Bernadette sat behind her polished mahogany desk, a glass of grapefruit juice untouched at her side. The midday light filtered through blinds, casting striped reflections on her crisp suit.
"Mercy!" she snapped, eyes on a stack of pending case files. "Where are my files for today?"
Mercy, the young assistant with a halo of perfection and panic, slipped into the room, two folders in hand.
"Here, Ma'am." She set down a folder labeled Medrano vs. City Council. Then she hesitated, pulling out her phone. "Maybe you also want to see this."
Bernadette pressed her lips together and flipped through the photos Mercy handed over. The paper crinkled.
BLURRY PHOTO: Bernard gently wiping something from Jamie's lip—her eyes half-closed, closeness undeniable.
She stared. A silence unmade the world around her.
Mercy cleared her throat. "It's been shared—class groups, gossip threads, even student media."
Bernadette's pressure flared; her nostrils flared.
"Mercy, get me Ray. And Quinn from PR. Now!"
As Mercy fled, Bernadette's composure fractured. She snapped the phone shut and crumpled the documents, hissing: "Just wait until I go home."
----
Kako paced the verandah of Riho Marino's office, teak furniture and orchids creating a calm façade that was nowhere near calm.
Riho poured tea—green jasmine, served with dainty sugar cubes.
"I'm happy to see you again, Kako," Riho cooed, warm grace masking concern.
"Just as I am, Madam Marino," Kako said, offering a practiced smile. "Too bad former President Marino isn't here."
"He's globe-trotting," Riho said, "It makes him happy."
Kako breathed the floral steam. "That's good. I'm here to ask for help. Conrad plans to run for governor—or mayor."
Riho noted that. "Karl trusts him. He can cruise it."
Kako tensed. "But I have a problem."
Riho put down her teacup. "Who?"
"Manuel Rabe and Melanio." Kako reached for a biscuit. "They're my primary suspects in the attempt on his life."
Riho's forehead creased. "Those sons of bitches haven't given up?"
"No," Kako said softly. "They won't."
Just then, Bethany slipped into the veranda, phone in hand and an expression wrung tight.
Kako grabbed it. The photo from Mercy's file stared back at her.
"What the fuck?" she murmured.
Riho looked over. "Is something wrong?"
"Nothing." Kako steadied herself. "I'll take care of this when I get home."
Bethany bowed and retreated.
------
The leak had hit like a grenade. By midday, it had buzzed through social media, group chats, and whispered conversations.
Jamie and Bernard walked down the campus promenade, avoiding each other's eyes, each carrying the weight of a photograph no one had authorized—but everyone had seen.
"Where the hell did they get that photo?" Jamie hissed, fists clenched.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Bernard said, voice low. His jaw tightened in front of students lounging on benches, scrolling.
As they turned a corner, Arnie—Bernard's loyal friend in oversized glasses—came barreling at them.
"Guys! Guys!"
"What's up, Arnie?" Bernard asked.
"Stephanie is beating up Sophia to the ground!"
Jamie and Bernard exchanged looks. Then sprinted toward the quad.
------
A terrified crowd had formed around the commotion. Stephanie, face flushed with righteous anger, had pinned Sophia to the concrete. Sophia's ouchy dress was ripped, and her smartphone lay smashed nearby.
Sophia tried to speak, hand to her face, but Stephanie held her tight.
"The next time you and that bastard Kael do this," Stephanie spat, "I will never hesitate to do this to you again!"
Sophia blinked back tears. Jamie and Bernard appeared at the edge, breathless.
"That... that is for my sister!" Stephanie shouted, slapping Sophia again. Sophia flinched.
Jamie stepped forward, voice flat. "Park. This. Conversation."
Sophia seized the moment to stand, hand steaming across her cheek.
Sofia glare was sharp, still teary. "Don't think I'm the innocent one here."
Stephanie turned, sees Jamie. "Get your hands off her!"
Bernard reached out. "Hey, hey—enough!"
Students parted, murmuring. Cameras phones raised. The moment was electric.
