The Billionaire’s Playmate

Rozzean Cyron Valleje

Tali is really different.

My previous housemaids tried to get my attention. They attempted to seduce me, but they failed. No matter what allure they used, no one ever caught my interest. But Tali was genuinely different.

She hasn’t done anything to grab my attention yet here I am.

“I’m fckng thinking right now about how I will make her fall for me.”

Why doesn’t she believe me? Is it truly impossible for a man like me to fall for a simple woman like her? I’ve never felt the kind of care she showed me.

That’s what I want, that’s what I desire, and she’s what I need in my life.

“And now I am pissed because she said that I should forget my feelings for her. How am I going to do that?”

This is the first time I became interested in a woman, and it happens to be a maid I never expected to catch my attention. She’s simple and beautiful in her own way. Her beauty, simplicity, and intelligence surpass those of the women around me.

When my cellphone rang, I glanced at it. Mr. Barios was calling me, one of my investors and Klari’s father.

“Hello, Mr. Barios?”

“Rozzean, are you busy?”

I sat up. I was busy contemplating how my maid would fall for me, damn it.

“I am not, Mr. Barios.”

He invited me to an early dinner with his daughter. Since I don’t refuse invitations from my investors, I agreed. I got up and went down immediately.

As I approached the door, I saw Tali talking to someone. When I saw that it was Klari, an idea crossed my mind.

I know Tali is just holding back. I know she likes me. I think she’s just thinking I’m not serious, and she’s still testing me until now.

That’s the reason I’m considering.

“Rozz!” Klari called out to me.

I didn’t actually expect her to come to my house. Maybe her father mentioned that we would go to the restaurant together. I straightened the sleeves of my black polo shirt and walked towards them.

I could see that Tali was looking at me, but I didn’t glance at her.

How long are you going to say that you are not for me, Tali?

I looked at Manang Selya, “Manang Selya, I won’t be having dinner here.”

I wanted to smile when I saw Tali’s lips twitch upwards.

I wanted to smile, but I kept my stern face.

“Let’s go, Klari.”

I felt bad because I used her to make Tali jealous.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Tali just looking at us until we left the house.

“Rozz, I’m sorry if the invitation was so sudden. I told Papa that you might be busy.”

I looked at Klari and noticed she was struggling to walk in her heels, so I offered support at her waist.

“It’s okay. I wasn’t doing anything anyway.”

We arrived at the place, but my mind was still at home. What is Tali doing? How does she look right now… damn it. My thoughts were filled with things about her.

“Do you still not have a girlfriend until now, Rozzean?”

I looked up at Mr. Barios because of his question.

“No, Mr. Barios.”

He nodded, “Really? It seems challenging to get the attention of someone like Rozzean Cyron Valleje.”

I gave a faint smile. I don’t have a girlfriend yet, but maybe I’m close to having one.

“My daughter also doesn’t have a boyfriend. I’ve been telling her that I want a grandchild, and I’m getting old, but she still hasn’t introduced anyone to me.” Mr. Barios laughed and looked at Klari beside me.

“Dad, it’s not that easy. Don’t worry, when I’m being courted by a guy I like, I’ll introduce him to you right away,” Klari replied and glanced at me.

I know that Klari likes me. Now, with Mr. Barios talking about his daughter, I have an idea of the purpose of this early dinner.

I made it clear to Klari. From the beginning. I told her that I have no interest in her. If I did, I would have made a move, and she wouldn’t have to approach me.

While the father and daughter were chatting, and I was listening, I received a message.

My eyebrows furrowed upon seeing Luther’s name.

“I am here in your house, Cyron.”

That was the first message. What is he doing in my house?

I was about to type a response when I received another message expressing Luther’s appreciation. I saw a picture.

“Your new maid is kind, Cyron.”

I tightly held my phone, looking at the picture of Tali, who seemed to be heading towards the gazebo. She was holding a cup.

Is it coffee?

Luther doesn’t drink coffee. Fck.

“Mr. Barios, I’m sorry, but I need to go now. There’s an issue at home.”

I stood up, and the father and daughter looked at me.

“Oh, okay, take care!”

I turned away and headed towards my car. I hadn’t even gotten inside when I heard Klari’s voice.

“Rozz!”

I looked at her.

“Klari, your father clearly wanted to set us up. But you know my decision on that, right?”

“R-Rozzean…”

“I’ve already developed feelings for someone else. I am serious about her. I’m sorry, Klari.”

I got into my car and headed home.

