet, Wendy knew, it was also a place that held unresolved tension between her and Liam.
Her hands gripped the edge of the vanity as she closed her eyes, taking a steadying breath. Am I ready to face him again?
She thought back to all the times they had shared—every conversation, every unspoken word, every glance that had left her heart racing. And then there was the silence between them, the distance that had grown after their last conversation. It felt like unfinished business, and a part of her that she couldn't just walk away from it without facing the truth. But was she strong enough to confront it? Could she go back into that world without losing herself in the process?
The soft hum of her phone buzzed on the counter, and she quickly glanced at the screen. It was a text message from Jace, his words simple but grounding:
"Whatever happens, don't forget to breathe. You've got this."
Wendy smiled, grateful for his unwavering support. But as her thumb hovered over the invitation from Liam, her heart thudded painfully in her chest. She was caught in a web of uncertainty, unsure of how to move forward. The gala was more than just an event—it was the crossroads where her past and future would collide. Would she step into that world again, where Liam could easily draw her back into his orbit? Or would she keep her distance, knowing the consequences of getting too close to him?
Her phone buzzed again, breaking her thoughts. This time, it was an email notification from the Rivera team, reminding her about the event details.
Wendy let out a long breath, shaking her head at the weight of the decision ahead. Whatever she chose, she knew it wouldn't be easy. She had always believed in taking control of her destiny, but now, the future felt anything but certain.
The doorbell rang, pulling her from her thoughts. Wendy glanced at the mirror one last time before heading to the door. As she opened it, Jace stood there, holding a small bouquet of flowers.
"For good luck," he said with a grin.
Wendy's heart fluttered, her gaze softening. He always knew how to lift her spirits. Yet, the bittersweet truth lingered—she was caught between the comfort of the past and the uncertainty of the future. Would the answers she sought come to her at the gala? Or would they remain just out of reach?