Sophia's voice cracked: "You two... you're a disgrace—letting your families treat us like property."
Stephanie shook her head. "Do who, now?"
Sophia laughed coldly. "All of you!"
Jamie took a deep breath. "No. This ends now."
She stepped between them, voice firm. "Sophia's hurt, yes. You got hit. I'm sorry."
Bernard cleared his throat. "But violence?"
Sophia spat. "Don't you lecture me. You think because you're the golden couple it gives you the right?"
Stephanie shook. "It gives me the right to defend my sister."
Arnie and others formed a protective circle.
A tense silence followed.
Jamie lowered her gaze. "We need to leave. Now."
Bernard nodded, glancing at Sophia.
"I... I don't want more rumors," he said.
Sophia stared. "Rumors aren't the problem."
Jamie turned, took Bernard's hand.
Stephanie followed.
They strode away, the crowd buzzing.
-------
Within seconds, phone videos poured onto social media: Undercover Scuffle at MMU Quad, Narumi's Sister Attacks Student Journalist. Comments ranged from "Barbarians!" to "About time someone punched Sophia." Memes followed.
In Bernadette's inner circle, cameras streamed live from her PR office at the Medrano firm. Ray paced behind her, fuming.
"Social media? Every angle? Now," she barked. Mercy fed her stats and trending keywords.
Ray said, "It might spiral."
"Good." Bernadette snapped. "Let them see. Let the city see their savior couple turn savage. That's not love—that's paranoia."
----
The city glimmered in the backdrop like it had no idea how many reputations were imploding inside the Narumi family's glass-walled penthouse.
Kako sat stiffly on the couch, legs crossed so tightly her heels dug into the rug. Her hands were clenched, knuckles white, and her eyes were shut like she was trying to will the building not to collapse with the weight of her fury.
Across the room, Conrad leaned casually against the kitchen island, sipping iced tea like he'd wandered into the wrong episode of someone else's telenovela.
"What's wrong with you?" he asked, blinking slowly.
Kako opened her eyes with a sharp snap, then smiled—but it wasn't a smile. It was a contained explosion behind lipstick and years of diplomatic composure.
"What's wrong with me?" she echoed. "Your daughter was just caught kissing the son of Bernadette."
Conrad blinked again. "Are they a couple? Or just... you know, a fling?"
Kako's mouth dropped open. "The hell should I know?!"
"Well, it might just be coincidental," Conrad offered, shrugging.
Kako whipped her head around. "Coincidental?! Coincidental kissing someone? On camera?! In a viral photo?!"
"I mean, you were like that when you met me," Conrad pointed out. "Weren't you the one who shoved me into a swimming pool and then kissed me to distract the lifeguard?"
"That was one time," Kako snapped. "And the only person I did that with was you. And it didn't end up trending under the hashtag #CampusForbiddenLove!"
"Besides," she added, standing now, voice sharp, "it's the Medranos, Conrad. The Medranos. We built our entire political empire on outmaneuvering those backstabbing reptiles!"
Conrad straightened. "You do realize the war is between you and Bernadette, and me and Ray. The kids? They're not part of this unless you force them into it."
Kako scoffed. "You had a crush on Bernadette before. Head over heels, if I remember."
Conrad frowned. "I did not."
"You wrote a poem!" she barked.
"Okay, that was sarcastic poetry!"
"Oh please," Kako muttered.
Conrad stepped closer and looked her squarely in the eyes. "But I fell madly, stupidly in love with you. Like a rabid dog with a PhD in romance. You were more than her. Always."
Kako blinked. Her face betrayed the tiniest flush of pink. "You still talk like a lunatic."
"Only when I'm honest," he grinned.
Just then, Jamie entered, hesitant. "Mom..."
Kako spun. "Jamie. Of all people... it had to be that boy from that hypocrite clan?"
Jamie stiffened. "We didn't plan it."
"It just happened?" Kako snapped.
Conrad stepped in and gently tapped her shoulder. "Kako. She's young. Let her figure it out."
"It's not like it's the end of the world," he added, sipping again.
