Unwanted pleasure

"Pay a visit to Mrs. Cura this weekend."

My mother's words were absolute. Even after winning the best supporting actress award, it seemed like it wasn't enough to make her satisfied with my current acting skills.

I've been to numbers of acting workshops, but none of them made me find my passion for acting. Despite the overwhelming pressure, I diligently worked for every project that was entrusted to me. But everything's useless for her, this made me feel cr@p.

"Were my efforts meaningless?" The silence between the two of us broke.

I lost my composure. I shouldn't have voiced out my thoughts when she's clearly disappointed in me.

The tension building inside the car only grew heavier.

Now, I regretted letting her drive me home when I should have stayed and gone to the after-party with my colleagues.

The awarding ceremony was not yet half way through, but he immediately sent me home. I couldn't even come up with a good reason to excuse myself from the event. It's not just unprofessional, that was also rude to my co-actors in our table who worked hard to make our movie successful.

My grip on the glass trophy tightened. I couldn't bring myself to disobey her even after she pushed me to pursue this childhood dream of hers.

"It was not your efforts which brought you to this position, it was my money." Instead of facing me, she coldly stares at my billboard across the street while waiting for the traffic light to signal "go."

I smiled bitterly. I understand, mother. No need to rub it on my face.

Silence enveloped the car once again. We never exchanged words until we reached my house. I was not expecting her to be happy with my little achievements in the first place, but it still left a sting in my heart when I received no acknowledgment from her.

I stormed inside my house and took a light shower. I feel so hot, I don't even know where to turn the anger in my heart. A cold shower wasn't enough, I had to leave and temporarily forget everything that happened today.

While I was drying my hair, my phone vibrated. It was Desmond Soares, a high-profile superstar that I was fortunate to work with in my latest project. Although he was the main reason it became successful since every drama series and movie he was part of was said by media analyzer to be bound to be a megahit.

I may have overstated how I view him as an actor, but he really is a professional in this industry. I was overwhelmed when I met him in our set, I was speechless since the first thing he asked was my number.

I still remember how I was suddenly mobbed by Desmond's fans because of the issue that he was allegedly training me for.

My agency was using it as an advantage to promote my name so they don't want to release an official statement denying the issue.

From: Mr. superstar

I was bored since you left. You should have just come with me.

I rolled my eyes. Yes. He's the Desmond, but he acts like a baby off cam.

He has many more messages. He even sent me their group photo winning the movie of the year and his trophy for best actor award. That was his 11th best actor award for this year.

While I got my first award for best supporting actress, but I couldn't be happy.

It is said that the awarding ceremony had just ended and the young artists were able to go to the bar since most of them did not want to join the after-party of the elderly or veteran artists held in a hotel.

He sent me the address with a praying hand emoji, as if begging me to come.

I only replied with a like emoji.

I wore a black see-through dress, inside is another black silk spaghetti strap dress with a low neck line paired with a 2-inch black stiletto. My pale skin is now even more emphasized, because of my dark outfit.

I grabbed my keys and purse. Tonight, I will surely drown myself on alcohol.

"I think my beshy is broken!" Someone suddenly hugged me from behind. It was Karina. He is not an actor but he is a famous vlogger so he knows many actors. We're not best friends as she spreads but she's kind.

"Tell me who fought you, I will slander you on socmed." He continued, still not wanting to let go of his hug. I guess she's a bit drunk.

Looks like I'm going to take back what I said she's kind.

"I'm fine, Karina-"

"No! I told you I'll wear pink but your attack is all-black tonight! Something's wrong!" He insisted. I just sighed, he shouldn't be the first to see me.

"Hey Karina!-Oh! You're finally here, Era!" Desmond spotted us looking stupid while Karina is still clinging on me like a Koala. Annoyance is clearly written on my face but he just laughs it off.

"I think that beshy is drunk!" He jokingly said to Karina while pinching her cheek. "I'm not drunk!" One of his hands pushed away.

Later came other vloggers and actors who looked familiar but I forgot their names. Finally, I got rid of the Koala, I mean Karina.

In the group of people dancing, I also saw our table. We are all complete except for Director Lim who probably went to the adults' after-party and is now suffering.

"Hey Era! I like your outfit!" Greetings from Eunice, the protagonist in our movie. I smiled at her and also complimented her attire.

"No! I said we should wear pink but he went black!" I heard Karina's voice again, she was at the other table and now she is moving next to me. My friends at the table laughed.

