Marked Confidential

The entire office was bustling with preparations for the company’s upcoming anniversary. Employees rushed back and forth, emails flooded inboxes, and department heads scrambled to finalize their reports. But at the heart of it all, at the head of the long executive table, sat Adrielle Hidalgo—looking every bit the composed and authoritative CEO she was known to be.

…Except for the way her fingers incessantly drummed against the glass table. Or how she kept sighing every five minutes. Or how she had barely touched her coffee, which was now turning cold.

Mira, ever observant, stood beside her, hands folded in front of her. She had been working for Adrielle long enough to know the signs. "Ma’am,” Mira started gently.

Adrielle didn’t look up from the document in front of her—probably the same page she’d been staring at for the past twenty minutes. "Hmm?"

"You do realize you've been re-reading the same paragraph over and over, right?"

Adrielle blinked, then frowned. "I have not."

Liv, lounging comfortably across from her, snorted. "Actually, you have. And it’s embarrassing. Cass isn't even gone for a week, tapos para kang iniwan sa altar."

Adrielle shot her a glare. "Shut up, Liv."

Liv grinned, completely unbothered. "What? I'm just saying! You, Adrielle Elise Hidalgo, the same woman who stares down billionaires in boardrooms without flinching, is currently falling apart because your wife is on a business trip."

Mira coughed, trying to keep a straight face. "It has been… four days and seven hours."

Adrielle turned her glare to her assistant this time. "Mira."

Mira looked away, suddenly busy with her clipboard. "Sorry, Ma’am."

Jen, Cassandra's assistant, was leaning against the wall, arms crossed. "To be fair, Ma’am, you've had about... what? Three video calls per day? And don’t get me started on the voice messages."

Adrielle turned her glare to Jen this time. “Ikaw, gusto mong mawalan ng trabaho?”

Jen smiled sweetly. “Hindi po, Ma’am.”

Adrielle scoffed. "That’s normal communication. She is my—” She caught herself, eyes darting toward the three women staring at her with barely concealed smirks. She cleared her throat. “—business partner. We have to discuss company matters."

Jen raised a brow. "Right. Because ‘I hate sleeping alone’ and ‘this house is a prison without my wife’ sounds so professional."

Mira nodded along. “And the two hour call this morning? The one where you sighed dramatically and said, ‘You better come home soon or I might die’?”

Liv howled. “OH MY GOD. HAHAHAHA! ADRIELLE, SERIOUSLY?!”

Liv set her phone down, resting her chin on her hand. “Come on, Adrielle. We all know you miss her. It’s been, what, four days?”

Adrielle huffed, crossing her arms. “I’m not pathetic. I’m busy running this company while Cassandra is off roaming across the world for some business convention.”

Jen raised a brow. “Ma’am, you were the one who personally signed off on her trip and even reminded her to take it.”

Adrielle groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I hate you all. I will fire all of you."

"Sure, sure," Liv waved a hand dismissively, wiping away fake tears of laughter. "Pero bago mo kami tanggalin, hindi ba may investor meeting ka?"

That snapped Adrielle’s attention back to reality. She straightened, smoothing out her blazer. "Right. The big investor. I need to focus."

Mira, Jen, and Liv shared a quick glance.

Jen barely contained a smirk. "Oh, don’t worry, Ma’am. You’ll love this investor."

She exhaled, forcing herself to focus. “Let’s do this.”

An hour later, Adrielle was sitting inside their main conference room, fixing the cuffs of her blazer, mentally preparing herself for the so called big investor she was about to meet. Mira stood beside her, looking suspiciously too eager. Jen was behind them, also barely containing a grin.

Adrielle narrowed her eyes. "Bakit parang ang saya niyo? Investor meeting ‘to, hindi party."

Mira cleared her throat. "Excited lang po kami, Ma’am."

Before Adrielle could question it further, the doors swung open, and a familiar figure stepped inside.

"Good afternoon," a cool, composed voice filled the room.

Adrielle adjusted her posture, preparing to meet what she assumed was some middle-aged businessman looking to invest in their company.

What she wasn't prepared for—

—was to see Cassandra Sy standing there.

