Jaia Reigo

TITLE: The Man I Want: Unrequited Love

Sa ilalim ng dapit-hapong puno ng pangako, isang puso ang unti-unting nadudurog sa bawat tawa at ngiting hindi para sa kanya.

Ang The Man I Want: Unrequited Love ay isang masining at madamdaming paglalakbay ng author na si Jaia Reigo tungkol sa isang dalagang nakapiit sa pagitan ng pag-asa at pagpapakawala.

Habang pinapanood niya ang lalaking pinapangarap nya ay madaya na sa piling ng iba. At kailangan niyang sagutin ang pinakamahirap na tanong: Hanggang kailan kaya sya magiging tagapanood na lamang ng sarili nyang kaligayahan?

Isang kuwento ito ng mga lihim na sulyap, mga salitang nananatiling nakatago sa puso, at ang matapang na hakbang palayo sa nakasanayang sakit patungo sa bagong simula ng kanyang buhay.

Female main character:Elara Valeriana

Secret Hobby: Mahilig siyang kumuha ng litrato ng mga "blurry" na tanawin. Para sa kanya, mas totoo ang mga bagay na malabo, tulad ng nararamdaman niya para kay Kenji.

Comfort Food: Isang tasa ng mainit na kape sa tuwing umuulan, habang nakikinig sa mga malulungkot na kanta.

Hidden Talent: Kayang-kaya niyang hulaan ang susunod na sasabihin ni Kenji bago pa man ito magsalita dahil sa tagal na niyang pinagmamasdan ang bawat galaw nito.

Male main character: Kenji Alcasid

Secret Weakness: Takot siya sa sobrang katahimikan. Kaya lagi siyang maingay o laging may kasama dahil ayaw niyang maiwan mag-isa sa kanyang sariling iniisip.

Favorite Place: Ang rooftop ng school tuwing dapit-hapon. Hindi niya alam na madalas din siyang sinusundan ng tingin ni Elara doon.
Something People Don't Know: Bagaman mukhang "perfect" ang buhay niya, laging may pressure sa kanya na maging masayahin para sa ibang tao, kahit pagod na siya.

Female supporting character: Mia Santillan

Secret Insecurity: Pakiramdam niya ay kailangan niyang laging maging perpekto para mahalin. Natatakot siyang kapag nagpakita siya ng kahinaan, iiwan siya ni Kenji.

Soft Spot: Mahilig siya sa mga ligaw na pusa sa likod ng school at lihim na nagpapakain sa mga ito kapag walang nakatingin.

Her View of Elara: Lihim siyang humahanga sa pagiging "genuine" ni Elara. Sa tingin niya, si Elara ang taong pinakapinagkakatiwalaan ni Kenji, at kung minsan ay nakakaramdam siya ng bahagyang selos dito.

Ongoing 🤗🫶

It's been a long time my dear readers and followers. Now I've been working into a reality story called "The Man I Want" which is maraming makaka relate mito dahil totoo itong karanasan ng author. So stay tuned! 🫶

Chapter 7: A Heated Exchange

The silence between Aurora and Caleb was oppressive, the tension between them almost palpable. Aurora's parents exchanged a nervous glance each, but Julian spoke up, trying to break the ice.

"Rory, we understand that you may have some reservations about working with Caleb, but we really think this could be a great opportunity for you too," Julian said.

Aurora's eyes flashed of annoyance. "Reservations? You think that's an understatement, Father? I don't even know Caleb Flynn, and yet you're expecting me to work with him on some grand medical initiative? Are you out of your mind didn't you?"

Caleb's expression was unreadable.

"Rory, dear, we've told you how brilliant Caleb is. And we really think you two could make a great team in this field." Lila said.

"A great team? Huh! You can't be serious. I'm a pediatric surgeon, and he's...what, exactly? Ahh! I don't even care about that guy at all. So why would I team up with him? For what? Or is there anything I don't know about? Are you hiding something from me?" Aurora said of frustration.

Only then Caleb's eyes locked onto hers. "I'm a doctor, Dr. Laurent. Just like you. And what they said could a great possibility for both of us if we work together don't we?"

Aurora raised an eyebrow. "Really? Work together? Do you even know what is your taking about?"

Caleb's expression turned wry. "I've been working in China for the past few years. Maybe that's why you haven't heard of me all."

Aurora's eyes narrowed. "China? Then what were you doing here?"

Caleb leaned back in his chair. "I was working at a hospital in Shanghai. And I have to say, though your a pediatric but if you don't mind, we could work this out."