Kako turned to him with disbelief. "Are you sick?"
"If I were, call the doctor very quick," Conrad sang, then yawned and wandered off toward their bedroom, dragging his slippers like a man who'd survived worse.
Jamie, Stephanie, and Anthony just stood there, stunned.
"Never heard Dad being rational before," Stephanie murmured.
Jamie muttered, "He was the chaotic parent. Now he's... chill?"
Kako didn't respond. She just stared at the city skyline, still clutching her phone like it might deliver a different photo.
"Oh—by the way," Conrad called from the hall, "Mayor Artavera invited you to dinner!"
"You mean us," Kako corrected.
"You can bring the kids," Conrad shouted. "I have no interest in smelling Artavera's armpits again."
Medrano Residence, same time
The Medrano estate was quiet on the outside—but inside, the storm had hit full force.
Bernadette stood at the center of the main hallway, papers scattered across the floor. Screens flashed with filtered versions of that photo. Bernard stood three feet from her, trying not to flinch.
"I did not raise you to be stupid and naive!" Bernadette roared.
Bernard's jaw clenched. "Mom, we are not involved in your war with Mrs. Narumi or with her husband! Give us a break—"
SLAP.
It landed hard.
Ray winced and grabbed Bernard's arm.
"Berns—"
"No son of mine will disgrace this family by getting involved with the daughter of Conrad the Con-man and that iceberg Kako!" Bernadette shouted, pointing a shaking finger.
Bernard took a breath, hand still on his cheek.
Ray tried to lighten the tension. "Oh come on, Berns. Remember when Conrad was in love with you? Wrote you those sappy letters?"
Bernadette glared. "And I burned them."
Ray laughed. "And still married me."
"I never regretted that decision," Bernadette hissed.
Bernard stepped back, fists clenched. "You act like they're enemies of the state. They're people."
"They're Narumis." Bernadette stepped closer. "And they will destroy you."
Ray sighed. "Bernard, one mistake with that family could cost you everything."
"I've made my choice," Bernard muttered.
Bernadette didn't even blink. "You'll make a better one. I have dinner with Mayor Artavera tonight. Ray—you're coming."
Ray raised his hands. "I'd rather bathe in vinegar. Send Bernard and Nadine."
"You'll do as I say."
"No," Ray replied, already turning toward the stairs. "I'll do less."
Bernadette's eyes burned holes in the carpet.
---
Crystal chandeliers cast golden light over gleaming silverware and bone china. Waiters glided between long tables draped in ivory linen, offering glasses of citrus water and perfectly measured wines. Mayor Artavera had spared no expense. The backdrop bore his smiling face, flanked by an awkwardly patriotic slogan: "Unity Starts With Civility."
It was wasted on this guest list.
Kako Narumi stepped into the hall first, wrapped in a slate-gray silk gown that shimmered like steel under the lights. Her heels clicked with a rhythm of command. Jamie, in midnight blue, followed beside her—subtle makeup, classic earrings. Stephanie came next in a maroon suit, casually scrolling on her phone.
Across the room, Bernadette Medrano turned at the sound of heels.
She wore a blood-red gown that hugged her frame like armor. Her daughter Bernardine flanked her, bored and over-accessorized. But it was Bernard, seated quietly beside them, who perked up when his eyes met Jamie's.
Jamie glanced away too late.
Kako and Bernadette made eye contact across the room.
That alone lowered the room's temperature by ten degrees.
"Well," Bernadette purred as Kako approached their table, "if it isn't Satan herself."
Kako smiled sweetly. "And that makes you my sister... Jezebel."
A pause.
"Floozy," Bernadette added with a smug sip of wine.
"Tramp," Kako shot back without missing a beat.
Mayor Artavera stood awkwardly beside the head table, napkin still in hand. "Ladies, perhaps we can—"
But Bernadette wasn't done.
"I? A tramp?" she laughed sharply. "Kako, have you heard the latest ad campaigns running around your husband? Let me remind you: Join OnlyFans. See the world. Sleep with Conrad Narumi. Join the military. Be all you can be. Sleep with Conrad Narumi. The adult film industry is recruiting—but only if you haven't already slept with Conrad Narumi."
