Chapter 3

"Wow, you look chubby! Honestly, you're beautiful and sexy!" praised her brother Allan. He was sitting on their sofa, chatting with their sister.

"Brother? Do you have a fever?" she asked, holding her sister's forehead. It was the first time he complimented her like this.

"Maybe Allan ate something unusual?" teased their eldest sister Lena, the trio's firstborn.

She left her room for the christening of baby Ethan. She had prepared for this day, aiming to be extra beautiful and sexy, as advised by her bestie.

She wore a dark blue mini dress paired with wedge pumps, almost matching her outfit. Carrying a black clutch, her curves were prominent. Who would have thought her body shape resembled an hourglass?

She had learned makeup from Shelly, realizing that thick makeup wasn't necessary. She used to think red lipstick wouldn't suit her, but now she understood that the right color and well-shaped eyebrows made a statement. Shelly also taught her eyebrow shaping, and she didn't need cheek tint or blush because of her naturally rosy cheeks from a healthy lifestyle.

She sprayed DKNY's Be Delicious Fresh Blossom Eau de Parfum, enhancing her overall appeal.

Their mother entered the scene and was impressed. "You look stunning, dear! You might be the center of attention at the christening tonight."

"If you weren't my sibling, and I hadn't seen your struggles with losing weight, I'd think you're a doctor!" her brother teased.

"You should sing 'Beh Buti Nga' to those who used to mock you," her sister added with a smile.

"Chubby! Are you serious? Why don't you have a boyfriend yet? Many are courting you. Shelly is your age, but she's married with kids. Meanwhile, you've been boyfriend-free since birth! Consider dating Matt!" her brother insisted.

"Allan!" their mother scolded. "Stop saying such things about your sister!" She shook her head.

Pat sighed, "Oh, brother, I'm not rushing into anything. And why should I? I'm still young."

Scratching his head, he said, "If you had a boyfriend, I wouldn't be your constant driver. Come on, let's go before you're late!"

"Enough! You've said too much, brother! You can use my car for your date tonight," she replied irritably. She didn't plan to bring a car, as she agreed with Matt that he would pick her up.

Since Shelly got busy, Matt became her companion for most outings.

"Mom, we're leaving," she said goodbye to her mother before kissing her cheek. "Te Lena," she waved to her sister.

The church was crowded. Luckily, Alex found a parking spot nearby.

He wore a brown long-sleeved shirt, black pants, and black leather shoes. His fragrance was Hugo Boss.

He paid no attention to the whispers of passing women. He knew they were talking about him, but he was used to it.

"Is he a model? He looks like Daniel Matsunaga! Those dimples are so deep!" one girl exclaimed.

"Oh, girl! His presence is stronger. His body is killer. Have you seen those biceps?" another one commented.

"Let's sit near where he'll be sitting," whispered the third.

"Alex!" Jake greeted as he approached, holding their child with Shelly nearby talking to Jake's parents.

"Jake!" Alex approached and looked at his godson. "Hi!" he greeted Shelly.

"Hi!" she responded. "Your godson is handsome," she praised when she examined baby Ethan closely.

"Of course, he takes after his father," Jake teased.

"Really?" Shelly scoffed playfully.

Alex just laughed.

"We should get used to calling each other 'pare' (buddy)," Jake suggested.

Taking the child from Jake, Shelly faced Alex again. "How was your first night here? Did you settle into your old condo?"

"I'm still adjusting. It's been a year since I was last here," he replied.

Suddenly, Alex seemed to be looking for someone. "By the way, where's Patricia? Is she not here yet?" he asked Jake.

"Why are you looking for Pat?" Jake teased.

"Oh, I owe her a lot. Because of my confused mind before, I didn't even properly say goodbye. I have a lot to thank her for," he said with regret.

"She'll come, buddy! When you see her..."

"BABE!" Shelly called. "Dad wants to talk to you for a moment."

Jake nodded, lightly tapping Alex's arm. "Excuse me for a moment, okay? I'll be right back."

"Oh no! My husband almost slipped! I bet Shelly thought," Shelly thought.

"It's good you're home for the baptism," Shelly said.

In Shelly's eyes, Alex seemed even more handsome. His skin had a rosy hue from staying in America for so long. They truly looked perfect together.

"Yes, and I need to sort out my businesses here before I return to the US."

"You probably won't leave again," Shelly hinted.

Alex frowned. "Why not?" he asked, puzzled.

"BESTIE!" a voice behind him called.

Alex turned abruptly; he couldn't afford to make a mistake. It was Patricia who arrived.

"Pat!" Shelly waved.

Alex slowly turned his gaze.

His eyes widened.

"SHIT!" he cursed.

Shelly hid a smile. She had been waiting for this moment—the reunion of Alex and the new Pat.

The woman a few feet away from them was incredibly sexy and pretty. She smelled amazing even from a distance, and Alex caught a whiff of her sweet fragrance.

It felt like a punch to his chest when he saw her.

"P-Patricia???" his voice stumbled a bit.

Patricia paused. She had no idea that Alex would be here. Oh boy, she thought. He seemed even more delectable now, like an irresistible treat!

OPPPPSSS!! Poise! Pat scolded herself. She replayed her favorite line in her head when she wanted to release her excitement but couldn't—Cool it! Don't lose it or you'll regret it!

Suddenly, she remembered Alex's cold farewell on the phone hours before he left for America. That's when she felt she meant nothing to him. Even though she almost got into trouble with Shelly because of his constant presence, he just used her to get closer to her bestie. Thinking about that, she composed herself.

Showing her million-dollar smile, "Hi Alex," she said huskily.

One of her gym buddies had taught her what they called LIGHT FLIRTING 101. The person was an expert in making men fall for them. While Pat didn't want to be someone who counted boyfriends, she could use those learned skills when necessary. She hadn't applied it to anyone yet, but it seemed like a good time to test it on Alex.

Alex muttered a soft curse. She looked so different now—everything about her was irresistibly sexy. Even her voice. However, he frowned a bit when he heard her addressing him as just "Alex." What happened to baby Alex?

"Ahem!" Shelly interrupted.

Still, no one made a move. Alex seemed frozen, and Pat had a broad smile on her face.

"Alex, I would like you to meet my friend Patricia. I believe you two have met before," Shelly teased.