Chapter 28
Hours passed…
After a long shoot, Celine finally stepped out of the studio dressing room, her hair now tied in a loose ponytail, wearing a simple white shirt, denim jeans, and an oversized jacket that made her look effortlessly charming. She slipped on her glasses — the same ones Arianne loved teasing her about, calling her “serious baby” — and grabbed her bag, energized and glowing.
She had so much energy today. Maybe because deep inside, she was still replaying Arianne’s smile from their last video call. Maybe because despite the secret, despite everything, she felt light.
Before heading to the next meeting with Mavis and the team, she stopped by the hallway, leaned against the wall, and opened her phone.
"Mahal, tapos na shoot. Ready na ako for the next meeting."
She attached a selfie — her wearing glasses, holding up a little peace sign. She hesitated for a second… then hit send.
Arianne’s reply came quickly.
"With Mavis?"
Celine blinked, realizing she might have forgotten to mention it. Her thumbs flew fast over the screen.
"Yes mahal. Hindi ko ba nasabi? If hindi pa, sorry po agad 😔"
She bit her lip, hoping Arianne wouldn’t read into it too much.
But then…
"It’s okay. Take care."
A soft smile played on Celine’s lips. She could imagine Arianne’s gentle, understanding face in her mind. Her heart swelled.
Just as she was about to put her phone down, another buzz.
"I love you."
Celine froze for a moment, her heart doing little flips in her chest. She looked at the message again, her smile growing impossibly wider. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, feeling shy even though she was alone.
She typed back slowly, her fingers soft on the screen.
"I love you too, mahal. So, so much. Thank you for always trusting me."
She closed her eyes for a second and hugged her phone to her chest.
That simple text, in the middle of everything — schedules, secrecy, contracts — made her feel like the luckiest person in the world.
With that, she pushed herself off the wall, took a deep breath, and walked towards the meeting room with her heart full — ready to face everything, because she knew someone out there was waiting for her, loving her in secret… and that was more than enough.
Celine finally arrived at the meeting room. The door was slightly ajar, and when she peeked in, Mavis was already there, seated at the far end of the table, scrolling on her phone.
Taking a deep breath, Celine adjusted her glasses and stepped in.
"Good afternoon po," she greeted cheerfully, her smile bright and sincere, lighting up the whole room.
The team members looked up, and a few exchanged knowing smiles — they weren’t used to seeing Celine this… glowing.
Mavis looked up too and gave a small nod. "Hey."
Celine took the seat beside her manager, who was already eyeing her with a curious grin.
"Celine," her manager said teasingly, leaning a bit closer, "Good mood?"
Celine laughed lightly, trying to play it cool. "Medyo sir… well, just grateful and excited."
Her manager chuckled. "Well, that energy is perfect timing. I actually have really good news for both of you."
Both Mavis and Celine straightened in their seats, eyes attentive.
The manager beamed. "The movie earnings just came in… and guess what?"
Celine’s heart skipped.
The manager continued, "It just hit over 300 million pesos."
The entire room burst into soft cheers and applause.
Celine’s jaw dropped. "Wait… seriously?"
Her manager grinned. "Seriously! 300M+ and still climbing. The public response is overwhelming. Congratulations to both of you!"
Mavis gasped, her hand going to her chest. "Oh my god!"
Celine blinked, momentarily speechless. She pressed her lips together and smiled politely, clapping along with the team — but inside, there was that familiar tugging in her chest again.
She could feel Mavis’ eyes on her.
Mavis leaned in, whispering with a playful smirk, "We good."
Celine glanced at her, startled.
Celine’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. She simply looked down, fixing her sleeves, and quietly said, "Congrats sa atin."
The team moved on to discuss media appearances and press conferences.
After the long meeting, the manager handed each of them a folder.
"Here’s the upcoming schedule for both of you — interviews, guestings, and the official thanksgiving event for the 300M milestone. Busy weeks ahead."
Celine politely took hers, scanning quickly through the dates. Mavis did the same beside her, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
The team began to pack up, chatter fading out as everyone left one by one.
Soon, only Mavis and Celine remained in the room.
Celine closed her folder with a soft sigh of relief. She felt her phone buzz again — probably Arianne, and that thought alone made her smile unconsciously.