"What do you mean by we can work this out?" She asked.

Caleb's expression turned serious. "I saw some terrible things, Dr. Laurent. Things that no one should ever have to see."

"Did I ask?" Aurora was so angry deep inside her but she tried to hol it back since she don't want to see how is when got mad herself.

"Of course I know how it feels like working in this job," Aurora said. "Working in a hospital can be tough, even in the best of circumstances."

Caleb nodded. "It's not just the medical cases, though those can be tough enough. It's the system, the bureaucracy...sometimes it feels like you're fighting in a losing battle."

Aurora felt a surge of realization. She had felt the same way many times, and she just kept it to herself.

"I know what you mean," she said. "It's like, no matter how hard you try, there's always something holding you back. There's something missing in everything you do."

"Exactly," Caleb said. "And that's why I'm so passionate about this project. I really believe you and I can make a difference if we do this project together."

Aurora felt a pang of uncertainty. She had been so quick to dismiss the idea of working with Caleb, but now she was starting to see him in a different light.

"Tell me more about the project, maybe I will change my mind later on." she said.

Caleb's face lit up. "We're proposing a new model for healthcare, one that combines the best of Western medicine with traditional Chinese practices."

Aurora's eyes widened. "That sounds fascinating, but what make you think this idea?" she asked him.

"I know it's ambitious, but I really think we can make it work out." He replied.

As they talked, Aurora found herself becoming more and more engaged on Caleb. Feels like she's starting to see the potential of the project, and she was impressed too by Caleb's passion and dedication.

But just as she was starting to feel like that she was on board, Caleb dropped a bombshell.

"We're planning to launch the project in Shanghai," he said, while looking at Aurora.

Aurora's surprise. "Shanghai? That was halfway around the world."

" You don't like it?" He asked.

"Not exactly, I'm just surprised you've wanted me to collaborate on this project but not in here at UK and instead in China?" She said seriously.

"You don't like working in China?" He said.

Aurora raised an eyebrow, "For now, I don't think coming to China for work because I love my job here as a pediatric doctor. I've been Inlove with my kids patients here and I know if I'm gone, they're going to missed me and reason I can't decide on this project at all that might be the reason too to ruing my job that I've been doin for long. Furthermore, I have this one patient who's been hospitalized the other day, he insisted to take god care of him in anything. He wants me to care for him and not with others. And I think of it why not? I don't wanna go there in China neither to collaborate with this project of yours. So I'm so sorry."

To be continued...

Chapter 6: The best Unwelcome Proposal

Aurora's mind was racing as she drove home from her parents' house. "What were they thinking, proposing a project with Caleb Flynn?" She said herself.

As she pulled into her driveway, Aurora's phone buzzed. It was her mother.

"Hey, Mum," Aurora said.

"Rory, dear, I hope you're not too tired," Lila said. "I was thinking, why don't you come over tomorrow and we can discuss the project in more detail?"

Aurora's eyes rolled. "Mum, I don't think that's necessary. I've already told you, I'm not interested in working with Caleb Flynn."

"Oh, Rory, don't be so quick to dismiss the idea. Caleb is a brilliant doctor, and I think you two could really make a difference together." Her mom said.

Aurora sighed, "Mum, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I really don't think this is a good idea."

Lila's voice turned firm. "Rory, I understand your concerns, but I really think you should hear us out. Why don't you come over tomorrow at 2 pm?"

Aurora hesitated, "Fine, I'll come over tomorrow then."

By the next day, Aurora arrived at her parents' house.

As she walked into the living room, she saw Caleb sitting on the couch.

"Ah, Rory, dear, thanks for coming," Lila said warmly.

Aurora nodded and asked. "So, what's this all about?"

Julian leaned forward. "As we discussed last night, we're proposing a new medical initiative that will bring together doctors from all over the world to share their expertise and knowledge."

"So?" Aurora said.

Caleb spoke up, "We believe that by pooling our resources and expertise, we can make a real difference in the world together."

Aurora raised her eyebrow. "And what makes you think I'm the right person for this project, Caleb?"

Caleb's eyes locked onto hers, "We've done our research, Dr. Laurent. We know about your exceptional skills as a pediatric surgeon."

Aurora felt irritated, "And what makes you think I'd be interested in working with you?"

Caleb's expression serious. "In that way, we could learn from each other, Dr. Laurent."

Aurora snorted. "I doubt it. I don't like."

The room fell silent, and the tension between Aurora and Caleb palpable.

To be continued...

