ANN’S POV:

After awhile the Reids went out, Ivan and I also left my house. “Why are we so early?” I asked.

“I just want you to meet someone first.” He said. “Who?” I asked curiously. “My parents.” He

said. “What? I’m meeting his parents?” I thought to myself. “They wanted to meet you Ann. Sorry if I

didn’t tell you ahead of time.” He said. “No Ivan, its fine. But do you think I look okay?” I asked. He

blurted out laughter which made me confused. “Ann, you’re gorgeous.” He said simply. “So are

they also thinking that we are on a relationship?” I asked. “Yup.” He said. “Would they even like me?

What if not? What should I do?” I thought to myself. “Don’t worry Ann, they’ll like you.”

He said in assurance. “Did he just say that? Did I even thought it aloud?” I asked myself. I

gave out a fake smile thinking he might have read what was on my mind. A few moments later,

we arrived on a big house. “You okay Ann?” he asked after seeing me uncomfortable. “Yeah,

I guess so.” I said. “Don’t worry.” He assured as he flushed a cute smile. “Oh gosh, I’m melting!”

I thought to myself. He helps me get out from the car. As we went in the house, the maids were

greeting the two of us. “Ivan!” a voice called. It was from a woman about late 40’s or so, it was I

guess, Ivan’s mom. “Mom, dad!” Ivan called. “I was right.” I thought to myself. His parents went to

us and greeted us. His mom kissed him and his dad patted him on his back. “Oh mom, dad, by the

way, this is Ann, my girlfriend.” Ivan said. “Such a beautiful lady.” Her mom complimented. “Thank you tita.”

I said. “No, no, no, no, call mom.” She said. “What? Mom? Oh gosh! What trouble am I getting

through?” I thought as I faked a smile. “Call me dad as well.” His dad said. “Dad? Hey Ann! It’s your

future parents just savor this moment!” I thought to myself as I let out a chuckle, not realizing they

have heard it. “Oh, uhm sorry.” I said. “This is my girl.” Ivan boasted. “You look good together.”

His dad said which made me smile. “Wait Ann, are you falling for.. Ivan?” I asked myself. “Hey Ann,

can you visit here sometime? I want to hang out with you.” His mom said. “Ah, uhm..” was all I could

when I ran out of words, good thing Ivan spoke up. “Mom, she can’t. Summer’s almost over and let

her enjoy her vacation.” He said. His mom pouted which made me liable and so I spoke. “No Ivan it’s

okay. I am not even doing anything, perhaps I could hang out with your mom when she’s free.” I said.

I wanted to do it not for the sake of pretending but I think, it’s for LOVE. “Really?” she mom

exclaimed as she hugged me. I just nodded. She broke the hug and gave out a huge smile.

“Okay, you free tomorrow?” she asked. “Oh yeah. I have nothing much to do.” I said.

“That would be great!” she said. “I think you guys should leave before you mom holds you up.”

His dad joked. His mom slapped his dad’s shoulder and we all burst out of laughter. “Okay,

mom, dad, were leaving.” Ivan said. “Okay, drive safe honey.” His mom said as she kissed Ivan.

“Take care as well Ann.” She said and kissed me. His dad patted the both of us and said his goodbye.

We left the Dorschner’s residence and headed to the party venue. “I guess my parents do like you.”

He teased. “I’m lovable.” I boasted. “I know.” He said. I felt my face was getting red because of what he said.

“Oh, sorry about my mom. She’s just really bored she wanted someone to talk with and hang around.”

He said. “No it’s fine.” I said. “Are they like this with Tricia?” I asked in curiosity. “No.” he said plainly.

“Would you mind if I’d ask you why?” I asked. “I never faced Tricia to my parents.”

He said with a sad voice. “Wh..why?” I asked. “Because I would only face a woman to my

parents if I was sure if marrying her.” he said as he looked at me then back to the road.

“OMG!!!!! I feel like I’m going to faint.” I thought to myself as I smiled a bit. “So you didn’t think

Tricia as your future wife?” I asked. “You know, I was so care free. I don’t want to think about

it. But Tricia, she have thought of it already. She wanted to meet my parents, but because of

the reason why I cannot bring her to my parents, she thought I wasn’t serious on her.” he

said as his mood changed.  “Well I guess they wanted me to marry you.” He joked once again.

“Oh god stop this Ivan. One more and I’ll faint.” I said to myself as I bit my lips. “But I guess I can’t

do that.” He said as he paused for a minute. My smile faded upon hearing this from him. “I can’t

take you away from James.” he said as he looked at the intently then again, back to the road.

“How can you say that? I’m not James’ property. And besides he love somebody else.” I said.

He stopped the car and looked at me. “What’s that for?” I asked after I saw how he stared at me.

