Until You Are Mine

Chinny's POV

I woke up with a throbbing headache. Oh, right, we went bar-hopping last night, but what stuck in my head was what Angelo said.

"Of all the girls out there, you're the one I fell for—the girlfriend of my cousin's best friend. Damn it!"

"It's maddening to love you when you can't love me back. But I love you, Chinny. I'd do anything as long as you're mine."

Reverse psychology sucks! Why do Angelo's words keep replaying in my head? I love Kilorn, and that's it.

My forehead creased when I noticed the unfamiliar room. Where am I? Didn't I go home last night?

I stood up and looked around the entire room. As I descended the stairs, I heard loud laughter from the living room.

"Khairro?" I greeted in shock. What's going on? Both he and Farley looked at me, and he flashed a sly grin.

Why can't I remember what happened last night?

"You're awake. Khairro cooked something." I nodded. Oh, right—something is going on between Khairro and Farley.

"I think I need to leave, Far. Laters, Chinny," Khairro said, bidding goodbye.

"Whatever," I replied nonchalantly as he walked out. I turned to Farley, who was grinning at me. I raised an eyebrow.

"What's with the weird smile, Far?" I asked, irritated.

"Well, nothing much." She smiled bitterly. "Why don't you give Angelo a chance? I mean, he's not bad."

Her suggestion made my blood boil. Why is she so meddlesome?

"Not bad? Far, he trapped me into this! Wait—you're his accomplice! Why are you doing this to me? You manipulative bitch!" I yelled at her, but Farley didn't flinch. She didn't even blink. She just remained calm and composed. "Did you think I didn't know? Well, I do. Why would you even agree to Angelo's plan? Do you have feelings for him?" Farley's gaze sharpened, and she bit her lip.

"Do you think I'm head over heels for Angelo?" I laughed sarcastically.

"You're so shallow, Chinny. Just because I helped him doesn't mean I like him. Your narrow mind has clouded your thoughts with negativity and anger. Honestly, marrying Angelo is good for you. You keep clinging to Kilorn, and it's making me sick. How many times has Kilorn cheated on you? You can't even count, right? Because you're such a fool."

It was the first time I'd seen Farley lose her composure. I lowered my head. How many times has Kilorn cheated on me? Maybe this is what love does—it makes you a fool.

"Chinny, can't you learn to love Gelo?" Farley asked softly, looking at me intently. I didn't know what to say to stop her sharp stares and probing questions. "He's your husband, right? You should learn to love him."

"What? Say that again. You're desperate, aren't you? Pressuring me to love Angelo back. Tsk."

I let out a deep sigh. "Stop reminding me that Angelo is my husband! It's annoying! Remember, there's only one person I'll ever love, and that's Kilorn."

"Yes, I'm desperate," Farley admitted. "Angelo is my friend. You were like a star in his dark world. He's loved you for a long time, but you keep returning to someone who constantly cheats on you." I was about to reply when Farley shouted.

"DON'T TALK BACK! YOU'RE TESTING MY PATIENCE, AND I WANT YOU OUT NOW!" I avoided her gaze, marched out of her house, and found Khairro sitting on his Ducati, adjusting his leather jacket.

Khairro looked at me with concern.

"You heard?" I asked, and he nodded. I almost slapped my forehead. Damn it!

"Sorry, I didn't mean to overhear. You were so loud." Khairro approached me and gently held my chin. "I know you're not okay, Chinny," he said. I forced a smile at him.

"I'm fine, Khairro. I just pushed Farley's patience too far." He sighed and nodded.

"Just try to understand your cousin's shortcomings and short temper," he said, then hesitated. "But she has a point. My friend Angelo deserves a second chance from you, Chinny. I didn't want to interfere, but I agree with your cousin's perspective." He smiled kindly. "At least try to love him. Who knows? It might work."

I was stunned by Khairro's words. Even after he left, I didn't move. My heart doesn't agree with what they're saying.

Angelo's POV

"Gelo, you're not okay." Jessa had been comforting me since last night. I didn't let Chinny come home to avoid clouding her confused mind.

"No, I'm okay. I just want to be alone." She sighed before nodding and leaving the room.

I sent her away because my temper was rising. I'm living in anger right now. I can't think straight, and I don't want to drag others into my frustrations.

I headed to my room to take a shower. I hoped the water could wash away the pain, just like it washes away dirt. After showering, I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

I'm richer than Kilorn.

I'm hotter than Kilorn.

I'm more handsome than Kilorn.

All women want me—except her.

Shieneva Monastario, I'll win you over eventually. Patience is a virtue. I just need to stretch mine a little further.

Am I giving up now? No way. If I have to sell my soul, I'll do it. I can get help from Farley, the great savage manipulative bitch. I won't give up. I have the upper hand over Kilorn.

What does he have that I don't? We're both just men. Why him?

"You're the man, Angelo," I said, cheering myself up in front of the handsome reflection in the mirror.

As I left my room, I saw Chinny climbing the stairs. She must've just gotten home. Of course, genius—don't be dumb, Angelo. You're already dumb for love. Don't add to it.

I ignored her. She doesn't want me meddling, so fine.

I watched a movie in the living room while scrolling through my IG. I smiled at Lucifer's post.

At least I'm lucky with friends but in love? Zero. Damn life!

I wanted to throw my smartphone. Kilorn posted a picture with Chinny—a selfie of them. It was apparent the photo was taken a long time ago.

"Shit! When will I stop seeing Kilorn's ugly face?" I muttered and scrolled down to read the caption.

"Baby, you're still the one. No one can break us. 24 Forever. I'll always love you, Shieneva Monastario."

Yuck! Kilorn is so cheesy. I sound bitter now.

I created a group chat on Facebook for my crazy friends—Khairro, Lucifer, Rhysand, Achilles, Drin, Aki, Francel, Raphael, Ken, and Henry. I added Tinnie, Ayana, Virgina, Chaira, Sunshine, Ardy, Astrid, Karma, and Farley. I omitted Chinny. She and that damn Kilorn will be the topic of our roast session. May that ugly Kilorn trip and fall flat on his face!