Chapter 5: A Forced Proximity

As they walked through the house, Aurora pointed out various rooms and features, trying to maintain a sense of detachment.

"So, Aurora, what do you like to do in your free time?" Caleb asked.

Aurora shrugged as nonchalant. "I don't really have that much of free time. I'm always working." She replied.

Caleb raised his eyebrow. "You're always working? That sounds...exhausting doesn't it?"

Aurora nodded. "It's what I signed up for. I'm a doctor you know."

Caleb's eyes locked onto hers. "I'm a doctor too, Aurora. And I know what it's like to be dedicated to your work. But there's more to life more than just work."

Aurora felt irritation. "Who was Caleb to lecture me about my life?" She said to herself.

"I appreciate your concern, Caleb," Aurora said. "But I think I can handle my own life and you shouldn't intervene right."

Caleb's expression turned serious, but said nothing.

Finally, they returned to the living room, where their parents were waiting.

"Ah, excellent timing," Julian said, smiling. "We were just discussing the possibility of Caleb and Aurora working together on a project."

Aurora's eyes widened, "What project?"

Lila smiled. "Oh, just a little something we're cooking up. We'll discuss the more about the details later."

Aurora felt a sense of unease. "What were my parents up to?" She said to herself.

"What kind of project exactly are you talking about?" Aurora repeated.

Julian smiled, "We're thinking of launching a new medical initiative, one that will bring together doctors from all over the world to share their expertise and knowledge."

Caleb's eyes narrowed. "And what makes you think I'd be interested in this project?"

Lila's smile. "Oh, Caleb, dear, we know how passionate you are about your work. And we think you'd be the perfect person to lead this initiative."

Aurora's eyes widened. "Lead the initiative? You can't be serious."

Celine's voice turned soothing. "Now, now, Aurora, don't be so quick to dismiss the idea. This could be a wonderful opportunity for both you."

Aurora's gaze locked onto Caleb's, with annoyance. "I don't think so."

Julian leaned forward, "We'll discuss the details later, but for now, let's just say that we're very excited about this project."

"How?" She asked.

What exactly kind of project they're talking about? What could be Aurora's thinking is right?

To be continued...

Chapter 4: An Uncomfortable Dinner

Aurora's eyes remained fixed on Caleb's. "Who was this guy, and why was he here?"

"Rory, dear, come meet our guests," Lila said, breaking the silence.

Aurora's gaze finally shifted away from Caleb's, and smiled politely at the middle-aged couple.

"Hello, I'm Aurora," she said, extending her hand.

"Nice to meet you, Aurora," the woman replied. "I'm Celine Flynn, and this is my husband, Julian."

Aurora's eyes widened as she made the connection. "Flynn? As in, Caleb Flynn?"

She turned to Caleb, who was watching her with an unreadable expression.

"And you're...?" Aurora asked.

"Caleb Flynn," he replied.

Aurora's was trying to piece together why Caleb Flynn was standing in her parents' living room.

"Let's sit down, shall we?" Kai suggested.

As they sat down, Aurora found herself between Caleb and Celine, with Julian and her parents.

The conversation was stilted at first, with Aurora's parents trying to make small talk.

It didn't help that Caleb seemed to be watching her every move.

"So, Aurora, tell us about your work," Celine said.

Aurora explain about her job as a pediatric surgeon, but she could feel Caleb's eyes on her.

As the main course was served, Julian turned to Caleb, "Caleb, dear, tell us about your work in China."

Caleb's expression turned serious, and he began to explain his role as a doctor in Shanghai.

But at the dinner, Aurora couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. "Why were Caleb and his parents really here? And what my parents to do with it?" She said to herself.

As the evening wore on, Aurora found herself growing more and more uncomfortable.

"Rory, dear, why don't you show Caleb around the house?" Lila suggested.

Aurora didn't want to spend any more time with Caleb.

"I don't think that's necessary, Mum," Aurora said.

But Lila was insistent. "Nonsense. Caleb is interested in seeing the house."

Caleb's eyes met Aurora's.

"Fine," Aurora said, pushing back her chair.

As they walked out of the dining room, Aurora could feel Caleb's eyes on her.

But Caleb kept pace with her, his long strides easily matching hers.

"So, Aurora, "Tell me about yourself." He said.

Aurora shrugged, trying to be sound nonchalant. "There's not much to tell."

Caleb raised his eyebrow. "I find that hard to believe."

Aurora's heart skipped as Caleb's eyes locked onto hers.

What was it about Caleb Flynn that made her feel so uneasy?

And why did she get the feeling that he was hiding something?

To be continued...