“So you want to marry me?” he asked which made me shock. I ran out of words. It took me awhile

to answer him. “Mr. Dorschner, you’re really a conceited man.” I said. “What made you think

I’m conceited?” he asked. “Because,.. uhm.. because you think every girl’s running after you.”

I reasoned. “Well can you blame me for that?” he boasted as he touched his chin. “Well, urghh..

I don’t know.” I said as I looked away. There was a moment of silence then he finally spoke. “If in case,..”

he said and paused. I looked at him and waited for his answer. “If in case Tricia.. If she wouldn’t want

me back. Can.. never mind” he said. I was so curious on what he was supposed to say and so I bugged him.

“You should never say that, Tricia would surely want you back.” I said.

“So what are you trying to say after that?” I asked. “Nothing.” He said. I know he was lying.

I know he wanted to say something. With this, I didn’t bother him anymore. I just kept quiet

until we reached the party venue. It took as an hour to reach there because of the heavy traffic.

When we went in, everyone was in tux and elegant dresses. There were waiters roaming around

with drinks and there were ushers who were leading the other guests to their seats. Some guests

were talking in the corner; some were talking to somebody over the phone. Suddenly, an usher came

to us and lead us to our seats. “Everyone, may I get your attention.” The emcee said who was on the

stage with the microphone. “Tonight, is the night for a gathering of the prestigious companies here

in the Philippines. This party is held to show the unity of all car companies even through tough

competitions. Tonight, the Huzchnette group of company is welcoming you all. Ladies and gentlemen,

good evening and may have a wonderful evening.” The emcee greeted. “Is that all?” I asked in

curiosity. “Why?” he asked. “Nothing it’s just that this is a big gathering and they will just be saying

that.” I said which made him smile. “Oh how charming he was.” I thought. “It was still the introduction.

The president of this company will have his speech later on.” He explained. “Oh I see. Hey wait, so

you mean you own a car company?” I asked. “Well, yeah.” He said. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked.

“It’s not worth bragging.” He said. The music started to play and suddenly, Ivan handed his hand to me.

“Shall we dance?” he asked. I just smiled and got his hand. We went to the dance floor and dance.

He placed his arms around my waist as I placed my arms around his neck. I could see eyes stuck on us.

“Hey Ivan, they’re staring at us.” I said. “Don’t mind them. They’re just jealous, see, how gorgeous your

partner is?” he boasted. “Conceited!” I said. “Wait, let me finish.” He complained. “Okay okay. I said

in defeat. “Okay, I was trying to say that, They’re just jealous, see, how gorgeous your partner is..

and see how beautiful my date is?” he said as he flushed another smile. “Damn it Ivan! you’re making

me fall for you.” I said to myself. I just smile back. Suddenly, someone called Ivan’s name. “Ivan?” the

voice called. We looked at the way where the voice came which made the both of us shock. “Tricia?”

Ivan called back. I could see he was shock. I was kinda hurt though but I know where to place myself.

I am just pretending. We are not officially together which I hope we were. “Hi Ann.” Tricia greeted with a smile.

“Hi.” Was all I was able to say. “Are you having fun?” she asked. “Oh well, yeah, we are.” Ivan answered.

“I see.” Tricia said. I could see Tricia’s reaction. I could see she was hurt as well. “Babe!” another voice called.

“Oh, Sam!” she called. The guy whom she called Sam came in and kissed her on her lips. I saw Ivan’s

hand formed into a ball. It was like he wanted to punch someone. I took his hand to calm him down.

“By the way Sam, this is Ann.” Tricia said as she gestured to me. “Oh hi Ann.” Sam greeted. “Hi.” I said.

“And this is Ivan. My friend.” She said. “Nice meeting you dude.” Sam said as he gestured for a handshake,

though Ivan was mad, he was able to manage to have the handshake. “Guys, this is Sam, my fiancé.”

She said which made Ivan mad even more. “You’re dad needs you.” Sam said to Tricia. “I see.” She

answered. “We’ll just see you around okay.” Tricia said as she and Sam left. “You okay?” I asked

though I know he wasn’t. He didn’t answer. “Let’s take some fresh air.” I invited. He looked at me

and nodded. We went to the roof top and sat on a bench. “Just cry it out Ivan.” I suggested.

“What for?” he asked though I know he was about to cry. “Just to satisfy yourself. You’ll lose nothing

if you do that.” I said. Suddenly, he rested his head to my shoulder. I patted him and asked him to

cry everything out. “How could I be so stupid Ann?” he asked. “Don’t say that Ivan, you’re not stupid.”

I said. “She’s getting married.” He said sadly. “I saw her reaction awhile ago. I could see she was hurt.”

