Chapter Ten
Valeria
One week later.
From the moment I stepped into the executive wing as Interim CMO, everything felt surreal.
Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. A few weeks ago, Selena was tearing down every part of me. Ngayon, I had her corner office.
The plaque with her name? Tinanggal na.
Pinalitan ng sa akin.
VALERIA NAVARRO – Chief Marketing Officer.
Claire placed a celebratory coffee on my new desk. “Boss V. Pwede bang magpa-autograph habang hindi ka pa sobrang sikat?”
Napangiti ako. “Hayop ka talaga.”
She grinned. “Proud ako sa ’yo. At alam kong somewhere, nanginginig si Selena habang iniimbestigahan ng board. Deserve!”
I laughed, but there was still a tightness in my chest.
Aiden had been keeping his distance—giving me space, he said. Letting me reclaim my power without making it seem like I owed it to him.
And yet, everyday, I found myself waiting.
Waiting for a message, a call… kahit simpleng “I miss you.”
Pero wala.
---
Board Lounge – Late Afternoon
I was reviewing the upcoming campaign pitch when the door creaked open.
Aiden.
“Do you have a minute?” he asked, his voice lower than usual.
I nodded. “Of course.”
He closed the door behind him and walked slowly toward me.
“May kailangan ba ako malaman?” tanong ko.
He handed me an envelope. “My official resignation as CEO.”
“What?” Tumayo ako agad. “You’re stepping down?”
He nodded. “It’s time. I want to pursue something else… or maybe someone else.”
My breath caught.
“Aiden…”
He smiled, a little sad. “Hindi ako aalis sa CruzTech. I’ll still be part of the board. But I don’t want this to be what defines me. Especially not if it gets in the way of being with you.”
“I never asked you to choose between me and your company.”
“I know. But I want to.”
Tahimik akong naupo ulit. “So ano na tayo?”
“Val,” he said, moving closer. “Hindi na ako lalayo. Not again. I’m here. I’m staying. If you still want me.”
I met his eyes, searching for doubt. Walang kahit katiting.
And maybe, for the first time in a long time, neither did I.
---
Weekend – Batangas Beach House
Aiden invited me for the weekend. Hindi na as boss or colleague. As something we both had long denied.
As lovers rediscovering each other.
The beach was quiet, secluded—just us and the waves.
He cooked dinner. I drank wine. We danced barefoot sa veranda habang pinapatugtog niya ’yung luma naming playlist from college days.
“Naalala mo pa ba ’tong kanta?” tanong niya habang umiikot ako sa ilalim ng braso niya.
“‘Of course,’” I laughed. “Kahit ginamit mo ’to sa lahat ng ex mo.”
“Pero ikaw lang ang iniyakan ko.”
I stilled.
“Valeria, I broke your heart. Alam ko ’yon. Pero ngayon, I want to rebuild it—every piece. Even if it takes the rest of my life.”
Tears pricked the corner of my eyes. “You already started.”
He kissed me slowly, deliberately—walang urgency. Just years of longing finally finding peace.
---
Back in Manila – A Few Days Later
Selena’s official termination made headlines. Multiple employees had come forward with complaints. HR, PR, Legal—they were all swamped.
And yet, amidst the chaos, I was calm.
Because for once, I wasn’t fighting alone.
Aiden would stay as a strategic advisor. I had the team’s respect. Claire was by my side. And most importantly—I had myself.
No more pretending.
No more hiding.
And when Aiden held my hand in front of everyone at the annual CruzTech gala that weekend, I didn't pull away.
Because this time, I was no longer afraid to be seen with the man who once shattered me.
Because this time, he chose me fully.
And I finally chose myself too.
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Twisted Obsession (Twisted Series #3)
RomanceValeria Navarro has mastered the art of survival. With a guarded heart and a haunting past, she's built a name in marketing, climbing her way up with grit and grace. Love? That's a luxury she's long stopped believing in. Aiden Cruz is the ruthless...