"Just now I saw you in a black outfit, because what you wear always gives off modest vibes. What's the occasion?" One is still curious. Why everyone's prying on my outfit. Was it bad?

I'm not even modest or conservative in the first place. They are just too liberated to dress.

I heaved a sigh before pouring vodka on my shot glass. The people at the table cheered, as if this was my first time drinking.

"Well, to answer that...I wanna be wasted just tonight." I smirked.

"You hear that? Nobody's going home until they're drunk!" Desmond raised his bottle and toasted with mine.

It only took a few moments for the alcohol to take its toll on my system. Now, I should dance. Desmond followed me.

"Hey! Desmond! You're not replying to my messages." A fan whose features are qualified to be a model suddenly clings to Desmond.

He looked at me as if he's asking for help.

"I'm sorry, Clara. I'm with someone." The woman snorted at him.

"My name's Diana! And we were enjoying each others' company last time!"

"Alright! But my date's waiting for me. She's a jealous woman." I was shocked to hear that. He's using me again as a scapegoat.

The woman stared at me intently.

"Is she your rumored girlfriend? She's just using you for fame!"

I could feel my nerves trembling in my temples.

"You were rejected just now. So, unhand my rumored boyfriend." I dragged Desmond to the dance floor and left the woman completely flabbergasted.

I grinned. That feels so exhilarating.

"Now, I want to be your real boyfriend, Era." Desmond whispered against my ear which made me chuckle.

"You heard the woman. I still need to use you for fame." I didn't know I could be this shameless. It must be the liquor.

"It's my pleasure to be of use." He bit my ear. Sh*t. Desmond, the media won't leave me if they capture us being intimate like this.

We started to dance. I could feel his hand on my waist.

"Woah! I didn't know you dance, Era!" He was behind me, dancing along to the beat of music.

I grinned.

"You know nothing about me. I'm more of a dancer than an actress." He chuckled.

Just when we're about to have a good time, a fight suddenly happens just right beside us. Desmond was even punched on the face trying to meddle between the fight, I think he knew the one who was fighting.

I was about to go to his aid when a bunch of fans surrounded him like a herd of wild animals. Instead of security stopping the trouble, a crowd of Desmond's fans drove out those who hurt him.

Now I'm scared to go near him. I remembered how traumatizing the float parade was for promoting our movie last month. Someone threw a tomato at me because I was stealing Desmond from his love team which is the protagonist of the movie.

That ruined my mood. Instead of going back to the table, I went straight to the bar counter.

Thinking of what I could drink, I stared at the bartender for a long time. He's busy attending orders from other customers so he probably didn't notice me.

He's tall and has a good physique. His muscles are visible because of his fitted white button down shirt. He deliberately undone three of his top buttons that's why women are drooling over the sight of his broad chest.

It's no wonder that only women wait for orders at the bar counter. Even if they can't drink, order after order.

It is the bartender the one they want to buy not drinks.

He whistled.

When I looked up at him again, our eyes met. I held my mouth.

"Did I say that too loud?" I asked unconsciously. He chuckled.

"Would you like a drink?" Instead of answering, he offered me a drink. I don't know what drink he put in front of me. It has a bright orange color.

I gave him a stern look.

"I never order for this." I pushed the glass towards him, but he handed it back to me.

"That drink will suit your taste." I want to wipe off the sly grin he has.

"Was it drugged?"

"What kind of perverted ideas are you thinking?" My cheeks instantly heated by his vulgar way of asking. He's smiling from ear-to-ear. He's having fun toying with me.

"I wasn't particularly thinking of anything!" I strongly defended myself which made him act as if he's surrendering.

"Alright! We don't need to raise our voice here, Ma'am. We're both clean." I hate his grinning face. I rolled my eyes before chugging down that suspicious drink he offered.

I blinked twice and stared at the half empty glass.

"It was... an orange juice?" Damn this bartender! He's laughing his @ss off.

"Was it too strong? Want something gentle?" I gritted my teeth. Now he's offering me a milk in a bear-shaped cup.

My face was red, not just because of embarrassment but because of so much anger. I guess even if I love him for the milk he gives, I still can't get rid of my anger towards him.

"Call your manager! What kind of cr@ppy service is this?" My voice is raising dramatically. He pretended to take a breath as if in submission.

"I think that's enough. You're already drunk, Ma'am." His face looks concerned but his voice sounds playful. This made me more furious.