I said. He raised his head and looked at me. “What do you mean?” he asked still with tears in his eyes.

“She was hurt seeing us two.” I said. “How could she be hurt if she has Sam?” he asked sarcastically.

“You might not know her reason in marrying Sam.” I said. “What else could be the reason

in marrying somebody?” he asked with a pissed off one. “We might not know.” I said as I stood

up from the bench. “You might not know, she was fixed to be married with Sam? Everything’s

unpredictable Ivan, you wouldn’t know what is the truth if you wouldn’t ask her.” I said as I looked

at him back. “If that’s the case then, I can’t do anything anymore.” He said sadly. “But we really do

not know Tricia’s reason. Why not try to talk to her about it. Ask her why she decided to marry him.” I

said though inside me I don’t want him to do that. For a short period of time that I have known him, he

made me fall for him. Yes, I have fallen for Ivan. But wait, how ‘bout James? “Ann, what the hell are you

thinking?” I scolded myself. “I guess she’s happy with him.” he said as he faked a smile. I sat down beside

him and comforted him. “Let’s go back to the party.” He said. “But, are you already okay?” I asked.

“I’m fine. Let us just enjoy the night.” He said as he handed me his hand. We went back to the party.

The president of Huzchnette Corporation has just finished his speech. We went back to our seats

and had our dinner along with other presidents of other companies. “Mr. Dorschner, why aren’t you

here while the president of the Huzchnette Corporation was speaking. Where have you been?” an

old man asked. “Oh, me and my date just had a walk outside.” Ivan answered. “Is she your fiancé?”

a woman asked. “Oh, no ma’am.” I said. I felt I was blushing. Ivan held my hand and spoke, “Well, if the

time comes that I will propose and she’d take it, then she’d be my fiancé.” He said. “What? OMG!! Ann!!”

I thought to myself. Ivan looked at me and flushed a cute smile. I replied a fake smile on him. “Ann, he’s

marrying you soon!” I joked to myself. “You should take his proposal my dear, I have known this kid

since he was young and I’m assuring you, he’d be a good husband.” Another woman said. I just smiled

at the thought that everyone was thinking he’d really marry me. “Wait, this is a gathering of

different car companies. It means they are having competition in their business. But why is it that

they are treat Ivan as VIP, as if he was higher than them? They even knew him ever since they

were young. How could this be?” I thought to myself, then suddenly I felt pain in my head. “Ouch!” I

exclaimed. “Hey Ann! Are you okay?” Ivan asked. I just nodded. “I guess I should take you home.”

he said. I just nodded.  He helped me to stand up and assisted me. I felt dizzy by the way so I hold

unto Ivan tight so as not to lose my balance. “Is she okay?” a woman asked. “Oh, is she pregnant?”

another woman asked. “Huh?” I mumbled. I looked at Ivan and he just smiled. He faced to them and

spoke, “We should be going. I think she needs some rest.”  “Take care of your future wife.” An old

man joked. Though I still feel pain from my forehead, I smiled because of what the old man said. Ivan

nodded and we left. “Thanks.” I said as Ivan closed the door of the car. He ran to the other side and

got in. “You okay?” he asked. “Yeah, I just felt pain in my forehead awhile ago.” I said. “You must be

thinking too hard.” He said with a worried look. “Well I guess so. I’m sorry if ruined your night.” I

apologized. “What are you saying Ann? You didn’t ruin my night! I must even thank you.” He said.

“What do you mean?” I asked confusingly. “I just don’t feel the party. I have no way to escape from

the party. Everyone’s eyes are on us and so it is hard to exit without any good reason.” He said. “So,

what made you think that much?” he asked. “Ah, uhm..” I mumbled as I hesitated to ask or not. “What

is it Ann? Just tell me.” he said. “The party is for different car companies right?” I asked. “Uhm yeah.

Why?” he asked. “I was just thinking, how could they know you that much and care for you that much

if they are your competitors?” I asked curiously. He laughed and my question. “What?” I asked. “Okay.

Here it is. Those ladies who have spoken to us awhile ago, they used to visit us at home or in the office.

They would bring their daughters around.” He said. “For what?” I asked as my brows went up in curiosity.

 He looked at me intently as he placed his hand on his chin tilting his head side to side. “What’s with that?”

I asked. “Don’t you think they would run after this face?” he asked sarcastically. I blurted out with laughter

which made him smile also. “So they wanted you to marry their daughters?” I asked. “Well yeah. But no

one succeeded. It would just create chaos if that so would happen.” He said. “But, they thought I’m your

girlfriend, why aren’t they mad at me for stealing you from their daughters?” I asked. “Because their

daughters were already engaged to sons of business men.” He said. “I see.” I said. “Does your head still

hurting?” he asked. “No, not anymore.” I said. “Okay, let’s have a deal.” He said. “What deal?” I asked in

confusion. “If you wanted to ask something, just tell me. I would be glad to answer them. This way, you

wouldn’t stress up yourself and you wouldn’t be hurt.” He said as he looked at me. His eyes never left mine.