Adrielle’s breath hitched.

Her brain short circuited.

What. The. Fuck.

Cassandra was ridiculously good at making an entrance, dressed in an all-black tailored suit that hugged her frame too well for Adrielle’s current state of longing. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, confidence radiating off her like it was second nature.

She walked in like she owned the place, a teasing glint in her sharp eyes.

"I heard there was an important investor meeting today," Cassandra said smoothly, placing a folder on the table as she sat down. "Thought I’d stop by."

Silence.

No one moved.

Adrielle did not breathe. Her fingers dug into the table as her mind tried to process what the actual hell was happening.

Mira and Jen were smiling knowingly.

Liv? Liv was already grinning like she won the lottery.

Cassandra tilted her head. "Bakit parang nagulat ka?"

That snapped Adrielle out of it.

"What the hell!" she cursed, shoving her chair back so hard it nearly toppled over.

Cassandra barely had time to react before Adrielle launched herself at her, arms wrapping tightly around her waist. Cassandra caught her with ease, laughing softly as Adrielle buried her face in her shoulder.

"Bakit di mo sinabi?! Akala ko bukas ka pa babalik!" Adrielle's voice was muffled against Cassandra’s suit.

Cassandra chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I wanted to surprise you."

Adrielle pulled back, just enough to glare at her. "Gago ka!"

Cassandra smirked. "Words Adrielle. Miss mo ba ako?"

Adrielle scoffed, but her grip tightened. "Miss? Putangina, gusto na kitang sugurin sa airport kanina pa!"

Liv whistled. "Damn. That’s love."

Jen nodded. "Power couple behavior."

Mira, hands still clasped, looked at them approvingly. "At least hindi siya umiyak sa harap natin."

Adrielle snapped her head towards them. "Tumahimik kayong lahat."

Cassandra laughed, voice warm and full of amusement. She reached up, tucking a stray strand of Adrielle's hair behind her ear. "You missed me that much huh?"

Adrielle narrowed her eyes. "I was getting used to not seeing you, you know."

Cassandra smirked. "Parang hindi naman. With how tight you are holding me right now."

Mira, Jen, and Liv watched as Adrielle refused to let go of Cassandra’s hand under the table, fingers tightly intertwined.

Jen sighed, smiling to herself. "At least ngayon, hindi na nila kailangang magtago masyado."

Mira nodded in agreement. "Oo nga, Ma’am Adrielle looks happier now."

Liv, arms crossed, smirked.

Adrielle was still holding Cassandra’s hand under the table, fingers entwined like she wasn’t planning to let go ever. She was definitely not acting like a CEO in front of her staff, but honestly? She did not give a single damn.

Meanwhile, Liv had her arms crossed, smirking like she had orchestrated the entire thing. Which, to be fair, she did.

"So," Liv started, looking between the two. "Are we just going to ignore the fact that this 'big investor meeting' was actually bullshit?"

Adrielle blinked. "Ano?"

Jen, smiling sweetly, casually confirmed, "Wala po talagang investor meeting, Ma’am."

Adrielle turned to Mira. "Mira?!"

Mira, who had kept a straight face this whole time, finally broke into a grin. "Sorry, Ma’am. I was in on it too."

"Damn it!" Adrielle groaned, leaning back in her chair. "So I sat here stressing for nothing?”

"Not for nothing," Cassandra interjected, eyes twinkling with mischief. "You got to see me earlier than expected."

Liv snorted. "Yeah, and from what I’m seeing, that’s the only thing that matters to her right now."

Adrielle shot Liv a glare before turning back to Cassandra, squeezing her hand just a little tighter under the table. "I hate you so much."

Cassandra chuckled, bringing Adrielle’s hand up to press a soft kiss against her knuckles. "Hmm? But you missed me."

Adrielle rolled her eyes, pretending to be unaffected, even as a shiver ran down her spine. "Obvious ba?”

Liv clapped her hands, getting everyone's attention. "Alright, since my job here is done and lovebirds are back together, I’m calling it—end of work hours. You two should just go home and do... whatever disgustingly in love married people do."

