Third Person POV
Charlene and Black met again, this time at a quiet restaurant in Makati. It wasn't extravagant or luxurious—nothing like the places they usually went to.
"Is this another new spot?" Charlene asked, glancing around curiously.
"Yeah," Black replied. "I noticed you're not really comfortable in fancy restaurants, so I thought we'd try this one instead. I hope you don't mind."
She smiled softly. "No, it's fine. It's nice here."
They ate while talking about life and their respective careers. Charlene shared stories about what had been happening in the mansion, carefully leaving out anything too personal—especially anything involving Kerill.
Then Black suddenly asked, "Are you happy?"
Charlene paused, caught off guard. "At the mansion?" she answered after a moment. "Yes… I think so."
"It looks like it," Black said. "I've noticed you smile more these days. You know, you're actually really beautiful when you smile."
"Oh? So you're saying I'm not beautiful when I don't?" she teased, pretending to be offended.
"Hey, I didn't say that. Those words came from you," Black laughed. "You're unbelievable."
Then he cleared his throat. "Anyway… can I ask you a favor?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"Can you be my date at the red carpet event for my upcoming movie?"
Charlene nearly choked. "Date? Red carpet? Movie? Are you serious?"
"Completely."
"I don't want to. That could cause issues," she said quickly. "And don't you already have a leading lady? Why not bring her?"
"It's complicated," Black admitted. "We fought last Saturday, and she told me she doesn't want to walk the red carpet with me. So… I'm asking you."
"Is that even allowed?"
"Of course. It's just a plus one. Relax—it'll be fine."
Charlene didn't answer right away. "Okay… I'll think about it."
Black raised an eyebrow. "Wow. A Black Wang invites you, and you still have to think about it?"
She rolled her eyes and scoffed, making him laugh.
The night ended filled with jokes and lighthearted conversation. It was an enjoyable evening—
—but neither of them noticed the pair of eyes watching from afar.
At a nearby table, a reporter discreetly snapped photos of the two of them.
---
From that point on, Black started appearing at the mansion more often.
He didn't come just to see the kids or check on his stepbrother anymore. Sometimes he brought food for Charlene and the children. Other times, he walked straight into the kitchen as if the place were already familiar to him.
One afternoon, he cooked kaldereta. The rich aroma, slightly spicy and savory, filled the entire mansion.
Charlene was the first to taste it. She smiled—genuinely, without pretense.
"This is really good! I didn't know you could cook," she said honestly.
"Of course I can," Black replied proudly as he removed his apron.
"You're so full of yourself," Charlene joked.
"Just handsome," he shot back.
As they laughed together, Kerill watched silently from the doorway. His gaze lingered on the way his brother made his wife laugh so easily.
"Let me help," Charlene said, reaching for the strap of Black's apron when he couldn't untie it from behind.
Kerill's jaw tightened. From where he stood, they looked far too close—even if there was still a clear distance between them.
"Ouch… looks like someone's getting burned," Saviel whispered beside him. "Are you jealous, Boss?"
"Tsk. Why would I be?" Kerill replied, eyes still fixed on the kitchen.
"Because she's your wife? You're obvious—"
"One more word and you'll be the one getting burned," Kerill cut him off.
"I don't care what they're doing," he added before walking away.
Saviel chuckled quietly. He knew better.
Kerill was jealous—no matter how much he denied it.
---
Later that evening, dinner was served, featuring Black's kaldereta.
"So? How is it, kids?" Black asked eagerly.
Ericka simply nodded, while the twins happily slurped the soup.
"Can you cook this again next time, Uncle?" Lily asked.
"Of course. You're my favorite," Black replied, ruffling her hair.
"This isn't even that good," Kerill muttered.
Saviel heard him. "Let me try, Boss." He took a spoonful. "It's actually good."
Kerill shot him a sharp look, and Saviel immediately shut up.
"Well, I'm glad you liked it."
Kerill turned when Black spoke—he was looking at Charlene. She smiled and nodded.
"It's delicious," she said.
"Tsk."
Both of them looked at Kerill when he scoffed. Black smirked slightly, clearly amused—and already plotting something.
"You know, Charlene," Black said casually, "if my brother hadn't gotten to you first, I probably would've courted you myself."
Charlene nearly choked, while Kerill's gaze instantly sharpened.
Black handed her a glass of water. "That surprising, huh?"
"What are you talking about?" Charlene asked, embarrassed.
"I mean, you're a perfect wife. And a perfect mother—at least in my eyes," he added, glancing at Kerill.
"If you weren't married to Kerill… would you have said yes to me?"
Charlene froze. She could feel Kerill's stare burning into her.
"I—I don't—"
She never finished her sentence.
Kerill suddenly stood up, grabbed the coat Saviel was holding, and left without another word.
Black laughed once his brother was gone. He knew he had succeeded in making Kerill jealous.
That was his goal—to force Kerill to admit, at least to himself, that he had feelings for Charlene.
Even if Charlene never said it out loud, Black knew she was already developing feelings for his brother. So he helped in his own way, pushing Kerill to realize that Charlene had already carved a place in his hardened heart.
At the very least, Black wanted to see Charlene happy.
Even if it meant accepting the truth that, slowly and quietly—
he himself was beginning to fall for her too.