Chapter 3: A Dinner Invitation

Aurora made her way to the ICU, she couldn't shake off the conversation with her parents earlier that morning. They had been hinting at her settling down and finding someone special, but Aurora had always been hesitant and focused on her job.

She pushed open the door to the ICU and spotted Dr. Thompson standing by the nurse's station.

"Hey, Rory," Dr. Thompson said. "Thanks for coming in. We've got a tough one here. And I know only can handle it."

Aurora nodded. "What's the situation by the way?"

Dr. Thompson filled her in on the patient's condition, and Aurora listen, while her mind was with the possible solutions.

Just as they were discussing treatment options, Aurora's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, surprised to see her mother's name flashing on it.

"Sorry, I need to take this," Aurora said, stepping away from the nurse's station to answer her mom's call.

"Rory, dear, I'm so glad you've answered," Lila said. "I was thinking, since you're not busy tonight, why don't you come over for dinner at our house?"

Aurora hesitated, but she had to come since its family dinner. "Mum, I don't know if I can come because... I have a lot of work to catch up on here."

Lila's voice turned persuasive. "Nonsense, dear. You need a break. You shouldn't always focused on your job. And besides, we have some guests coming over tonight. It'll be fun if you're here."

Aurora's curiosity. "Guests? Who?"

"Just some friends. You'll see. Come at 7 pm." Her mom said.

Aurora sighed, knowing she couldn't resist her mother's invitation. "Fine, Mum. I'll be there." She replied.

As she ended the call, Aurora's mind wandered back to the conversation with her mother as she made her way back to the nurse's station. "Who were these mysterious guests, and why was mother being so secretive this time?"

"Hey, Rory, you okay? Is there something wrong with you?" Dr. Thompson asked, because he noticing her distracted expression on her face.

Aurora shook her head, "Yeah, sorry. I I got a call from my mom." She replied.

Dr. Thompson nodded. "Family stuff, huh?"

Aurora smiled wryly. "You have no idea."

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of hospital rounds, surgeries, and consultations. Aurora barely had time to grab a sandwich for lunch, let alone think about her mother's dinner invitation.

But as the evening drew closer, Aurora is getting ready for dinner at her parents' house. She had no idea what to expect, but she had a feeling that this dinner was going to be more interesting than just a casual family gathering together.

Later on, she arrived at her parents' house, and Aurora noticed a sleek black car parked outside. She raised an eyebrow, wondering "who the guests could be."

She stepped inside, calling out to her parents. "Hey, Mum! Dad! I'm here."

Her mother's voice happily seeing her. "Rory, dear, come on in. We're just getting started."

As she walked into the living room. Seated on the couch were two people she had never met before - a middle-aged couple with warm smiles, "goodevening dear."

And standing by the window, looking impossibly handsome in a tailored suit, was Caleb Flynn.

Aurora's eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other without saying a word.

To be continued...

Chapter 2: An Unexpected Encounter

Caleb Flynn stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse apartment, gazing out at the breathtaking view of Shanghai. His mind, however, was elsewhere.

"Son, we need to talk," his father, Julian Flynn, said, breaking the silence.

Caleb turned, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What is it, Father?"

Julian and Caleb's mother, Celine, exchanged a glance before Julian spoke up.

"Caleb, you're 30 now. It's time you started thinking about settling down."

Caleb raised an eyebrow. "Settling down?"

Celine stepped forward, a warm smile on her face. "We just want you to be happy, dear. And we think finding the right partner would bring you joy."

Caleb's expression turned skeptical. "I don't need a partner to be happy, Mother. My work is my focus."

Julian's voice was firm. "Caleb, we're not asking you to give up your career. But we are asking you to consider the possibility of finding someone special."

Caleb's eyes flashed with annoyance, but he bit back his retort. "I'll think about it."

Celine's face lit up with a hopeful smile. "That's all we can ask for, dear."

As Caleb's parents prepared to leave, he felt a sense of unease. He had no intention of settling down or finding a partner. His life was perfect just the way it was.

But as he watched his parents depart, Caleb couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to take an unexpected turn.

He went to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of whiskey and walked over to the window, gazing out at the city skyline. His mind began to wander back to his childhood, growing up with parents who had always expected greatness from him.

"Caleb, you're destined for greatness," his father would say. "You're going to change the world."

Caleb snorted, taking a sip of his whiskey. "Change the world? He was just trying to make it through the day without losing his mind." He said to himself.

Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his eyes narrowing as he saw the name "Mother" flashing on the screen. And he answered it...