Mavis caught it.
She tilted her head, observing quietly for a second. Then, as casually as she could, she said, "Celebration, I guess?"
Celine blinked, glancing up at her. "Huh?"
Mavis smiled, warm but with something unreadable behind her eyes. "For the 300M milestone. Come with me? My treat. Just a little dinner. We worked hard for this."
Celine hesitated, her smile faltering for a moment. Her heart tugged toward someone else entirely — she wanted to message Arianne, maybe call her, celebrate with her… even if only through the screen.
But Mavis gently placed a hand on her arm.
"Please?"
That small word, so soft yet heavy, made Celine pause.
She looked at Mavis. There was sincerity there. Excitement. But also… something deeper.
Celine bit her lip lightly, debating.
She didn’t want to send the wrong signals.
She didn’t want to hurt anyone.
But turning her down now, after everything they’d worked for, might seem cold.
So finally, she nodded slowly.
"Okay. Sige."
Mavis’ face lit up. "Yay! You won’t regret it. Just the two of us — promise, nothing big."
Celine forced a smile. "Okay… lead the way."
But as they walked out of the conference room together, Celine’s heart felt heavier with every step.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She didn’t check it yet. Because for some reason…she already knew who it was.
And she already felt guilty.
They left the building and got into Mavis’s car. The drive was quiet at first, the city lights glowing softly through the window.
Celine sat in the passenger seat, fingers fidgeting with her phone. She hadn’t opened Arianne’s message yet — afraid that if she did, she’d only feel more torn.
"You okay?" Mavis asked gently, her eyes briefly glancing at Celine before focusing back on the road.
Celine forced a small smile. "Yeah… just tired."
Mavis chuckled. "Tired but glowing? You’ve been smiling the whole day."
Celine bit her lip. "Good news, big milestone… it’s a lot to be grateful for."
They arrived at a quiet restaurant. Mavis had clearly chosen somewhere private, away from prying eyes.
They sat by the window, the soft hum of music in the background.
Mavis ordered wine for them both. Celine hesitated but eventually sipped from her glass, just to be polite.
The conversation started light — work, future projects, the fans’ response.
But then Mavis leaned in a little closer, resting her chin on her hand. "You know…" she started slowly, "you’re different now."
Celine blinked. "Different?"
"You’re lighter. Happier. I’ve been with you through stressful shoots and tough days… but now? There’s this glow. Parang… you’re in love."
Celine’s breath hitched slightly. She didn’t answer.
Mavis smiled softly, eyes searching. "Can I ask… is there someone?"
Celine looked down at her glass, swirling the liquid slowly. Her heart pounded. "Maybe," she answered softly.
Mavis let out a soft laugh, but there was a sadness in her eyes she tried to hide. "Lucky person," she whispered.
Celine glanced at her — and for a second, she saw it.
The longing. The emotion Mavis had been quietly holding back.
After minutes of eating, they were about to leave the restaurant, Mavis paused by her car.
She reached into the bag she’d been carrying all evening and slowly pulled out something soft — a familiar gray hoodie.
She handed it to Celine with a small smile. "Alam kong mahilig ka sa ganito… so I bought one. I was supposed to give this after the meeting."
Celine took the hoodie gently, her fingers running over the fabric. She recognized the texture, the weight, the warmth. It was exactly her style.
She slipped it on, pulling the sleeves up to her palms like she always did. A soft smile tugged at her lips. "You really do know me well," she said softly, almost in awe.
Mavis watched her, her eyes filled with something unspoken.
"Celine," she said quietly.
Celine looked up, meeting her gaze.
Mavis took a deep breath, her voice trembling ever so slightly.
"I know I shouldn’t… and maybe it’s foolish… but I like you."
Celine’s breath hitched.
Mavis continued, her words soft but heavy. "I’ve liked you for a while now. I thought… maybe if I stayed by your side, if I supported you… maybe, just maybe, I’d be that lucky person you’d fall for."
Celine’s heart ached. She lowered her gaze. "Mavis…"
But Mavis shook her head, cutting her off. "Bakit hindi ako, Celine? Bakit hindi pwedeng ako?"
Celine looked at her, her own heart conflicted. She took a deep breath, gathering her words carefully — not wanting to hurt Mavis, but knowing she had to be honest.
