Alex dropped me off back at my apartment the next day because I also needed to prepare the things we will use. Fortunately, it's good timing this week since we don't have classes due to consecutive holidays in the country, especially after the events at the University I attend.

I didn't know if it was just perfect timing or if I was simply lucky when I was with Alex. He would pick me up later in the afternoon because our flight was at night, so I had plenty of time to prepare. I had already cleaned my apartment and taken out the trash.

When I stepped outside, I was greeted by the warmth of the sun. It was already nine in the morning, so it was quite hot. People were busy with their activities; even my neighbors in the apartment building were outside doing laundry, while others were preparing for work and classes.

Unfortunately, I don't have anyone close here except for Nanay Nelya because I rarely go out; I'm always confined here.

When I approached the garbage bin, I bumped into a woman who had just come out of Nanay's house. She looked wealthy based on her posture and attire. Our eyes met, and I hesitated to smile at her.

"Uh, are you related to Nanay?" I scratched my head as I asked. She seemed like she wanted to say something but couldn't.

She smiled at me, "You rent one of her rooms here?" I nodded. "Nanay was my nanny years ago; I'm just visiting her. I'm leaving the Philippines, and I will stay abroad for good." She answered with a hint of sadness, quickly replaced by enthusiasm.

"Oh, really? I feel Nanay will be sad to hear that. Is she inside?"

She smiled awkwardly and glanced at Nanay's door before answering me. "She is. She'll miss me, she said. I'll miss her too, but we can't predict the future that lies ahead. It's for my own good. And I promised to call Nanay when I get there."

I didn't know how to respond, so I just smiled awkwardly. "Don't worry; I'm always checking on her."

Her face lit up, and she approached me. "Thank you! I'm Kerenza, by the way, Kerenza Jasxin Muller. And you are?" She extended her hand to me. I looked at it and quickly wiped my hand since it was still dirty, embarrassed to offer it to her.

"Isabella Heyes." I introduced myself shortly and shook her hand. It was so soft; she really looked wealthy.

She peeked at her wristwatch when our palms touched, and her eyes widened. "OM! I have to go; I might miss my flight! Nice meeting you, Isabella! I hope we can meet again!"

She hurriedly got into the parked car outside. I just shrugged and was about to go back to the apartment when I remembered Nanay Nelya. Wait, could it be that one of those giving letters to Nanay Nelya is the family of the girl earlier? If so, I would be more reassured. But I shouldn't overthink; who knows, some might be scams, inviting Nanay, and then she— I shook my head; I'm thinking too much.

I smiled again. It's okay if that's the case. At least now I know that many people still care about Nanay.

"You're in a good mood today. What's up with that smile?" I turned to the driver's seat and saw that Alex had also been influenced by the cheerful atmosphere.

"Nothing, I was just thinking. By the way, Alex, do you have any siblings?"

Alex smiled slightly, and his lips curved in a mischievous grin. "Ah, the dreaded question about siblings."

I laughed. "Is it that serious?"

His gaze met mine again, and he feigned a serious tone. "Oh, indeed. It's the question that sends shivers down the spines of siblings everywhere."

I burst into laughter. "I had no idea it was such a big deal."

Alex leaned toward me as if sharing a secret. "You know, Isabella, I come from a rather... unique family."

I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity deepening. "Unique? How so?"

Alex reclined further in his seat, adopting a theatrical tone. "Imagine this: a billionaire playboy with not just one, not even two, but a grand total of seven identical brothers. That's right, Isabella—seven doppelgängers spread across the globe."

I suddenly burst into laughter. "Wait, are you serious?"

Alex nodded, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Absolutely. It's like we're a team of undercover agents, but our code names are all Alex. It leads to some rather amusing family gatherings, I assure you."

Still chuckling, I shook my head in sheer disbelief. "I can't tell if you're being serious or just messing with me."

With a playful wink, Alex leaned closer. "Well, that's the beauty of it, isn't it? The mystery keeps everyone on their toes."

We got off the plane at the airport, but instead of heading towards the regular departure area, we went in a different direction. I didn't ask and just followed him. I also noticed that many men in suits were lined up in a large space on one side.

My attention was captivated by the sleek and stunning aircraft in front of me. It was a remarkable sight, a genuine masterpiece of engineering and design.

The logo on the aircraft reads "Montegomery Skylux." A refined emblem, featuring wings intertwined with the brand name, was elegantly displayed near the tail.

Alex certainly had a taste for the finer things, and even in aircraft, he had managed to impress me. If I were to travel like this, it would be a much more enjoyable experience than the usual commercial flights.

As I followed Alex to the entrance of the Private Jet, I felt a sense of nervousness and concern because of the people present. It felt like they were escorting a president to another country with the way they were doing things.

I couldn't help but wonder why he had so many bodyguards here, yet I didn't see a single one accompanying him on a normal day. But it made me think, maybe they were just following him discreetly? Because when Alex and I went shopping yesterday, I was surprised when three men in black suits arrived and took the things we had purchased. I initially thought they were boutique security, but it didn't seem like it.

"Isabella, take my hand," Alex said, reaching out to me. He was on the second step of the stairs, and I was still at the bottom for quite some time.

I took his hand, and he guided me up until we entered the inside. I was amazed by the interior design. It looked like a comfortable hotel lobby with long couches. The interior was also surrounded by blue lights, making it a breathtaking sight. If I didn't know it was a Private Jet, I could easily mistake it for a VIP room in a hotel.

As we settled into our seats, a flight attendant and a suited man approached. I assumed they were there to offer beverages or attend to any needs of the passengers. Given Alex's wealth, I shouldn't have been surprised, but I couldn't help but wonder why he didn't have personal guards with him. What if someone tried to harm or kidnap him?

I glanced at Alex, who was now perusing the menu, probably noticing my silence. I returned my attention to the menu and read through the options. Many of them were familiar to me, having worked as a waitress in upscale restaurants, but I had never actually tasted some of these dishes due to their high prices.

I settled on Spanish cuisine, something I had always wanted to try. It was quite expensive, but I figured I should seize the opportunity since I might not get another chance anytime soon.

Soon after, the private jet began to ascend, and my view outside the window was replaced by the sky.

"You've been quiet for a while. Did you not like it?" Alex asked, breaking the silence.

I smiled. "No, I liked it. It's just that I never imagined I would experience something like this. It's usually something I see in movies."

He smiled back at me. "I thought you might not like it, so I was a bit nervous. You see, you haven't experienced something like this until you're with me. I'll give you everything you want."

"It's okay with me, even the simple things, Alex. But since you've offered, why not?" He chuckled softly, and I joined in.

"You know, you always surprise me. You deserve to have everything in this world. Just tell me what you want," he said, and I fell silent, pondering his words.

"No," I replied with a smile, meeting his gaze. "I've received so much from you already. I just want to fulfill my responsibility as your match. So make the most of it while I'm still here, Alex, because you won't find someone like me again," I teased.

"You're right, I should," he said with a genuine smile. "I'm glad I met you, Isabella."

I looked away, focusing on the view outside the window. I didn't want to read too much into Alex's actions and words, knowing that he was doing this out of necessity. But despite my rational thoughts, there was something about him that intrigued me, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

I couldn't help but think about the kiss and the hints he had dropped, which left me confused and hurt. I wanted to ask him about it, but the fear of his response held me back. Just thinking about it made my heart ache.