Adrielle raised a brow. "Ano ‘to, half day?"

"Yup!" Liv said with zero guilt. She turned to Mira and Jen. "Ladies, I think it’s time for our beloved CEOs to take an early leave, don’t you think?"

Mira smiled. "I can handle things on this end, Ma’am. No calls, no meetings. Enjoy the rest of your day."

Jen nodded. "Same here. I’ll make sure your schedules are clear, Ma’am Cass."

Adrielle narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Parang pinagplanuhan n’yo ‘to masyado."

Cassandra smirked, standing up and tugging Adrielle along with her. "We did. Come on, let’s go."

Liv waved them off. "Take your honeymoon elsewhere, please. This office has seen enough of your longing stares and desperate sighs."

"Ulol!" Adrielle hissed as Cassandra pulled her toward the exit, but she didn’t bother fighting it.

The moment Cassandra pulled out of the office parking lot, Adrielle relaxed into the passenger seat, arms crossed as she eyed Cassandra smugly.

Cassandra, keeping her eyes on the road, could feel the stare. "What?"

Adrielle smirked. "You missed me more."

Cassandra glanced at her briefly, amused. "Anong basis mo diyan?"

Adrielle leaned back, stretching lazily. "You came home two days early."

Cassandra scoffed, shaking her head. "Tsk. And ikaw naman, acting like you haven’t slept properly since I left."

"Because I haven't," Adrielle shot back immediately. "But that doesn’t change the fact that you were the one who couldn’t even wait until the last day of your convention before flying home."

Cassandra pursed her lips, keeping her focus on the road. "That doesn’t mean I missed you more."

"Oo nga naman," Adrielle hummed, tapping her chin dramatically. "Pero sino ulit yung bumalik nang dalawang araw mas maaga kasi hindi na makatiis?"

Cassandra gave her a side glance. "I don’t recall admitting that was the reason."

Adrielle grinned, victorious. "Pero totoo."

Cassandra exhaled, shaking her head. "Ang kulit mo talaga."

Adrielle leaned closer, voice softer now. "Hmm? Sige na, Cass. Aminin mo na."

Cassandra clenched her jaw, gripping the wheel a little tighter. "...Maybe."

Adrielle let out a laugh, looking way too smug. "Maybe daw."

Cassandra sighed. "Diyos ko, Adrielle."

Still grinning, Adrielle suddenly sat up, glancing at the passing streets. "Oh, dahan dahan lang. May dadaanan tayo."

Cassandra frowned. "Saan?"

"Malapit lang. Pet store."

Cassandra shot her a confused look. "Pet store? Bakit?"

"You'll see," Adrielle said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Cassandra raised a brow but made the turn anyway.

Adrielle was standing there, hands on her hips, a wide, self satisfied grin stretching across her face. "Tignan mo to, Cass," she said smugly. "Surprise! Pinili ko na talaga siya para sa atin."

Cassandra, on the other hand, was still trying to process what the hell was happening. She blinked at Adrielle, then at the store owner, then back at Adrielle. "Wait. Ano?"

Adrielle’s grin only widened. "I got us a cat!"

Cassandra furrowed her brows. "Ikaw? You bought a—" She stopped mid sentence as realization struck her like a truck.

No.

No, no, no.

This was not happening.

"Oh my god." Cassandra ran a hand down her face. "Adrielle Elise Hidalgo, sabihin mong hindi mo ginawa ang iniisip kong ginawa mo."

Adrielle tilted her head innocently. "Ano namang iniisip mo?"

"Please tell me hindi ka bumili ng alaga nang hindi mo sinasabi sa akin."

Adrielle smirked. "Eh paano kung sinabi ko sayo na ginawa ko nga?"

Cassandra exhaled sharply. "Damn."

The store owner, still completely oblivious to the tension, returned with a beaming smile. "Ay, naku! Ma'am Cassandra, nandito na din pala kayo. Pwede na po kunin yung aso na binili mo. Perfect timing talaga ito!"

Adrielle and Cassandra turned to her at the same time.

"ANO?"

The owner, delighted, gestured behind her. "Eto na po sila!"

