Chapter Four

"Sir Laurent." Kuya Julio said, one of our gardeners, running towards my direction and breathing heavily. I quickly turned around and looked at him. I can see some droplets of sweat forming on his forehead. "I am sorry but the car broke down." He uttered, still trying to catch his breath. I sighed, trying to figure out how can I go to Malacañang Palace in no time when SONA starts at five, and it's already 4:30 PM.

Kuya Julio saw the disappointment on my face. I have no problem with me being late since I am not the one who is going to address the country's current situation or unveiling the government's future agenda. I am obliged to go there because I am their family. We need to pretend something that we are not, including me trying to be part of their picture-perfect family.

I don't really care if I arrive at the palace late. All I care is how Sebastian would react – Martina and my father can choke to death.

"Sir, I can–." He stated, but I immediately cut him off.  "Kuya Julio, it's fine. I'll just take a cab." I said and smiled at him. He bowed several times and walked away. 

I unlocked my phone and quickly went to my uber app. I was about to fill out my location where the driver can pick me up but another text message from the same unknown number texted me.

"Happy birthday, Laurent. Care to reply to my text message earlier?"

I had no idea who this person was. I remembered this person texting me something about my secret, and I don't actually give a single shit. I have so many secrets that I couldn't figure out which one they were referring to. I just ignored the text message.

I slowly walked outside the house and continue to what I am doing. Without noticing, a loud motorbike screeches in front of me that almost made me lose my balance. I almost drop my phone but fortunately, I was able to catch in the middle of the air.

"What the hell!" I shouted. I put my phone in my pocket and saw a guy stopped in front of me; riding a black motorbike with his helmet on wearing a very familiar clothing, his hands on the grips. He leaned backward and slowly removed his helmet. My eyes widen in disbelief when I saw Sebastian.

"Did you forget something?" I said. Almost not a single word won't come out of my mouth. He looked at me straight into my eyes with no emotion.

"Yes," he said in an intense voice. "You." He uttered, slowly handing me another headgear or helmet.

"Uh, no. I already booked a cab in uber." I lied, generously declining his offer. "I just need for ten more minutes," I lied, looking at my phone, trying to get through with this situation. 

He heaved a sigh, squinted his eyes, and leaned forward. I don't know, but it scares me when he does that.

God, how do I get away with this bitch?

"Cancelling a booking is not that hard, Laurent." The sarcasm in his statement was evident. I just want to get away with this situation. I know how convenient it is for me if I'll just go with him instead of letting my pride get in the way; however, everything was just so awkward between the two of us. 

I couldn't think of a convincing rebuttal to his statement as of the moment. My brain is trying to process a valid response.

"I thought you were with them?" I asked, attempting to divert his attention. His eyes sharpen as he noticed that I am trying to get away with this narrative. He put the headgear between his big thighs and crossed his arms in annoyance.

"Event starts at five. Don't make me wait for nothing." He threatened, still giving me the keep-your-mouth-shut glare. He is at his prettiest when he is angry, not gonna lie.

I give up.

I couldn't think of any way out, so I give up. I slowly walked near him and reached my hand to get the headgear. He sighed in relief. Sebastian immediately hand me the headgear and put his hands on the grips. An enigmatic smile formed on his lips.

That was one mysterious smile; I don't know what that meant.

Sebastian slowly inserts the motorbike key in the ignition, turned the key to on position, and squeezed the motorcycle clutch level using his left hand. I waited for the engine to start before I hop on.

After the engine started, he immediately put on his headgear and nod at me – gesturing me to hop on the motorbike. I nodded as a response. 

I put the headgear on my head slowly hopped on the motorbike. I can feel how heavy it is without even carrying it. I always wonder why some men love having big motorbikes, I mean, for what reason.

Once I am on the motorbike, I tried to take a very deep breath. I don't know what will happen for the next 10 minutes, so I calmed myself. I looked at the right side mirror to know how he reacts however, the headgear covered his entire face, so it was useless.

"I am good," I told him, letting him know that I am ready.

"Wrap your arms around my waist." I don't know if I misheard him, but it took me some time to comprehend what I'm hearing. My heart stopped for a moment; I was frozen and rooted in my place.

He just wanted me to put my hands around his waist, but I feel like my chest is pounding. What's happening to you, Laurent?

"No-no, tha-thank you." My stubborn self said in stutter; not knowing what I just said. I am still rooted in my position. I can feel his infuriation as he heaved another sighed.

"Just wrap your arms around my waist because the SONA will start in ten minutes." He calmly said, trying to be more persistent and patient with me. I don't know how to react because it was unusual for him to be calm and patient in front of me; he even sounded begging. I paused for few minutes, not knowing how to respond.

"Please, Laurent." He said in an imploring voice. My heart skipped a beat when he said those words because he sounded genuine, not exactly sure what is the reason why. Maybe, because I never heard him pleading nor apologizing for the past three years.

As I have mentioned, we never had proper communication. We were strangers living under the same roof. But, now I could feel that the boat is slowly sailing; still not sure where to go.

I stretched my arms; they were literally shaking when I slowly wrapped them around his waist. I could feel my face blushing, struggling to catch my breath even though we are in an open space.

I tried to calm myself.

After few seconds of keeping my cool, I leaned my head and unintentionally sniffed on his shoulder. He smelled like the flower my mother bought before she died, Wisteria; mildly musky but sweet.

I peeked at the right-side mirror and saw him smiling. Without any reason, a huge smile drew into my face, and an intense feeling of happiness overpowers my soul.