"Mavis… everything I shared with you — the laughs, the support, the friendship… all of that is real. Genuine. I never faked anything."
Mavis’s eyes shimmered. "But…?"
Celine swallowed hard. "But my heart… it belongs to someone else."
The words fell heavy between them.
Mavis bit her lip, holding back tears.
Celine reached out, gently squeezing Mavis’s hand.
"I never wanted to hurt you. I treasure what we have. You’ve been there for me in ways no one else has… but the love you’re hoping for… I can’t give that to you."
Mavis blinked back tears and forced a sad smile. "I should’ve known," she murmured.
"You always had that look in your eyes. Yung parang… you’re waiting for someone."
Celine felt tears prick at her own eyes. "I am."
Mavis nodded slowly, her voice breaking. "Sana ako na lang."
The silence between them was suffocating.
Mavis took a shaky breath, then suddenly stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Celine.
Celine froze for a moment but allowed the hug.
Mavis buried her face in Celine’s shoulder, her voice barely above a whisper. "Alam mo, Celine… every hug, every smile, every little moment we shared — it was real for me. The accidental brushes of hands, the playful teasing, the times I kissed you on the cheek for the camera… that wasn’t just for the fans. That was me… wishing it could be more."
Celine closed her eyes, exhaling slowly. She gently placed her hands on Mavis’s shoulders and pulled back, meeting her eyes.
"Mavis…" she began softly but firmly, "in this world… the world we live in… showbiz teaches us to blur lines. Kung mahuhulog ka sa bawat yakap, bawat halik, bawat sweetness na para sa camera… you’ll drown. You have to know where acting ends and reality begins."
Mavis’s expression faltered, her smile trembling at the edges. "But what if… sa akin, reality na ‘yun?"
Celine felt a pang of guilt, but she held her ground. "Then I’m sorry… because for me, it wasn’t."
Mavis looked down for a moment, her hands tightening into fists at her sides before relaxing. She looked back up at Celine — her smile returning, but this time… there was something else underneath. Something you couldn’t quite name.
The silence between them grew thick and suffocating.
Then suddenly — Mavis stepped forward and, without warning, pulled Celine into a tight hug.
"Please… Celine…" her voice broke, desperate, trembling. "Kahit konti… ako naman. Pwede bang ako nalang”
Celine froze, her heart pounding painfully in her chest.
But Mavis didn’t stop. She pulled away just enough to cup Celine’s face, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Bakit hindi ako? Bakit hindi ako puwedeng maging 'yun' para sa’yo? Hindi mo ba nakikita? Lahat ng moments natin… totoo ‘yon sa’kin!"
Celine closed her eyes, breathing deeply, trying to steady herself. Then, she opened them, her gaze firm and sharp. "Mavis… magtira ka ng awa para sa sarili mo."
Mavis flinched. Her hands dropped slowly.
But when Celine turned around to leave, Mavis suddenly wrapped her arms around her from behind — a back hug filled with longing, desperation, and pain.
"Please… wag kang umalis… kahit ngayong gabi lang… ako naman, Celine…"
Celine bit her lip, her hands shaking — but then she slowly reached down and pried Mavis’s arms away from her waist.
She turned to face her one last time, her expression cold but pained.
"I’m sorry, Mavis. Pero hindi si Arianne."
And without another word, she walked away — not knowing where to go, only knowing she needed to get away.
She didn’t even care that she didn’t have her car. She opened her phone with trembling hands and booked a Grab, standing on the side of the road — her chest tight, her breath shaky.
Behind her, she could still feel Mavis’s gaze burning into her back.
Her phone buzzed. The Grab was near.
She wiped her eyes quickly, refusing to cry. Not here. Not because of this.
Because deep down… she felt it.
Mavis wasn’t going to let this end quietly.
Celine stared out the Grab window the whole ride, her heart pounding, her mind swirling with guilt, exhaustion, and unease. She didn’t even hesitate where to go — her fingers moved on their own, typing in Arianne’s condo address.
She needed her.
The car stopped in front of the building. Celine thanked the driver softly and stepped out, her hands still shaking. She took the elevator up, every second feeling heavier and heavier on her chest.
When she reached Arianne’s door, she stood frozen for a second, heart racing. Then she rang the bell.