And out came a staff member, carrying a fluffy, gray British Shorthair cat with striking golden eyes, looking as if it owned the entire universe. Its face was permanently set in an unimpressed scowl.

Behind them, another staff member walked out with a large, golden furred dog. An Akita, with a calm and collected stance, looking like nothing in the world could bother it.

Adrielle’s eyes widened in excitement. "That’s my baby!" she practically squealed, pointing at the cat.

Cassandra, on the other hand, looked murderous. "Baby mo?BABY MO?!" She whipped her head toward the store owner. "Aso yung kinuha ko! Hindi pusa!"

The owner gasped. "Ay! Ma’am, akala ko alam niyo! Kasi magkapareho kayong bumili pero magkaibang pet. Sabi ko nga bagay sila kahit magkaiba!"

Cassandra pressed two fingers against her temple, eyes squeezing shut. Holy. Fucking. Shit.

Adrielle? She was still grinning ear to ear.

"See, Cass? Destiny."

Cassandra shot her a glare. "‘Destiny’ kamo? Hindi mo ba nakikita na magkaiba sila?"

The owner butted in cheerfully. "Ay, naku, Ma’am Cassandra! Oo, magkaiba sila pero di ba, opposites attract? Sabi ko nga sa staff ko, kahit pusa at aso, parang perfect match!"

Adrielle gasped dramatically, clasping her hands together. "Tignan mo, Cass! Pati ang universe sinasabing bagay talaga tayo!"

Cassandra groaned. 

The Akita dog, completely unbothered, just sat beside Cassandra, staring up at her with calm, expectant eyes. Meanwhile, the cat was now perched on Adrielle’s arms, its golden eyes narrowing as if silently judging everyone in the room.

Adrielle ran a gentle hand through its soft fur. "Ang ganda niya, Cass. Para siyang... ako."

Cassandra turned to her with an exasperated expression. "You mean may attitude siya kagaya mo?"

Adrielle smirked. "Exactly."

Cassandra slowly looked down at the dog, who was sitting patiently by her feet, wagging its tail slightly but still giving an ‘I’m chill as hell’ energy.

"...Okay, this is getting freaky," Cassandra muttered.

The store owner beamed at them. "So, kukunin niyo na po sila ngayon?"

Adrielle and Cassandra looked at each other.

Then at their pets.

Then at each other again.

Adrielle grinned. "Obviously."

Cassandra exhaled sharply but finally let a small smirk slip. "Fine."

With the cat sitting comfortably on Adrielle’s lap, looking regal as ever, and the dog sitting obediently in the backseat, Cassandra glanced at them through the rearview mirror and muttered, "Di ko alam kung nadagdagan tayo ng anak o problema. By the way, I thought you prefer dogs?"

Adrielle, completely unbothered, scratched the cat’s ears affectionately. "I do. But have you seen him? He looks to majestic. Kailangan natin silang pangalanan."

Cassandra hummed, eyes still on the road. "Hmm. Ikaw na magbigay ng pangalan diyan sa mini version mo."

Adrielle’s grin turned devilish.

"Tawagin nating Lucifer."

Cassandra almost slammed the brakes. "Adrielle."

"Okay, okay, joke lang pero bagay, di ba?" Adrielle laughed before humming thoughtfully. "Pero seryoso, ang fierce ng vibe niya, tapos grumpy. Pero still elegant."

She looked down at the cat, who blinked up at her, unimpressed.

Then she snapped her fingers. "Atticus."

Cassandra raised a brow. "Atticus?"

"Oo. Di ba may pagkamajestic siya?" Adrielle explained, stroking the cat’s fur. "Atticus Hidalgo. Bigatin."

Cassandra snorted. "Pati ba naman apelyido kailangan?"

"Siyempre."

Cassandra glanced at the dog in the backseat. "Eh, ito? Mukhang walang paki sa mundo."

The Akita yawned.

Adrielle smirked. "Parang ikaw."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "Hindi ko kamukha yan."

"No, but she gives the same vibes. Tapos clingy pero tahimik. Parang ikaw pag hindi kita pinapansin."

Cassandra scoffed, shaking her head. "Pfft. Unbelievable."