“Oh gosh Ann, you’re in cloud 9!” I thought to myself. I just smiled at him. He looked forward and started the

engine of the car. “I guess it’s still early to bring you home. Can I bring you somewhere else?”

he asked. “Where?” I asked back. “You’ll know.” He said as he started driving. I turned the stereo

on and then it started playing the song MY VALENTINE then suddenly, I remembered something.

FLASHBACK

“Would you like to dance? *James asking Devon to dance*”
“Yeah su… *Ann thought it was her James wanted to dance with. She was cut off when she

saw James holding Devon’s hands as they walked to the dance floor.*”

“Hey Ann! Are you okay? *Jenny asked upon seeing Ann embarrassed*”
“Yeah, I’m fine. The song’s nice. *Ann said faking a smile.*”
“Well I know Fretzie wouldn’t mind, I’ll just dance with you Ann. *Bret said as he handed

his hand to Ann.*”

“No I’m okay Bret. Just dance with Fretzie. ”

END OF FLASHBACK

Ivan was talking about something when he realized I was spaced out. “Ann? Ann?? Are you

okay?” he asked. I then gain back my consciousness and answered him, “Yeah.” Ivan stopped

the car and looked at me. “Tell me what’s wrong.” He asked then the song ended. “I just

remembered something. Something from the past.” I said as tears started to form in my eyes. I

know it happened before I lost my memory. It is the first time I have remembered something and

surprisingly, I was hurt though I know I shouldn’t. “Hey. Ann, look at me. Tell me what happened.”

Ivan said. We went out the car and walked while I was still gathering my courage to tell him

what I have remembered. We reached a playground and sat on a swing. “So, can you tell me

what you have remembered?” he asked. I nodded and started retelling what I have remembered.

“It was on party. Perhaps Prom. I was with my friends and James. Suddenly, James asked for a

dance. I thought he was asking me but he was asking another girl. It was blurry and I can’t figure

out who she was. I felt so embarrassed and hurt.” I said as tears came falling from my eyes.

Suddenly, I felt arms around me. It was Ivan who knelt down in front of me. He hugged me and

caressed me. “Just cry it all Ann.” He said softly. “I know I shouldn’t be hurt. I told James that

whenever I could remember something, I would just leave it behind. But it’s just that, the pain...

It just struck me.” I said ask I buried my head on his chest. A moment later, I removed me head on

his chest. I wiped my tears and he helped me do it. “My future wife’s such a cry baby.” He joked.

I slapped his shoulders slowly. “I love that.” He said. I felt my heart stopped in beating. I was really

confused on what to feel. Should I feel happiness because Ivan’s here with me and my memory

starts to come back? I was really confused. “Thank you.” I said. “For what?” he asked. “For everything.”

I replied. He smiled and pinched my nose. “I wanted to tell you something.” He said as he sat on the

other swing beside me. “What is it?” I asked. “Remember what we have talked about in the car before

we went to the party?” he asked. “Huh?” I mumbled. “I was about to tell you something but I didn’t finish

it.” He said. This time he looked at me sincerely. It took him awhile to finish what he was saying. “I was

trying to say that,..that if I wouldn’t have a chance to get Tricia back, can I have you instead?” he

asked which made me shock. I was speechless. I really do not know what to say. “Ann, don’t think I

am using you to forget about Tricia. It’s just that, I’m enjoying your company and I must admit, I’m

having fun. If you could just give me a chance.” He said as he held my hand. “NO, Ivan. I’m not thinking

that.” I said to myself. I smiled because of what he said. “So are you planning to make everything for real?”

I joked and he smiled. “Oh damn it! I love his smile! It’s killing me.” I thought to myself. “But I guess I

need to get your best friend’s permission.” He said. “Huh?” I mumbled. “James.” he said. “Oh yeah James,

but he doesn’t have to do that.” I thought to myself. “Well I guess it’s getting late. I should take you home now.

You still have to hang out with my mom. I mean, our mom.” He joked. I smiled because of his silliness.

“How I wish this is true Ivan.” I thought to myself. We went back to his car and he drove me home. With

the silence in the car, I again remembered the flashback that struck me awhile ago. “Could she be Devon?”

I thought to myself referring to the girl that James asked for a dance. “She must be very attractive, to

think it was James Reid who have fallen for her.” I thought to myself as I let out a heavy sigh. Later did I

know, I fall on a deep slumber in Ivan’s car.