Yes. I am serious about Tali. I’ve never felt this kind of feeling before. It’s not just temporary. I know that.

I always wanted to see her, to hold her. I want her close. Always.

I tried calling Luther, but he wasn’t answering. Damn it.

Why is she always near other guys? First Maki, and now Luther?

When I reached my house, I quickly headed to the gazebo. Even from a distance, I could see Luther talking to Tali. He was so close to her.

Before I could get closer, I saw him caress the side of Tali’s head. I clenched my fists and glared at him.

That wasn’t a good scene for me.

First of all, why did he send coffee when he doesn’t drink it? Second, why did he need to take a picture of Tali as she approached and send it to me?

When Luther entered my house, Tali and I were left alone.

“Why didn’t you call me immediately when a visitor arrived?” I asked her.

I saw her forehead furrow.

“Sir, you were on a date earlier. It would be embarrassing to disturb you on your date with Miss Klari.”

I knew it.

She likes me too, but she’s in denial, thinking I’m just testing her.

“It was not a date, Tali.”

“Sir, I wasn’t born yesterday to not know that it was a date. Don’t deny it. And what’s wrong with it? Miss Klari is beautiful, smart, has her own business, and according to Manang, many like her, but you’re the one she’s waiting for because she has feelings for you. Oh, please, Sir Rozzean–”

I couldn’t help but smirk at what she said. A date, huh? I didn’t mention earlier that I was leaving for a date with Klari.

I need to stay calm. I can’t smile like an idiot just because I found out she’s jealous.

“Oh? There you go again, sir.”

“You are jealous.”

I couldn’t help but smile. At least now I know she likes me. There’s hope. Damn. I never thought I could feel this kind of excitement.

“You’re jealous,” I said.

“I am not jealous, sir! In fact, you and Miss Klari looked better together. Should I repeat her good qualities to enlighten you?”

There she goes again.

She’s infuriating. I wanted to kiss her deeply.

I quickly kissed her on the lips. She was surprised and covered her mouth. I continued to smile at her.

“Tali, you have nothing to be jealous of. Klari and I are not just together. Klari’s father invited me to join them for dinner. Klari’s father is one of my company’s investors. I also didn’t expect Klari to come to the house earlier.”

“I am not jealous!” she shouted.

She’s so cute that she made me laugh. Damn. I’m whipped.

Can’t you see what’s happening to you, Rozzean?

“You are jealous, baby.”

“I am not!”

After our conversation, I took her hand, and we went inside the house. In the living room, I saw Luther, staring at his phone.

“Are you going to stay here tonight, Luther?”

Instead of answering my question, Luther looked behind me.

I furrowed my brows. He was looking at Tali. When I saw him smile at Tali, I immediately blocked his view.

What is this feeling? This is the same feeling I felt when Maki was in my house.

“T-Tali, sir, I’ll help Manang prepare dinner in the kitchen,” Tali said to me.

I was about to speak, but she quickly left. I looked at Luther. He kept his gaze on Tali. I turned around and sat in front of him.

“Stop looking at my maid, Luther.” I said irritably.

I heard him laugh.

“What? Before, you didn’t care about your maids. Now that you’re just looking, you’re getting all grumpy.”

I didn’t respond. I invited Luther to the library to talk there.

“Your house is huge but you’re still single, Cyron. When do you plan to get married?” he asked.

Instead of answering the question, I threw the same question back at him.

“When do you plan to get married?” He laughed loudly.

I don’t feel the need to explain myself to him. Also, I don’t know what his real purpose is for being here.

“You are always grumpy, Cyron,” he said.

“What’s the real reason you’re here?” I asked.

He settled into his seat and placed his cellphone on the coffee table.

“I visited a place here with a business partner. I passed by your house to say hi since I’m already here. I wasn’t in the house when you came and stayed for three days.”

He wasn’t there when I arrived. Dad mentioned he was abroad for a business transaction.

“We don’t see each other often. You’re hurting my feelings, Cyron. I visited you, and it seems like you’re not happy.”

He placed his left hand on his chest as if genuinely hurt.

“I’m busy, Luther–”

“I’ve been hearing that reason for three years after what happened to our family, Cyron.”

His voice was serious now as he looked at me. I averted my eyes. How can I forget that?

How?

Don’t start, Luther. I am not lying. I am busy with my company.”

I saw him nod out of the corner of my eye.

“So busy, Cyron? Taki often looks for you. Mom always asks Dad when you’re going to visit us. I heard from Mom that Dad even went to your company just to tell you to visit us at home.”