Adrielle turned fully in her seat, eyes gleaming mischievously. "Tawagin natin siyang... Yuki."

Cassandra blinked. "Yuki?"

"Oo, kasi parang siya yung tipo na tahimik lang pero magaling magpaawa para pansinin mo. Parang ikaw."

Cassandra groaned. "What the hell, Dri, ang dami mong sinasabi."

Adrielle laughed, finally satisfied. "Atticus and Yuki. Bagay diba?"

Cassandra glanced at them both once again. The regal, unimpressed cat on Adrielle’s lap and the calm, slightly aloof dog in the backseat.

"...Shit." She exhaled, shaking her head with a small laugh. "Sila talaga yung version natin na hayop, ano?"

Adrielle smirked, scratching Atticus’ chin. "Sabi ko na sayo, destiny, eh."

The moment Adrielle and Cassandra stepped inside their home, carrying their new "children," chaos was already waiting for them.

"Okay, Atticus, Yuki," Adrielle cooed as she set down the regal looking cat on the couch. "This is your home now. Behave, okay?"

Yuki, the golden furred Akita, casually trotted into the living room like she owned the place. She sniffed around once before flopping down near the couch, completely at ease.

Atticus, on the other hand, leaped onto the couch with an air of royalty, scanning the unfamiliar surroundings with narrowed eyes already judging the interior design choices of his new kingdom.

Cassandra sighed as she set down their things and turned to Adrielle, crossing her arms. "Paano natin to gagawin? Saan sila matutulog?"

Adrielle grinned mischievously. "Well... syempre sa room natin."

Cassandra's eyes widened in horror. "Excuse me?!"

"Ano, gusto mo magka separation anxiety agad sila?" Adrielle pouted. "Grabe ka naman, Cass. First night pa lang, ipagtatabuyan mo na sila?"

Cassandra groaned, rubbing her temples. "Hindi sila bata, Adrielle. Pusa at aso sila!"

"Eh di lalo na!" Adrielle dramatically placed a hand on her chest. "As their mothers, we should make them feel safe and loved!"

Cassandra scoffed. "Mothers daw."

Before Cassandra could protest any further, Yuki suddenly stood up and walked towards the bedroom on her own, pushing the door open with her nose before lying down inside as if she belonged there.

Cassandra pointed at her. "Oh my god, nakita mo yun?! Wala siyang pakealam! Siya na nagdecide na doon siya titira!"

Adrielle giggled. "Parang ikaw pag nagugutom, derecho ka sa kusina, hindi na ako tinatanong kung may pagkain ba."

Cassandra narrowed her eyes. "Walang sense yang comparison mo."

Meanwhile, Atticus, in true Atticus fashion, simply stretched on the couch, yawned dramatically, and then looked at Adrielle and Cassandra as if they were his lowly subjects.

Then, with a flick of his tail, he gracefully hopped down and also walked into the bedroom, jumping onto the bed without hesitation.

Cassandra gasped. "The hell, even the cat?!"

Adrielle laughed, clapping her hands in delight. "See? They love us already!"

"No, they’re just entitled freeloaders!"

Adrielle walked over to Cassandra, wrapping her arms around her waist and resting her chin on her shoulder. "Freeloaders o hindi, pamilya na natin sila."

Cassandra sighed, feeling her resolve crumble at Adrielle’s warmth. "Fine. Pero isang gabi lang, Adrielle. Isang gabi lang—"

A thud suddenly echoed from the bedroom.

Then the sound of something or someone jumping.

And then... chaos.

"WHAT!" Cassandra rushed to the room just in time to see Yuki and Atticus having a full blown territorial showdown ON THE BED.

Yuki was on her back, paws lazily swiping at Atticus, who was perched on a pillow, his ears flattened in irritation. The Akita wagged her tail nonchalantly, completely unbothered, while Atticus glared down at her as if she was the most unworthy creature in existence.

Adrielle let out a delighted gasp. "Oh my god, they’re bonding!"

"BONDING?!" Cassandra screeched. "DRI, ATTICUS IS TRYING TO CLAW HER EYES OUT!"

