Marie says yes

Marie stood outside Innovare headquarters, waiting for Brian. It had been a month since their first date, and the easy camaraderie between them had blossomed into something deeper. They'd shared countless laughs over late-night phone calls, enjoyed quiet walks after work, and spent evenings talking about their future. Now, it was official: Marie and Brian were a couple.

Marie couldn't help but smile as she leaned against the building's wall, the cool breeze tugging at her hair. She glanced down at her phone, checking the time, her heart skipping a beat when she spotted Brian walking towards her, his grin wide and unmistakably joyous.

"There you are!" Brian called out, quickening his pace. He approached her and immediately took her hand, lifting it to his lips in a playful gesture of affection.

Marie laughed softly. "You're late," she teased, though her smile betrayed any sense of disappointment.

"Blame the traffic. You know how it is," Brian said with a smirk, leaning in for a quick kiss on her forehead. "But I'm here now, aren't I?"

"Yeah, and that's all that matters," Marie replied, her eyes soft as they met his.

As they turned to head towards a nearby café for their usual after-work hangout, a cold, sharp voice cut through the warm air between them.

"So it's true."

Marie froze. The sound of that voice was unmistakable. She turned slowly, her stomach sinking as she saw Vanessa, Brian's ex-girlfriend, standing a few feet away, her arms crossed tightly over her chest and her eyes blazing with anger.

Brian's expression darkened. "Vanessa, this isn't the time—"

"Not the time?" Vanessa spat, her eyes narrowing. "I think it's exactly the time, Brian. You're dating her?" She gestured angrily at Marie. "After everything we've been through?"

Marie instinctively stepped closer to Brian, feeling a knot of tension rise in her chest. She had heard about Vanessa and the messy breakup, but she hadn't expected to confront her so soon—or with such hostility.

"Vanessa, we broke up," Brian said firmly, his voice steady but laced with frustration. "It's been over for a while now. You need to accept that."

Vanessa's eyes flicked to Marie, glaring at her with venomous disdain. "And you," she sneered. "Do you think you're some sort of upgrade? You're nothing compared to what Brian and I had."

Marie, caught off guard by the sudden attack, opened her mouth to respond but found herself speechless, her confidence wavering under the intensity of Vanessa's gaze.

"I think that's enough," Brian interrupted, stepping protectively in front of Marie. "You need to back off, Vanessa."

Vanessa let out a bitter laugh, tossing her head back. "Oh, I'm not done, Brian. You think you can just replace me? With her?" She shot a withering glance at Marie again, who shrank back slightly, uncomfortable under the heated confrontation.

"I don't owe you an explanation," Brian said coldly. "Marie and I are together now. I suggest you move on."

But Vanessa wasn't ready to let it go. Her lips curled into a twisted smirk. "You think this is over? You think you're going to live happily ever after with this… nobody? We'll see about that."

With those biting words, Vanessa stormed off, leaving behind a tense silence. Marie stood frozen, trying to process what had just happened.

Brian turned to her, his expression softening with concern. "Marie, I'm so sorry. I didn't think she'd react like that."

Marie shook her head, forcing a smile despite the unease bubbling in her chest. "It's not your fault. I knew she might still have feelings for you, but I didn't expect... this."

Brian wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "I won't let her come between us, okay? Vanessa's in the past."

Marie leaned into him, her head resting against his chest. "I just hope she stays there."

The next day at Innovare, Marie tried to focus on her tasks, but the confrontation with Vanessa lingered in her mind. It didn't help that the office was buzzing with gossip—word had spread quickly about her relationship with Brian. Most of her colleagues seemed indifferent, but there were always a few who thrived on drama.

As Marie sat at her desk, typing out an email, she heard the familiar click of heels approaching her cubicle. She glanced up and felt her heart sink as she saw Faye, one of Brian's close colleagues and a known friend of Vanessa's, standing there with a smug expression.

"Well, well, well," Faye said, leaning against the cubicle wall, her arms crossed. "Looks like the rumors were true. You and Brian are a thing now."

Marie gave her a polite smile, trying to stay composed. "Yes, we are."

Faye's smirk widened, her eyes glinting with malice. "I have to say, I'm surprised. I didn't think Brian would go for someone so… plain. Guess he's into charity cases now."

Marie's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she kept her tone even. "I'm not sure what you're trying to imply, Faye, but Brian and I are happy. That's all that matters."

"Oh, I'm sure you are," Faye said mockingly, her voice dripping with condescension. "For now. But let's be real—Vanessa was always his type. You're just a rebound. He'll get bored of you soon enough."

Before Marie could respond, a new voice cut through the tension.

"I think that's enough, Faye."

Both women turned to see Riho Marino, Karl's wife, standing at the entrance of the office with a calm but commanding presence. Her eyes were sharp as she took in the scene, instantly assessing the situation.

"Marie doesn't deserve to be spoken to like that," Riho continued, her tone cool but firm. "And I suggest you think twice before insulting her again."

Faye's face flushed with anger, but she didn't dare challenge Riho directly. Instead, she huffed and turned on her heel, stalking away without another word.

Marie let out a shaky breath, feeling both relieved and stunned. Riho walked over to her, offering a kind smile.

"Are you okay?" Riho asked gently, her voice softening now that Faye was gone.

Marie nodded, though her hands were still trembling slightly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you for stepping in."

Riho waved her hand dismissively. "It was nothing. People like Faye thrive on making others feel small, but don't let her get to you."

