"Nah, you're brother is just ... being weird. What time will you be home? That'll ask about you."

When she changes the subject immediately. Maybe they have another misunderstanding.

"I don't know. Maybe just quickly, I'll just get a copy and pass this floor plan to my professor."

I fixed myself and get my keys.

"Are you at NYM? Should I give you a ride?"

I shook violently and took off my rising sweater.

"I can do it."

"Sure? Maybe your brother will scold me when you can't go home completely, huh?"

She laughed again. I shook my head. Is she drunk?

"Don't you want to eat chocolate please?" I beg.

I don't think I want to leave her here. She just snorted and asked me. She's a year older than me yet sometimes when she acts like she's younger than me.

The reason why she calls me jokingly, "mom". I was even stricter than my aunt. I said goodbye to him and headed for the elevator.

"Would you like some beverage Ms. Suarez?"

I turned to a clerk here at the company.

"Yes please." I smiled.

"The possible circulation of those copy will be higher than the usual. We're also producing copies around Asia."

"Yes?"

My eyes widened at what he said. I forget the language I just borrowed.

"I mean, Asia? But we used to reach beyond circulation even though we focused on selling those in the west."

She was all smiling but I'm too shocked to comprehend. This is too much. They told me it was a big project but I didn't think it would reach the other side of the world. Several more talks were opened with some of the company’s executives.

They were asking about my renewal of contract and other aspects. My answer is the same at first. I'll stick to my original plan. I have unfinished business left on my own, I think it's about time to focus on that.

"Ms. Suarez, From Mr. Bailey."

I looked at the black box with a perfectly arranged red roses. I almost wiped my face at what I saw. What is this?

"Where is he?"

I chased the clerk before he left.

"In the R&D Deparment Miss."

"Thank you."

I look constipated looking at the flowers left in the coffee table.

"That's so sweet of Justine. How's your relationship with him?"

I almost breathed my forced laugh.

"No ma'am, we're just friends."

"Oh? Really? He's been consistent since day one I thought ..."

The smile I gave here was raw. Everybody thinks of that, what else is new? How many times did I explained the truth to them? I've lost my count.

"Ma'am, She's with Lourd Vidalio isn't she?"

My ear pricked up at the whisper of his assistant. If there's one thing I'm not use hearing about, it's this. Gossips like me and my brother living under the same roof are seldom to pass by. T

hat I would have a relationship with my own brother. I should not be affected by that mere thing 'cause what they think is way-way more different from the truth. But I can't help it. If it's about my brother and my personal life, I just can't help it.

"Thank you for your time Ma'am, But I got some errands to do so ..."

"Oh yes, Congratulations Ms. Suarez."

I thanked everybody, I was going to lift the flower box in front of me but one of my bodyguards lifted it. Don't ask me.

I also thought they were gone now. My manager is not here and left a body guard here. That's good and it's just one. I walked down the long hallway to go to the R&D Department.

There, I saw Justine having some chitchat with whoever, i don't know. It saw me and its playful smiles unfolded on me. I immediately saw that he knew the person he was talking to and went in my direction. Justine came with the same company I'm signing in.

He's a filipino and half western. He has also been in this industry for a long time. He knew my sister as well as Lucy. At first I'm glad having companion while I'm kind of lost at work since I'm a newbie, having someone you're close with is a big thing because you tend to be an outcast especially if you're new.

Justine was there for me, but I didn't expect him to bring it to the next level. He was very consistent and always bombarded me with things I didn't need. He opened his arms widely welcoming me with an embrace. I averted my eyes from him as I let out a long breath.

"Justine, what's that again?"

His eyes turned confused but obviously not.

"What? Those are flowers."

"Yes, but for what? It's the third time for this week. Speculations are all over the place Justine."

I want him to feel guilty yet he found humor in it.

"That was my congratulatory token. Aren't you happy-"

"I'm thankful Justine. You know I always am. But maybe that's enough."

His lips twisted and just leaned against the high hallway wall.

“This will just fire up the issue around us, especially since I just launched my editorial magazine. "

"But it's not an issue Cyreese. It's not speculations, everybody knows what I feel about you. And we both know it Ava."

"Cyreese." I corrected.

Its forehead furrowed but eventually gave up as well.

"Cyreese ... Yes. Okay. I'm sorry."

I know I made it clear to him before. Cyreese Suarez is the name I use in every thing. That's where everyone knows me. Funny how a name can make my blood heat up and pound my chest at the same time.

"It's too late Justine. I won't accept if there's anything next."

He opened his mouth and smirked. Can't believe what I said. Guiltiness crept inside me. Justine have been a good friend of mine.

In my four years in this industry my fellow models have not always been good towards me, so being friends with him is a big thing for me. I just wanted to make it clear to him that I don't want our friendship ruined just because of a certain feeling I know that I'll never gonna reciprocate. I ain't have no time for that.