"What is it, Mother? Did you forgot anything by the way?" he asked, trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice.

"Caleb, dear, I forgot to mention something earlier while were there at your place," Celine said. "We've invited a few guests over for dinner at our place tonight, and we'd love for you to join us."

Caleb's eyes rolled. "What guests?" He asked.

"Oh, just a few friends and acquaintances," Celine replied. "It'll be fun, I promise."

Caleb sighed, knowing he couldn't get out of this one but to say yes of course. "Fine, Mother. I'll be there."

As he ended the call, Caleb couldn't shake the feeling that his parents feels like were up to something. And he had a sinking feeling that he wasn't going to like it.

To be continued....

Title: Heart of Ice

Chapter 1: A Mother's Concern

Aurora Laurent poured herself a cup of steaming hot coffee, the aroma filling the air as she sat down at the breakfast table. Her parents, Kai and Lila Laurent, were already seated, enjoying their morning meal.

"Rory, dear, you're working too much," Lila said, concern etched on her face. "When was the last time you took a break?"

Aurora took a sip of her coffee, her eyes scanning the room. "I don't know, Mum. I've just been busy with work."

"Busy?" Kai repeated, his brow furrowed. "You're always busy, Rory. But when do you take time for yourself?"

Aurora shrugged. "I don't need time for myself, Dad. I'm happy with my work."

Lila leaned forward, her voice gentle. "Rory, we just want what's best for you. You're 29, and you've dedicated your life to your career. But what about your personal life? Don't you want to settle down, have a family?"

Aurora's expression turned guarded. "Mum, I've told you before, I'm not interested in marriage or kids right now. My career is my priority."

Kai and Lila exchanged a knowing glance, their faces filled with a mix of concern and understanding.

"We just want you to be happy, Rory," Kai said, his voice soft.

Aurora forced a smile, feeling a pang of guilt. "I am happy, Dad. Really."

The conversation was interrupted by the sound of Aurora's phone buzzing. She glanced at the screen, her eyes widening as she read the message.

"Excuse me," she said, pushing her chair back. "I need to take this."

As Aurora stepped away from the table, Lila turned to Kai, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I worry about her, Kai. She's so focused on her career, but what about her heart?"

Kai's expression was thoughtful. "We've raised her to be independent, Lila. But maybe it's time we encouraged her to open up to the possibility of love."

Lila nodded, a small smile on her face. "Maybe you're right."

Meanwhile, Aurora was outside, her phone pressed to her ear.

"Yes, I understand," she said, her voice firm. "I'll be there in an hour."

As she ended the call, Aurora felt a sense of trepidation. Her life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would challenge everything she thought she knew about herself.

Awhile later.......

As Aurora re-entered the kitchen, Lila looked up from her coffee, concern etched on her face. "Rory, everything okay? You look a bit pale."

Aurora forced a smile, trying to reassure her mother. "I'm fine, Mum. Just a work emergency."

Kai's eyes narrowed. "What kind of emergency?"

Aurora hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Just a tricky patient, Dad. I need to go in and consult with the team."

Lila's expression turned thoughtful. "You know, Rory, your father and I were just discussing your career. We're proud of you, but we worry that you're burning out."

Aurora sighed, feeling a familiar sense of frustration. "Mum, Dad, I've told you before, I'm fine. I love my job, and I'm good at it."

Kai leaned forward, his eyes locked on Aurora's. "Rory, we're not just talking about your job. We're talking about your life. When was the last time you went on a date, or took a vacation, or did something just for fun?"

Aurora felt a surge of defensiveness. "I don't need a social life, Dad. I have my work, and that's enough for me."

Lila's voice was gentle. "Rory, sweetie, that's not enough. You deserve to have a fulfilling life, not just a successful career."

The conversation was interrupted by the sound of Aurora's phone buzzing again. She glanced at the screen, her heart sinking.

"I'm sorry, Mum, Dad, but I really need to go now."

Kai nodded, his expression of understanding to his daughter. "Go, Rory. We'll talk more about this later."

As Aurora hurried out the door, Lila turned to Kai, with concern in her eyes.

"I worry about her, Kai. She's so focused on her career."

Kai's expression was thoughtful. "Maybe because we've raised her to be an independent woman she is now, Lila. But also it's time for us to encouraged her to open up to the possibility of love. To make her own family as she's getting older."

Lila nodded. "Maybe you're right."

Meanwhile, Aurora was speeding through the streets, her mind racing with thoughts of her patient and what could be the challenges ahead she's going to faced.

To be continued.