FLASHBACK
Austin's POV
It's only been a few days since I met Faith, yet it feels like something inside me has changed completely. It's as if I woke up from a long sleep. My everyday now has energy, every night has a reason. We never run out of things to talk about — text here, reply there. I've already followed her on all her social media accounts, and with every post she makes, I find myself more and more drawn to her. But up to this day, I still haven't collected her debt — that promised coffee date.
After every meeting, she's the one I think of. She's my reward. And in the middle of everything, she's the reason I'm more focused on what I'm doing.
"I think my son is inspired. I'm so proud of you, anak," Dad greeted me with a smile right after I closed the deal with Mr. Chan. Our company was chosen to supply their office with bond paper, ink, and other office materials. It's just one of our many businesses, but this deal has huge potential — Mr. Chan's companies are known worldwide. It's just one connection, but it could open the door to a much bigger world.
We don't have billions yet… but soon. That's my goal — to be on top of the business world.
It feels like just days ago when I told myself business wasn't for me. But now, I think I've changed my mind. Anyway, change is constant, right? Haha.
"Dad, I met a girl. I think I like her," I admitted to him. Being an only child, we're really close. I can tell him everything — unlike with Mom, who never seems to care about how I feel.
"Then what are you waiting for? Make a move! I think she's good for you. You're so inspired and happy lately — even during our meetings. Totally different from the past few days," Dad said in his usual long-winded way.
"But she's only 18, Dad."
"Oh? Then she's not a minor. You're not marrying her yet anyway," he replied, laughing.
"Dad…" I said, shaking my head.
"I'm just saying. I want to meet her," he added, winking.
"Some other day, Dad."
"Alright. Let's go, son. I'm tired, but fulfilled. Thank you, son. I can already see the future of our business in you."
"You really think I can do it, Dad?"
"Of course, son. You're young, but your mind is already sharp. I want you to take your master's abroad, Austin. I want you to grow — not just for our business, but for yourself."
As we walked toward the parking lot, I stopped for a moment. Faith instantly came to mind. We're not even together yet, but I already couldn't stand the thought of leaving her.
Through my connections, I found out Faith's class schedule. I asked Glen, whose family is one of the university's major stockholders, so it wasn't hard to get that kind of information. A simple favor for him, but for me, it meant everything.
The next day, I left my condo early — a mix of nerves, joy, and excitement running through me. While driving, I passed by a flower shop. Without thinking, I stopped and bought three pink roses.
After about an hour of driving, I arrived and parked right across the university. I watched quietly, waiting for her.
A few minutes later, a girl stepped out of a tinted car. I didn't see who dropped her off, but that didn't matter. It was her. Faith.
I got out of my car quickly, crossed the street — my heartbeat probably faster than the passing cars around me.
She was about to enter the gate when I called out,
"Faith… wait!"
She turned. And when she saw me, she smiled.
That smile — light as air, bright as morning.
"Austin? You're early. Do you need something here at the university?" she asked, clearly puzzled.
"Hmm…" I looked straight at her. "Not at the university. I'm here to collect a debt."
Her eyes narrowed, thinking hard.
"Huh? You lend money here? Is that your business?" she asked innocently.
I couldn't help but laugh. She'd forgotten. And that forgetfulness — it just made her even more adorable. She's so cute. I almost wanted to put her in my pocket… or maybe hide her from the world's eyes.
"Not a business," I said. "And I didn't expect you to owe me anything either. But I'm here now… to remind you."
I saw her face light up in sudden realization — then she laughed.
"Haha! Oh, right! Don't worry, I've really been saving up for that debt of mine," she said confidently.
I smiled. Not just because of what she said, but how she said it — without fear, as if she was already comfortable with me.
"Alright," I said. "I'll pick you up at 3 p.m., after your class."
She frowned a little, confused.
"How did you know my class ends at 3?"
I smirked and stepped closer.
"I have my ways, baby."
And there it was again — that blush on her cheeks, just like the roses I was holding. Ah, Faith… when you smile like that, all my exhaustion just fades away.
She looked even cuter to me. And at that moment, I knew — I wanted to know her more… every single day, if possible.
"Uh, Austin, I need to go. I might be late for my first subject," she said, glancing at her watch.
I smiled and pulled out the roses from behind me.
"Faith, these are for you."
I handed her the three pink roses I'd bought earlier. I could see the surprise on her face — her smile paused for a second, replaced by curiosity.
"Are you sure these are for me? Aren't they for Daph—"
"They're for you," I interrupted immediately. "Check the note. It has your name."
I didn't want to hear that name. If she knew me, she probably knew who Daphnie was. But this wasn't the time to talk about the past — not when I'm standing here, starting something new.
She smiled again, that softness returning to her face.
"Anyway, thanks for the flowers, Austin. I really have to go."
"Alright. See you later, Faith."
"Yup, see you!"
I watched her walk into the university gates until she disappeared from my sight. Only then did I turn back toward the street, where my car was parked.
But fate had other plans.
"So, she's your new one, Austin? Is that why you won't come back to me?"
A familiar voice — laced with bitterness and mockery.
I turned and saw her, brows raised, eyes full of accusation.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm.
"Get lost, Daphnie," I said coldly, walking toward my car.
But she stepped in front of me, blocking my way.
"So, is she better than me? Does she make you happier? She just looks like a kid, Austin."
"Daphnie…" I looked straight into her eyes. "Sex isn't the only thing that matters in a relationship. You know what's important? Loyalty. Honesty. Faithfulness — things you never had. And I'm not going to look for them in you anymore."
She went silent. Her eyes widened — I could tell those words hit hard. But it was the truth.
"We're done, Daphnie. Long ago."
She just stared, like she was being swallowed by the reality she refused to accept. Then her voice came back — hoarse, desperate, angry.
"No… you're mine, Austin… you'll come back to me…"
I met her gaze.
"What are you planning, Daphnie?"
"Wait and see, Austin…"
"If you lay a finger on Faith, I'll forget you're a woman," I warned.
"You think I'm scared? Hah! No way! Auntie will hear about this."
"Go ahead," I said indifferently — even if she and my mother teamed up, I didn't care.
And with that, I turned my back on her.
I got into my car and sped away, just wanting to escape the presence of the woman I once loved, but who was now part of everything I wanted to leave behind.
As the university grew smaller in my rearview mirror, I knew a new battle awaited me — not just for business, but for my own peace… and for Faith.