"Hindi yan, nagpapakiramdaman lang sila!"

Atticus hissed.

Yuki huffed in amusement, her tail still wagging.

Cassandra let out the deepest sigh of her life. "Jesus Christ."

Thirty minutes later, the bedroom lights were off, and the two CEOs were supposed to be getting their much needed rest.

Except...

"Cass."

"Ano?" Cassandra mumbled, half-asleep.

"Hindi ako makagalaw."

"Bakit?"

"Kasi si Atticus nasa legs ko."

"And?"

"AND HINDI KO MAIGALAW YUNG PAA KO!"

Cassandra groaned, turning to her side only to come face to face with Yuki’s big, sleepy face right in front of her.

"WHA—YUKI, BAKIT DITO KA NA NAKADIKIT?!"

The Akita simply exhaled deeply, eyes already drooping shut.

Adrielle giggled. "O diba, clingy talaga yan, kagaya mo?"

Cassandra sighed dramatically, staring at the ceiling in defeat. "Dalawa na silang istorbo sa buhay ko."

Adrielle reached out, blindly finding Cassandra’s hand under the covers and squeezing it. "Mahal mo naman ako kahit istorbo ako, di ba?"

Cassandra groaned. "Hindi ka istorbo. Tulog na, Adrielle." But despite her complaints, she gave Adrielle’s hand a squeeze back.

Meanwhile, Atticus made himself more comfortable, pressing his full weight down on Adrielle’s legs.

And Yuki?

She had already fully sprawled across Cassandra’s side of the bed, taking up more space than she should’ve been physically capable of.

It was going to be a long night.

And a long life with these two chaotic animals.

But for some reason... neither of them would have it any other way.

The first morning with their new “children” was just as chaotic as their first night. Adrielle woke up to something warm and heavy on her stomach.

And it was breathing.

Her eyes fluttered open only to immediately lock onto Atticus, who was sitting on top of her like a king on his throne, his sharp golden eyes staring straight into her soul.

“…What the,” Adrielle croaked. Atticus let out a slow, deliberate mrrrp, tail flicking.

Adrielle narrowed her eyes. "Hinihintay mo ba akong bumangon para pakainin ka?"

Atticus blinked.

Then, in an insultingly graceful motion, he lifted one paw—

—AND SMACKED HER FACE.

"AHH—!" Adrielle shot up, sending Atticus gracefully hopping onto the bedside table, where he continued to judge her.

"First morning mo pa lang dito, ginising mo na ako ng ganito?" she scolded, rubbing her cheek.

Atticus yawned. Adrielle glared. "Grabe ka. Akin tong bahay na ito—"

Thud.

A groan came from the other side of the bed.

Cassandra had just been rudely awoken by a 75-pound Akita who had decided that her entire body was the perfect mattress.

"Holy—Yuki! GET OFF ME!"

Yuki, still half-asleep, huffed in response but refused to move.

Cassandra struggled, pushing at the dog’s massive body. "Ugh, Dri, tulong! Ang bigat niya!"

Adrielle, still rubbing her face from Atticus’ bitch slap, crossed her arms. "Eh sabi mo diba, si Yuki para mo nang anak? Eh di enjoyin mo pagiging nanay mo."

"Hindi ko siya pinanganak, Adrielle!"

"Di mo nga ako pinanganak pero tinatawag mo akong ‘baby’ pag gabi—"

"WHAT THE HELL ADRIELLE!"

Cassandra finally shoved Yuki off and sat up, running a hand down her face. "First morning pa lang nila dito, sinisira na nila yung buhay natin."

Adrielle scoffed. "Hay naku, ang OA mo. Tingnan mo, ang bait nga nila."

Atticus, still on the bedside table, dramatically stretched before hopping onto Adrielle’s lap like he hadn’t just assaulted her moments ago.

Meanwhile, Yuki, now fully awake, rested her head on Cassandra’s thigh and wagged her tail innocently, as if she hadn’t just tried to suffocate her human.

Cassandra groaned. "Ugh. Dalawa na tong sumisira sa buhay natin."

Adrielle grinned, leaning closer. "Correction, tatlo."