"I'm not drunk!" I tripped in time and spilled the orange juice on the counter. The irritating thing is that instead of getting angry, the smile on his lips grew even bigger.

"Fine. You're not drunk." My vision is turning so blurry. I'm dizzy. I saw him gently touch my elbow to check if I was fine but I slapped his hand away.

"That was too strong, rabbit." He chuckled.

I don't remember what happened next because I lost consciousness completely. I knew it! That drink was drugged! I'll get back to that bartender!

I felt the familiar warmth of my bed. How did I get home last night? I must have drunk too much because I don't remember anything.

I was about to go back to sleep when I heard a strange noise around me.

"Shhh! Don't make noise! Mama's sleeping!" Did I leave the TV on? What's with this noise?

I heard a baby's cry. It was loud as if the baby's just beside me.

"I'm hungry! Mom wake up!" Wait. I'm scared. This is way too realistic. Why is there a small hand touching my stomach?

I don't want to open my eyes.

"Wakey wakey, Mama!" I gasped for air as I opened my eyes when something hit my body.

My eyes are playing games with me. There are three children in my bed!

"Good morning, Mom!"

"Good morning, Mom!"

I was immediately thrown from my bed. I pushed myself against the headboard of the bed.

I understand that I was drunk last night, but not too wasted to bring triplets in my house. I don't even know whose kids these are. Wait. Did I kid@pped them? Did I just commit a crime? Am i going to jail?

I'm pulling out my hair. I think I'm going crazy.

I wandered my eyes around the room to find another person, but it was just me and these three boys in dinosaur outfits. They are identical triplets and I think they're probably 3-5 yrs. old. They looked so cute with their brown eyes and curly shoulder length hair.

Their eyes roll when they watch how I almost lose my mind. I'm confused. I can understand if I'm in someone else's house but this is my room, this is my house. If anyone brings a child here, no one but me.

"I told you to just wait! Mama was surprised!" One of the kids scolded his other two siblings. The two are still shaking and shaking.

"Mom, I'm hungry!" One did, both cheeks and nose were red from crying.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. This is all that bartender's fault! He put something in my drink so now I see something!

"Am I dreaming?" I whispered, trying to calm myself down. I was about to sl@p my cheeks in hope that I would wake up from this dream when suddenly, two small hands touched my face.

"Mom, if you're sleepy, go to sleep."

I felt like cold water was poured on me when I heard that. I can't just s@mpal-s@mpal anymore, it's like it's real! I think I'll just cry.

When I opened my eyes, the tip of my nose was almost in contact with the child while the other two were on either side of me and were also staring at my face. I can't speak.

"Before you go to sleep again mom, let's have breakfast first please." One of them was on my shoulder, pouting.

I cleared my throat.

"W-why do you call me 'Mama'?" None of my own questions to them. The three of them looked at each other and looked at me in surprise.

"Mama, just go to sleep again, you still seem tired." Said the boy who was hungry earlier and gently pushed my body back to lie down on the bed. My wandering mind is like the wind that just drifts away and lies down.

I immediately blinked and sat down again. Why didn't I realize that I could just review the CCTV last night? I unwrapped the comforter around my body and ran to my personal computer in my study.

"Where are you going, Mom!?"

I heard tiny footsteps behind me. Three baby dinos followed me. I slowed down a bit because they might be mad. What's crazy is that there were four of us in my study and the three of them fit themselves in the swivel chair in front of the computer.

I was behind them, checking the footage captured last night. I specifically search for the camera outside the gate.

My heart skipped a beat for a second. All I could hear was the series of rapid mouse clicks. Sh*t. I found nothing. No recording after dropping me off at Mama's house last night. All CCTVs inside and outside my house suddenly didn't function after that. I can understand if one or two suddenly broke, but not one camera worked last night. That was d*mn suspicious and disturbing at the same time.

My hands are shaking. How in the world did this happen? Was my house broken into without my knowledge? Are they still inside my house?

It was warm. I can't believe I hung up because I didn't want this moment to end. Why are my eyes watering? I shouldn't feel this way. Maybe I've been alone for so long that even this simple kind of affection makes me feel too emotional.

I also want to be a mother someday, but I'm afraid I might not be a good mother.

I withdrew my hand and turned away from them. I need to gather myself.

"Mom, why did you cancel the food delivery?" A small hand was touching my back. I closed my eyes tightly, holding back a laugh.

What will I do with these children? Which syndicate do they belong to? Why are they so well-trained to prey on people's hearts?