That day, I thought Dad wanted to discuss business, which is why he came early to my company. It was unexpected for me that he wanted me to go home. So unexpected. Usually, it’s Luther who talks to me about coming home to visit them.

“I’m sad I wasn’t there when you came. But now I’m here. So, can we have a drink? I’ll stay here. You don’t need to worry about me going home drunk.”

I smirked, still not looking at him.

“Who would worry? Not me.”

Luther laughed heartily at my remark.

“By the way, Cyron. Where did you find your maid?”

His question caught my attention, so I glanced at Luther.

“Why?”

“Oh, nothing…” he said.

But what I didn’t like was when he smiled.

Damn it. Why does everyone notice you, Tali?

“Luther.”

“What? I was just asking about your maid. She makes a great cup of coffee.”

I narrowed my eyes. I gave him a disapproving look.

“Why are you pissed?” he asked, laughing.

“Damn you, Luther. You don’t drink coffee.”

He never drank coffee, not even when we were kids. What is he saying? Is he trying to fool me?

“I did. Earlier. Looks like I might start drinking more often, but it seems I’ll only have it here.”

Why the hell does my woman attract the attention of these men?

First, Maki, and now Luther-my brother.

When Luther stood up, I glanced at him.

“I am hungry. Maybe there’s food? It’s quite late. How about you? Are you going to eat? Let’s eat first before we drink.”

I stood up as well.

“Don’t eat.”

Luther raised his eyebrows at my words.

“What? Why? I haven’t eaten since noon. You are so mean.”

Tali cooked. I’m sure of it. I don’t want him to taste the food my baby cooked.

“I will order your food,” I said.

He looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“Why are you ordering, Cyron? You have maids. There’s food here. Let’s go down. I’m really hungry.”

When he turned away, I quickly walked over and held him by the arm.

“Let’s order,” I insisted, but he just shook his head at me.

“I don’t know what’s on your mind, but I am really hungry.”

I sighed in relief when Luther finally left the library and went downstairs. I followed him.

“Let’s eat in the dining room–”

“Cyron, I’m fine eating at the island counter.”

Damn it. I don’t want him to see Tali! I don’t want him to taste the food that my baby cooked!

While we were heading to the kitchen, I talked to Luther.Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

“Why don’t you find a hotel to stay?”

I don’t want him here.

“Why would I stay in a hotel when my brother has a house here? Come on, Cyron. It makes me wonder if you’re hiding something from me.”

I saw Luther glance at Tali.

I’ve been noticing it since earlier, and I’m not happy about it.

“Hiding what, Luther?” I asked. I’m getting confused with him and his thoughts. He’s been like this since earlier.

Luther sat down and started putting food on his plate. But while eating, I noticed he kept glancing at Tali.

What’s with him?

“Maybe you’re hiding something from me, or maybe there’s someone hiding in your house–”

I looked at Tali when I heard her cough.

“Tali, are you okay? Oh no, you might be getting sick. Earlier, your whole face turned red when you entered the kitchen, and now you’re coughing,” said manang.

I quickly turned and approached her. I felt her forehead and neck.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

But what made me a little mad was that instead of answering my question, she looked at my brother.

What…

Is she interested in Luther? I immediately felt jealous. I’m right in front of her, yet she’s looking at my brother.

“Tali,” I said. I couldn’t hide my annoyance in my tone.

“I-I’m okay, sir. I’m fine. Just a bit tired,” she said to me.

“See, that’s what I’ve been saying, Tali. You must have overworked yourself today. This morning, you did so much already, even going around the whole house, and now tonight,” Manang said.

“Oh, really? Your maid is quite impressive, Rozzean. Considering the size of your house and the amount of cleaning needed, she did everything by herself this morning?”

I glanced at Luther when he spoke. I am at the end of my patience right now. Why are they looking at each other?

“Sir Luther, it’s part of my job, and–”

“I wish I could have a maid like you, Tali. Someone diligent and dedicated to her work.”

I breathed hard.

“Tali, go to your room and rest.”

Her gaze only turned to me then.

“B-But, sir–”

“Now.”

Once Tali left the kitchen, I faced Luther. He was smiling while eating.

“Why are you acting strange, Luther?” I was irritated. Jealousy started consuming me.

“Nothing…”

I left the kitchen and went upstairs to Tali’s room. I don’t like this feeling. Earlier, I was sure she liked me too, but now I’m having second thoughts because of Luther.

Why the hell are they looking at each other?