Stephanie choked on her wine.
Jamie sank into her chair, wishing for a meteor.
Kako's hand clenched into a fist around her knife.
"Why you—!"
"Please," Mayor Artavera interjected, voice now raised, "let's not turn this into a circus. This dinner is for unity, not decades-old grudges."
Kako took a long sip from her glass, recomposing herself. "Now I understand why my husband refused to attend."
Bernadette, not missing a beat, replied, "Ray as well. It appears even they have limits."
The two women exchanged a mutual glance—top to bottom, slow and unblinking. It was less "sizing each other up" and more "contemplating where to hide the body."
The children did not speak. Even Bernardine had paused her Instagram live.
But Bernard... his gaze had not moved from Jamie.
He subtly nudged his wine glass an inch toward her side of the table.
Jamie glanced at him.
He mouthed the words: "You okay?"
She gave him a small nod, lips tight.
Then, quietly, she leaned toward Kako. "Mom... I need some air."
Kako didn't even look at her. "Take Stephanie. Don't be too long."
"I'm not a child," Jamie said, standing. "I can handle myself."
7:45 PM – The Garden Balcony
The Welina Hotel's garden terrace was dimly lit with hanging lanterns and overlooked the glittering skyline. Potted white orchids lined the stone railings, and the warm Manila breeze carried scents of lemongrass and exhaust.
Jamie stood near the ledge, her clutch clutched tight in her fingers. She wasn't sure if she was trembling from embarrassment or frustration.
Footsteps behind her.
She didn't have to turn.
"You're beautiful tonight," Bernard said softly.
"Thanks," Jamie murmured. "But only for tonight."
"No," he said, stepping beside her. "You're always beautiful."
She let out a small, sarcastic breath. "That's cheesy."
"I don't care," Bernard said. "You're beautiful when you argue. When you study until your hair's a mess. When you're yelling at Stephanie for stealing your charger. Everything about you is beautiful."
Jamie looked at him now. His face was open—unguarded in a way she rarely saw. There was no Medrano smugness, no family weight. Just him.
She turned away again. "I shouldn't be here with you."
"I know."
"Our mothers are plotting how to kill each other with dessert spoons."
"I know."
"And the whole city is probably watching that stupid photo of us online, analyzing every angle like it's some kind of scandal."
"Jamie," Bernard said, stepping closer, "can you stop thinking just for one second?"
She paused.
"Just... be here. With me."
His hand reached for hers, fingers brushing lightly.
She didn't pull away.
"I don't want to fight this anymore," he whispered.
Jamie looked up at him. Her eyes reflected the city lights. "What is this even going to become?"
"I don't know," he said. "But I know what I feel."
He took her hand fully now.
Then slowly, gently, he leaned forward, cupping her face in his hand. His thumb traced her cheekbone, his other hand braced against the railing beside her.
And then, just like before—but this time without hesitation—he planted another slow, reverent kiss onto her lips.
It was not rushed. Not stolen. It was soft, earnest, deliberate—a prayer, an anchor, a confession.
When they pulled apart, Jamie opened her eyes. She could feel her heart in her fingertips.
Bernard smiled. "I love you, Jamie Narumi."
She stared at him for a moment—unsure if her voice would work.
Then she whispered, "I love you, too."
And beneath the noise, the hatred, and the centuries of war declared by their families—
They finally declared something for themselves.
---
The Narumi household hummed with its usual post-gala tension. The front door creaked as Kako, Jamie, and Stephanie stepped inside. The scent of garlic rice and sinangag lured them toward the dining table, where Conrad, Anthony, and Mama Tipay were already seated.
Mama Tipay cleared her throat. "You know, my mother used to tell us stories... cursing at everyone, shouting 'You mofos!'" She chuckled and slapped the table, splattering rice.
Kako raised an eyebrow. "Whatever happened to her?"
