16/11/2025
SUNSETS, SECRETS, AND SECOND CHANCES
Chapter One: Birthday
Soft, warm lights cast a golden glow over the cozy corner of Belle’s favorite beachfront bar. The place hummed with life, its blend of locals, tourists, and wanderers weaving an atmosphere of laughter and stories. Long weekend holidays always brought an eclectic crowd to Boracay: sun-kissed travelers recounting their adventures, couples leaning into private conversations, and groups of friends raising toasts to the rhythm of the waves. But Belle sat alone, her plate of finger foods untouched as she sipped a tall glass of freshly squeezed juice.
Tonight wasn’t about indulgence but about keeping a clear head for what she had planned. Alcohol would only muddle her thoughts, and she needed her focus sharp. Her nerves, however, had other ideas.
She glanced at the TV above the bar, where an NBA game flickered. The players moved like streaks of lightning, but even their speed wasn’t enough to hold her attention. Instead, she fidgeted with her straw, oblivious to the occasional glances sent her way. She shifted in her seat, attempting to project calm confidence even as her pulse quickened with discomfort.
The sound of shuffling footsteps interrupted her thoughts. A tall man with an air of misplaced confidence slid onto the stool beside her, reeking of cheap cologne and beer. “Hey there,” he slurred. “Mind if I join you?”
Belle stiffened, then politely declined. “Actually, I’m waiting for someone.”
But the intruder didn’t take the hint. Instead, he leaned closer, his breath hot and heavy with alcohol. “Waiting, huh? I don’t see anyone around. You sure he’s coming?”
Belle clenched her jaw, her patience wearing thin. Just as she mustered the courage to tell him off, a shadow fell over the table. Before she could react, she felt a warm, gentle kiss on her cheek. Her heart skipped a beat as a deep, smooth voice interrupted the unwelcome encounter.
“Sorry, I’m late, Baby. Is this guy bothering you?”
Belle looked up to find a tall stranger with sandy blond hair standing beside her, his broad shoulders and easy confidence making an instant impression. He turned to the other man, his tone polite but firm, as though daring him to challenge the situation.
The intruder hesitated, clearly weighing his options. With a mumbled “whatever,” he slinked off into the crowd, leaving Belle to breathe a sigh of relief.
“Thank you,” she said, turning to her unexpected savior. Her initial shock gave way to gratitude as she took in his sharp features and piercing blue eyes. “That guy was a handful.”
“Glad I could help,” he replied, his lips curling up charmingly. “I’m Anthony, by the way. But I figured shaking hands might ruin the whole boyfriend act.”
Belle laughed, the tension melting away. “Fair point. I’m Belle. And really, thanks for stepping in. I owe you one.”
“No need,” Anthony said with a casual shrug. “But I do have to ask—how did I do? Believable enough to be your boyfriend?”
Belle smirked, crossing her arms. “You could work on the punctuality.”
Loving their banter, Anthony quipped, “Fair. I’ll keep that in mind for next time.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Next time?”
“Sure,” he said, leaning slightly closer. “You never know when you might need rescuing again.”
Belle found herself smiling despite herself. “Alright, Mr. Knight in Shining Armor. What made you so sure I wasn’t waiting for someone?”
Anthony’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Well, I’ve been hanging around here for a bit. I noticed you when I walked in, and you didn’t look like someone expecting company. Then I overheard you telling that guy about your boyfriend. It didn’t add up.”
Belle tilted her head, impressed by his observation skills. “So, you were people-watching?”
“More like keeping an eye out for interesting company,” he playfully replied. “And I think I found her.”
Their conversation flowed effortlessly; each exchange was layered with light banter and subtle flirtation. Belle learned that Anthony was 35, visiting the island for a solo getaway. He learned that she was celebrating her 32nd birthday, which earned her an exaggerated look of disbelief.
“32? No way,” Anthony said, leaning back as though the idea shocked him. “You could’ve told me 25, and I’d believe it.”
Belle laughed, her cheeks warming under his steady gaze. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” he teased. “It seems to be working so far.” Anthony was captivated by her effortless beauty: thick lashes framed her gentle features, and her dimples made her expression even more endearing. But it was her playful yet thoughtful demeanor that intrigued him most.
She shook her head, trying to suppress a grin. “So, what brings you to Boracay?”
Anthony hesitated for a bit, his tone softening. “I needed a change of scenery. Life’s been a little… hectic lately.
Belle nodded, understanding more than she let on. “Well, you picked the perfect place to unwind.”
“And you?” Anthony asked, his tone turning curious. “Are you here alone?”
“Not exactly,” Belle admitted. “I came with friends but left them to avoid playing third wheel on my birthday.”
Anthony chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “Well, happy birthday, third wheel. They’re missing a lot..”
Belle shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. “Maybe. Or maybe I got lucky with better company.”
Anthony’s countenance brightened, his gaze lingering on hers. “I’ll drink to that—though, judging by your juice, I’m guessing alcohol’s off the table?”
“For tonight,” she said, raising her glass mockingly. “Got to keep a clear head.”
“Fair enough,” he replied, clinking his imaginary glass against hers. “Here’s to chance encounters and clear heads.”
As the evening progressed, Belle felt Anthony’s easy charm pulling her in, leaving her intrigued and completely at ease. She let herself relax for the first time in what felt like forever, forgetting about her plan for the night.
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