I took a breath and faced them.

"I'll cook for you. After you eat we'll talk about how I can bring you back to your Papa."

Their jaws dropped when they heard it.

I put them down on the swivel chair one by one and went to the kitchen together. They're so cute. The three of them bowed and seemed to be deep in thought. I stroked their hair.

"You don't have to overthink everything. I'll take you back to your dad, okay?" I assured them, but they looked at me with teary eyes.

"W-We only have you, Mama!" One of them cried, followed by a series of nods from the two. They're so identical, I can't tell who's talking. I just held my breath.

"I'm not your Mama. I'm still a girl." Their eyes narrowed at me as if they didn't believe.

"Who said I'm your mom?" I asked and they just kept quiet. They have been like this for a while. They avoid questions that might reveal their identities. They are still young but they already know how to lie and keep secrets.

I opened my fridge. To my surprise, it was full of @lcoholic beverages that are not suitable for kids.

My eyes lit up because a tray of eggs had strayed inside. I took four pieces and started frying.

"Wow! Monster-shaped eggs!" The three clapped at the fried egg spread in front of them.

That was when I knew my sunny side up eggs looked terrible.

I grabbed my phone and called for food delivery service.

While the three were eating, I tried to remember what happened last night. All I know is that the bartender gave me something to drink so I lost consciousness. What I don't understand is how I got home and why the CCTVs didn't work yesterday.

I can't even explain how I suddenly had a baby?

I checked my room earlier. There's nothing missing. If the perpetrator's purpose was to steal, it would make sense, but none of my things were lost or touched. Everything is in the right place.

He/they didn't steal but they left children at my house.

Nothing will happen if I just ask myself all day. I should call Desmond to answer my questions.

"Hey! You miss me?" There is a hint of playfulness in his voice.

"Not really." I was shocked by his mockery.

"Awww!" I heard him pretend as if he was hurt. I chuckled.

"I just wanna thank you for driving me home last night. I was too wasted."

"What are you thanking me for? You left me last night." I frowned at what I heard. So, it wasn't him who drove me home? Who was it then?

"Are you teasing me? Who will deliver me if not you?" He was silent on the other line for a few seconds.

"How can I deliver you? Leave me alone." I felt a little pity for him. He must have a hard time escaping from the grasp of his fans.

"Your fans looked like they would bite if I went near you."

"Then I will make you my official girlfriend so they won't think of hurting you." What he said made me cough. His flirting skills are maxed level.

As if. His fans will kill me if I destroy them with his love team.

"Stop flirting with me. It won't work." He chuckled.

"Alright. Thank you for telling me. I have to hang up now."

"Wait! Who was it? Don't you know who delivered you?" He asked sounding worried.

I should think of a plausible excuse.

"No- I just received a message umm... It was my driver." I should be a decent actress but I find it hard to lie sometimes.

"Okay. I thought someone you didn't know brought you home. Was that all? I genuinely thought you were sorry for ghosting me last night." The vigor returned to his voice. I smiled.

"I'll treat you to a meal next time, Desmond." I take it back from him.

"Hmm? What's this? A date?" He laughed on the other line.

"No, Mom! You can't date!-"

Sh*t! I immediately hung up. I hope he didn't hear it. I looked behind me and the three of them were there and it looked like they had been listening to Desmond and I's conversation.

Their lips, hands, and cheeks are all stained with ketchup. They simply listened while holding a chicken leg in their hands.

"What are you doing? It's not good to eavesdrop on a private conversation like this." I preached to them, but instead of feeling guilty, they looked even more angry.

"You already have us, Mama. You shouldn't date anymore." One of them was shouting and was also fighting me with the sermon.

"I already told you. I'm not your Mama and I'm going to return you to your Papa." They stopped chewing their food and looked at me as if I had oppressed them.

"You are lying!" One accused me of using the chicken thigh he was holding to teach me.

"I'm not. You're the one who lied to me. Why haven't you admitted to me who your Papa is so I can return you to him?" I raised my voice a bit so they were surprised and dropped what they were eating. They were snoring and their eyes were watering.

"We-We want to be with you Mom." The three fell on the floor and cried while clinging to my leg. I feel heavy. I felt something in my heart. I'm not their mother, not even a good person to begin with, but why do they want me to be Mama?

I knelt down in front of them and sat them down. I shouldn't have poured out my frustrations on them. Their father's negligence brought them here. It wasn't their fault.