Mama Tipay shrank into her chair. "She colonized life on Jupiter. Kako, she was 88 when I was six. She died—you idiot."
Stephanie, eyes wide, whispered, "How did she die?"
Mama Tipay pointed a gnarled finger. "You know... we're not sure. One night she left in her wheelchair and never came back. The next day, neighborhood kids found a go-kart with two massive back wheels. Gone with the wind, I tell you."
The table erupted in speculation before Kako's tone cut through. "Jamie, it's not too late to leave that Bernard alone."
Jamie stiffened. She scooped rice onto her plate, shoulders tight. "Mom," she snapped, "I love Bernard so much, and nothing—nothing—will stop me. Not even you." She rose and strode toward her room, slamming the door behind her.
Mama Tipay heaved a dramatic sigh and emerged from the chair. Moments later, she returned with a steaming cup of tea for Kako. She set it down softly. "You know," she said, voice gentle, "Jamie reminds me of my daughter Agnes." She leaned in. "She was Felipe's and Conrad's younger sister."
Kako, facing away, frowned. "She was as stubborn as Jamie, right?"
Mama Tipay nodded. "Oh, yes. But do you know why Conrad never interfered with what is going on right now?"
Kako turned, curiosity flickering. "Why?"
"Let's say," Tipay tapped Kako's shoulder, "the worm will infiltrate the soul of the Medranos."
She paused to let the metaphor sink in. "Think about it."
Kako sipped the tea, eyes distant, lost in thought. The cup trembled slightly in her hands. The night's silence held more weight than any argument.
----
Bernadette paced in her expansive study, the door slamming behind her as Bernard followed. The sharp click of her stilettos echoed against dark wooden floors stained with old ambition.
"Bernard," she said, voice low but fierce, "you've made a grave mistake."
Bernard swallowed, resigned. "Mom, I love her. And I won't give that up."
Bernadette stopped, eyebrow arching. "I did not raise you to be stupid and naive. You're jeopardizing everything we've built."
Bernard lifted his chin. "I'm not jeopardizing anything—except maybe expectations."
She moved to him, knocking a framed photo of his diploma into the glass on the floor. "I'll remind you. Your future my dear—is not guaranteed. If you continue, I'll disinherit you. Political family's heir doesn't kiss the enemy's daughter."
Bernard stared her down. "I'll forfeit your money. Sell the mansion. If that's what it takes."
Bernadette's face paled, not with anger, but shock. "You—You'd do that?"
Bernard nodded, unsentimentally. "For her."
She slumped into a chair. "And if you go through with it—you'll be exiled. No position, no respect. Your name becomes... tainted."
Bernard stepped closer. "Then watch me build again."
Bernadette exhaled, bitter defeat in her eyes. "You are my son."
"And you're my mother." He turned and walked out, leaving her with the falling glass and the echo of her own words.
----
Later that night, Jamie and Bernard met on the hotel balcony overlooking a garden lit by fairy lights. The scent of jasmine clung to the humidity, underscoring their raw tension.
Jamie was first to speak, voice trembling. "My mom... she's threatening divorce." She tucked hair behind her ear. "Don't laugh."
Bernard pulled her into his arms. "I'm not laughing."
"I slammed the door. I stormed away." Tears glistened in her eyes.
He took her hand. "I walked out on my mother's warning. She said she'd disinherit me."
Jamie looked up, startled. "She did?"
He released a breath. "She said I'd never be part of this family again."
Jamie searched his face. "And you... you still came."
He nodded. "I didn't come for me, Jamie. I came for you."
She closed her eyes. Silence stretched.
He brushed her cheek. "You're worth it."
Tears spilled. "I feel like I'm drowning..." she whispered.
"Then hold on," he said. "I won't let go."
She reached up. Their lips met—this time fierce, determined—a collision of all they'd dared to hope. When they parted, their foreheads rested together.
Jamie wiped her eyes. "What happens now?"
Bernard lifted her chin gently. "We choose." He brushed her hair. "Choose love."
She swallowed. "Even if it means losing everything?"
He nodded. "Even then."