The door opened slowly.
And there she was. Arianne. Eyes puffy, cheeks still damp from tears. Her lips trembled when she saw Celine standing there.
Without a word, Arianne closed the distance and pulled Celine into the tightest hug — one filled with longing, pain, and quiet understanding.
Celine immediately broke down in her arms.
"Shh… nandito na ko," Arianne whispered, her own voice breaking.
She stroked Celine’s hair as Celine buried her face in her shoulder, clinging to her like she was the only thing keeping her from falling apart.
Arianne pulled her inside, shutting the door behind them.
They didn’t even make it to the couch.
They just stood there, in the middle of the living room, holding each other like they’d lose their breath if they let go.
Arianne gently pulled back just enough to see her face, cupping Celine’s cheeks with trembling hands, her own tears falling freely.
"Did she already tell you?"
Celine froze, eyes wide and guilty, and slowly — painfully — she nodded.
Arianne’s breath hitched, her eyes glassy. "I know," she whispered, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.
Celine’s heart clenched.
She looked at Celine, her eyes torn and vulnerable. "And now… I’m asking myself… are we selfish?"
Celine cupped her face gently, shaking her head. "No, Ari. We’re not selfish. There’s no selfishness in love." She took a deep breath.
"We were already in love when Mavis came into the picture. That’s not our fault. Hindi natin kasalanan na minahal natin ang isa’t isa."
Arianne’s shoulders shook as she exhaled shakily. "But she’s my friend, Celine… and I feel like I’m betraying her every time I choose you."
Celine wiped her tears softly. "Choosing me isn’t betrayal, Mahal. It’s just following your heart. Just like I’m following mine."
She took Arianne’s hands and held them firmly.
"If you’re worried… I can end the contract with her. Kahit bukas, kaya kong gawin. I can pull out, walk away, cut ties — for you."
Arianne’s eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head.
"No… don’t."
She bit her lip, breathing in deep to steady herself.
"I’m not that low, Celine. I can handle this. Kaya kong tiisin… as long as she doesn’t cross the line, as long as she doesn't try to hurt us."
Celine’s heart softened even more.
"Ari…"
Arianne looked at her, teary-eyed but determined.
"I trust you. And I trust us."
She gently brushed her thumb against Celine’s cheek.
"We just need time… time to fix everything. Time to reveal us… properly. Sa tamang panahon."
Celine nodded slowly, pressing her forehead against Arianne’s.
Arianne’s voice broke again, but this time with a small smile.
"Promise me, mahal… no matter what Mavis does… no matter how complicated it gets… you won’t let go."
Celine whispered back without hesitation,
"I promise. You’re my choice. Always."
And in that quiet moment, with the weight of guilt, fear, and love between them, they both knew — they’d weather the storm together.
No matter how long it took.
No matter how hard it got.
Because this love was already theirs… long before anyone else tried to take it away.
The next morning came faster than either of them wanted.
Celine packed her things in silence — hoodie, cap, sunglasses — all the usual armor. Arianne sat on the edge of the bed, also preparing her essentials. Both of them knew today would be difficult to navigate.
Celine took a deep breath, fixed her cap and glasses in the mirror, and turned to Arianne.
"Let’s go?"
Arianne gave her a soft smile and nodded.
They drove in silence, Celine’s hand occasionally brushing over Arianne’s on the gear shift — a silent reassurance.
As they neared the company building, Arianne glanced at her.
"I’ll go first… para less speculation."
Celine nodded.
"Be careful."
Arianne squeezed her hand once before stepping out.
A few minutes later, when Celine was sure no one would connect them, she followed. The lobby was busy but routine; she kept her head low, hiding behind her cap and glasses until she reached the private dressing rooms.
Opening the door, she found Sasha already there, fixing her makeup.
Sasha turned and froze for a second — eyes sparkling in curiosity and teasing energy.
She grinned.
"You two came together, didn’t you?"
Celine just smiled, not confirming or denying, but that smile was enough.
Sasha chuckled, shaking her head.
"Naks tumatapang!! I can feel the vibe. Nakakakilig."
Celine gave her a soft laugh, taking a seat.
Minutes passed. The room stayed quiet, with only Sasha scrolling on her phone and Celine tapping her foot lightly.