Marie smiled gratefully. "I'll try."

Riho gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder before glancing toward the direction Faye had gone. "And don't worry about Vanessa. I know she's upset, but she'll eventually have to move on. Just focus on your happiness with Brian."

Marie nodded, feeling a warmth in her chest at Riho's support. "Thank you, Riho. I really appreciate it."

Riho smiled once more before turning to leave, her presence calming the storm that had been brewing in the office. As Marie watched her go, she felt a renewed sense of strength. No matter what Vanessa or Faye tried to throw her way, she had people in her corner who believed in her—and that was enough.

Later that evening, Marie and Brian met for dinner at their usual spot. As they sat across from each other, Marie told him about the incident with Faye and how Riho had come to her defense.

Brian frowned, his hand tightening around hers. "I can't believe Faye would say something like that. She used to be a friend."

Marie shrugged, though the sting of Faye's words still lingered. "It's okay. I'm not going to let her get to me."

Brian's gaze softened, and he leaned in, kissing her hand gently. "You're amazing, you know that? I don't care what anyone says—you're the one I want to be with."

Marie smiled, her heart swelling with affection. "I'm lucky to have you, Brian."

As the evening wore on, they talked and laughed, the tension of the day fading away. But even as they enjoyed their time together, a small part of Marie couldn't shake the feeling that Vanessa wasn't done trying to cause trouble.

The storm wasn't over yet, but Marie was ready to face whatever came her way—with Brian by her side.

----

The sun had dipped low, casting a warm, golden hue across the sprawling gardens of the Teodoro residence. Inside, Marie sat comfortably on one of the wicker chairs in the living room, the soft hum of the evening blending with the distant sound of crickets. She had just returned from another eventful day, seeking the comfort of a familiar conversation. Across from her sat Mang Caloy, relaxed in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Marie sighed, running a hand through her hair as she gathered her thoughts. "Mang Caloy, you won't believe what happened today."

Mang Caloy leaned back slightly, a small grin on his lips, his wise eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Tell me, anak. What's been troubling you?"

Marie let out a soft chuckle as she recounted her day—the encounter with Vanessa, the insults from Faye, and how Riho had unexpectedly stepped in to defend her. "I honestly wasn't expecting any of this. Vanessa's been bitter ever since Brian and I got together, but Faye? I thought she had no reason to get involved. She just couldn't resist stirring the pot."

Mang Caloy's expression remained calm, but a knowing smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He waited for her to finish before speaking, his tone as steady as ever. "Ah, the Tenaras and Castellanos," he began, shaking his head slightly. "Weak people, Marie."

Marie looked at him in confusion. "Weak? But they're doing everything they can to make my life harder."

Mang Caloy leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he met her gaze. "Weak people aren't always the ones who lack power or influence, anak. They're the ones who are ruled by jealousy, anger, and spite. Vanessa and Faye—they let those emotions control them, and that's what makes them weak."

Marie considered his words, her brow furrowing in thought. "So, you're saying I shouldn't let them get to me?"

He nodded, his smile widening slightly. "Exactly. People like them thrive on seeing you react. They want to get under your skin, make you doubt yourself, and disrupt your happiness. But if you don't let them, if you stay calm and steady in the face of their bitterness, they lose. That's real strength."

Marie couldn't help but laugh, the weight of the day slowly lifting from her shoulders. "I've been giving them too much power over me, haven't I?"

Mang Caloy's grin deepened. "You're kind, Marie. That's why it bothers you so much. But kindness doesn't mean you have to be weak. Strength is about holding your ground, not letting others shake you when the storm comes."

She nodded, feeling lighter as she absorbed his words. "You're right. I've been wasting energy on them. I've got more important things to focus on—like my relationship with Brian."

Mang Caloy chuckled, his voice warm and proud. "Exactly. Let them waste their time with jealousy and bitterness. While they're stuck trying to tear you down, you'll be building something meaningful. That's the best way to live."

Marie smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. "It's just hard seeing Vanessa so miserable. She's still hung up on Brian, and I don't know how to deal with that."

Mang Caloy shrugged, his expression softening. "Her misery isn't yours to carry, anak. You can't control how others feel, and you certainly can't fix what's broken inside them. Focus on your own happiness. Let her deal with her own emotions."

Marie laughed again, the tension fully draining away. "I guess I've been trying too hard to fix things I can't control."

Mang Caloy reached out, giving her hand a gentle pat. "Exactly. You've always been strong, Marie. Don't let anyone make you think otherwise. People like the Tenaras and Castellanos—they're just noise. Don't let them distract you from what really matters."

Marie sat back, a newfound calm settling over her. She looked around the room, the familiar setting of the Teodoro residence making her feel even more grounded. "Thank you, Mang Caloy. You always know how to make things clearer."

He winked at her, a mischievous grin lighting up his face. "That's because I've seen people like them come and go, anak. They never last. But you—you have real strength. You'll outlast them all."

Marie stood up, feeling more sure of herself than she had in days. "I won't let them get to me anymore. I've got too much going for me to worry about their drama."

Mang Caloy smiled, rising from his seat. "That's the spirit. Now, let's find something to eat. You look like you could use a good meal after all that nonsense."

Marie laughed, the weight of the day finally gone. As she followed him into the kitchen, she knew that no matter what Vanessa or Faye threw her way, she had the strength to rise above it—and people in her life who believed in her every step of the way.