Cassandra eyed her warily. "Ano yung isa?"

Adrielle smirked. "Ako."

Cassandra groaned louder, dramatically falling back onto the bed. "Lord, bakit ko ba ito pinakasalan…"

Yuki immediately took that as an invitation to jump onto Cassandra again.

Atticus flicked his tail.

And just like that, their chaotic little family’s first morning officially began.

Later that morning, after an exhausting battle of getting Atticus off the dining table (three times), stopping Yuki from trying to drink Adrielle’s coffee (twice), and realizing that their “quiet morning” was officially ruined, Cassandra finally snapped.

She grabbed her phone, walked straight to the living room

Video Call: Liv 

The moment Liv answered, Cassandra deadpanned into the camera.

"You are the worst."

Liv raised a brow, casually sipping from her mug. "Wow, good morning to you too, Ma’am Cass. What did I do now?"

"You set me up."

"Excuse me?"

"I woke up with a bear on top of me, Liv," Cassandra hissed, flipping the camera to show Yuki sprawled out on the couch, belly up, looking completely unbothered. "Look at her. This isn’t a dog—this is a wrecking machine!"

Liv cackled. "Aww, baby Yuki! What, you’re not happy with your surprise? Didn’t you plan this, too?"

"Yes, but not this soon!" Cassandra argued, flipping the camera back to her face. "I had time to prepare myself! Now, suddenly, boom—instant family!"

"Well, it’s only fair. Dri got you good with Atticus. Wouldn’t want her to have all the fun, right?"

Cassandra groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "Liv, you are the worst."

Adrielle passed by, smirking. "Oh, you’re already with the worst. See? You’ll survive."

"Adrielle, I swear, do not start—"

Before Cassandra could throw a pillow at Adrielle, the front door suddenly swung open.

"My favorite people!"

Rafa strutted inside like he owned the place, wearing sunglasses indoors, a croissant in one hand and a coffee in the other.

Both Cassandra and Adrielle groaned.

"Rafa, what are you doing here?" Adrielle asked.

"And who said you were welcome?" Cassandra added.

"Relax, relax. I just dropped by to grab some breakfast—"

Then, he froze.

Because the moment he stepped inside, he locked eyes with Atticus, who was perched menacingly on top of the kitchen counter like he was plotting Rafa’s downfall.

And on the floor, right in front of him, Yuki sat stoic as ever, staring up at him with soul piercing intensity.

Rafa pointed at them. "…What in the world?"

Adrielle grinned. "Welcome to the family, kuya."

"You two had kids and didn’t tell me?!"

Cassandra pinched the bridge of her nose. "Rafa, please, don’t say it like that—"

Despite the chaotic start, the day eventually settled into somewhat of a rhythm.

Adrielle busied herself with final checks for the company anniversary event, making last-minute calls while Atticus sat on her desk like her personal overlord.

Meanwhile, Cassandra, after resigning herself to this new reality, sat on the couch, going through final event schedules with Yuki curled up beside her, resting her head on Cassandra’s lap like the clingy baby she was.

"Looks like you two are getting the hang of it," Adrielle teased, watching Cassandra absentmindedly stroke Yuki’s fur while reviewing the event details.

Cassandra scoffed but didn’t deny it. "Not like I had a choice. They’re attached to us now."

Adrielle smirked. "Wow, you said ‘attached.’ Who are you and what have you done to Cassandra?"

Cassandra glared. "Don’t quote me, Adrielle Elise."

Adrielle laughed before crossing her arms. "So… ready for tonight?"

Cassandra exhaled. "I mean… yeah. We’ve handled worse, right?"

"Mmm." Adrielle nodded, then added with a smirk, "At least this time, we have an extra surprise—our new family."

Cassandra groaned. "Stop saying it like that."

But Adrielle only grinned, throwing an arm around Cassandra’s shoulder and pulling her close. "Come on, Cass. Let’s get ready."

Cassandra sighed, leaning into her for a second before muttering—

"I can’t believe this is my life now…"

Adrielle just laughed and kissed her cheek. "Welcome to parenthood, Moja."