Still no sign of Maeve or Mavis.
Slowly, Celine felt the weight of her exhaustion catching up with her. Her head felt heavy, her eyes half-lidded.
A quiet warmth brushed against her — Arianne had slipped in without her noticing, taking the seat beside her.
Without hesitation, Celine leaned her head onto Arianne’s shoulder, eyes fluttering closed.
Arianne froze for a moment, then slowly, gently placed her hand on Celine’s cheek, guiding her head to rest more comfortably.
Sasha, sitting nearby, bit her lip to hold back a smile.
Arianne only shushed her softly with a smile, brushing Celine’s hair back.
Celine mumbled softly, not fully awake.
"You smell like home."
Arianne’s heart fluttered, but she just rested her cheek on top of Celine’s head, her hand gently stroking her arm.
"I’m right here, mahal…" she whispered.
But in the back of her mind… she knew the peace wouldn’t last long.
Because any moment now… Mavis would walk through that door.
The calm in the room was delicate — almost fragile.
Celine remained nestled against Arianne’s shoulder, eyes closed, breathing soft and steady.
Arianne gently traced small circles on her arm, feeling both comfort and dread.
Then — the door opened.
Footsteps.
Maeve’s light chatter filled the space first.
"Oh my gosh, traffic was insane! But at least we made it — "
Then Mavis.
Silence followed her entrance, like the air shifted.
Arianne subtly nudged Celine, and they both straightened, almost too quickly. Celine rubbed her eyes and sat up, fixing her posture.
Arianne folded her hands on her lap, trying to steady her breathing.
Mavis’s gaze landed on Celine first.
Sharp.
Lingering.
Calculating.
Then slowly, her eyes flicked to Arianne.
For a heartbeat, she stood there, taking them both in.
But instead of reacting, she simply smiled.
A small, knowing smile.
Almost playful.
Almost mocking.
And without a word, she walked behind them, her perfume trailing faintly in the air.
Celine’s breath hitched.
Arianne tensed.
They heard the soft thud of Mavis placing her bag down on the counter behind them, humming softly like nothing had happened.
Maeve, oblivious to the tension, flopped onto the couch.
"Finally, the whole team’s here! I’m excited for this shoot!"
Celine swallowed hard.
Arianne instinctively reached for her hand beneath the table, squeezing gently.
Sasha, who had been watching the entire exchange, bit her lip and shot Celine a subtle side glance — as if asking: Are you okay?
Celine just gave the smallest nod.
But inside, her heart was racing.
Mavis didn’t have to say anything. Her silence… and that smile… said more than words ever could.
The storm had arrived.
And they were sitting right in the eye of it.
The room fell into uneasy silence, broken only by the soft rustle of clothing and quiet conversations between Sasha and Maeve.
Mavis sat in front of the mirror, fixing her hair, but Celine could feel her eyes flicker toward them through the reflection.
Just as the makeup artist entered to begin prepping, the door swung open again — this time, with heavy, hurried steps.
It was Lumina’s manager.
Her face was pale, but her eyes were burning with panic and frustration.
"Arianne… ano ’to?!" she snapped, holding up her phone in one trembling hand.
The entire room froze.
Arianne’s breath caught in her throat.
Celine stiffened beside her, heart instantly racing.
The manager stormed forward and thrust the phone into Arianne’s hands.
"Explain this. Ngayon."
Arianne’s fingers fumbled as she took the phone, her eyes scanning the screen — and her heart dropped.
There it was.
A clear paparazzi photo.
Celine and Arianne.
Side by side in casual clothes.
Eating dinner outside a small hidden cafe.
The headline beneath it screamed:
"Spotted: Lumina’s Arianne with Actress Celine! Dating Rumors Swirl!"
Arianne’s face went white.
Her mouth opened but no words came out.
Celine slowly leaned over to see, and her stomach twisted into knots.
Maeve gasped.
Sasha’s eyes widened.
The manager’s voice broke through the tension, cold and sharp.
"Do you realize how bad this could get? Arianne, do you know what this will do to the group? To your career?!"
Arianne’s voice trembled.
"I— I didn’t know… I thought we were careful…"
Celine couldn’t breathe and froze for just a second.
The storm…
had officially begun.