“IT’S OKAY! THE breakfast is delicious, so it’s okay,” I said shyly, although I have not forgotten what he did to me last night.
“The dress fits you perfectly. You look beautiful today,” he praises.
“Thank you for the dress. You shouldn’t have bothered in the first place.” My cheeks become redder.
“Don’t think about it. You’re beyond gorgeous in that dress,” he replied before turning his back on me and return to the man he talked to earlier.
With delight in my heart, the heat traveled to my cheeks. I followed him with my gaze. I thought I’d just go back to the suite first and called Cindy.
But I’m frozen to my feet when I saw Peter approaching me.
“Peter?!”
“Yes. You must be shocked?” A sweet smile flashed on him.
“No—honestly, yes!” I muttered.
He laughed a little. I quickly turned to Lawrence, who was now busy talking to someone again.
“I’m sorry for what happened last night. How are you? You alright?”
I REMAINED SILENT. I have no intention of discussing this matter further because I am not in the position to ask him for an explanation. I just went straight to the room he had reserved for me last night and slumped on the side of the bed. I calmed myself a few times before noticing the red rose he had given me. I closed my eyes for a moment and smelled its scent. I can’t help but smile when I saw again the letter he wrote. “Hmm. Lucky rose . . .” My eyes opened. Lawrence leaned against the door frame staring at me with a curved lip. His dimple shows. I can’t help but be overwhelmed. What would it be like to be trapped in his arms, especially if something more serious had happened to us last night? I quickly shook my head and scolded myself for thinking about that. “Our lunch is ready. Let’s eat,” he said before leaving. I quietly followed because I actually starving. He pulled out a chair for me and gently tapped my shoulder before si
A FEW HOURS after the wedding, guests went straight to the Pavilion de Saavedra, where the reception will be held. I decided to sit in a corner that was not too crowded as I quietly sipped the wine in the glass I was holding. “Why don’t you join them?” I suddenly turned to the source of the voice. Lawrence stood beside me, holding a glass of champagne. I sipped my wine instead of answering. “Don’t drink too much, Margaux,” he reminded me. I frowned at him and took another glass from a passing waiter. “It’s just wine, Lawrence,” I answered sparingly. I was about to drink again, but he snatched it and drank it straight. I just felt sorry for him for what he did. Then he suddenly took off his coat and covered it on my skin. “Thanks,” I murmured. “You look pretty as always,” he said in his husky voice. I looked up at him. He has a pleasant expression. “It’s getting colder here.” He gently took my hand and gu
“IF YOU CAN’T, it’s okay—” “No, it’s okay,” he cut me off. “Alright, then I will set a schedule for our meeting after we get back to Manila,” I declared. “No problem,” he still answered sparingly to me. Since it looks like he really has no intention of talking to me, I decided to just look out the window again. But to my surprise, the car suddenly turned to a restaurant. “Let’s eat first before going home,” he said, something I agreed with. “They have delicious food here,” he said as we walked inside. “Elliesse Restaurant”, that was the name of the restaurant he brought me. I can’t help but appreciate it since the diner’s overall structure is appealing. There’s also a large tree in there, as well as a stairway to the rooftop, which I’m sure I will love. The place is beautiful, and the theme color was green. The table and chairs are made of top-notch wood. A violinist is playing in the corner, and the restaurant is conne
TIME PASSED QUICKLY. I just finished my meeting with Mrs. Talameda. Our discussion was very long, and now it is past four o’clock in the afternoon. I was late for my meeting with Lawrence, and the traffic was still heavy. “Shit!” I said in disgust. I took my cellphone out of the bag to get even more frustrated because it turned out to be a low battery. “Why now?!” It was 5:30 pm when I got through the traffic. I was an hour and a half late for the meeting. I immediately parked the car in front of the famous coffee shop where Lawrence and I will meet. My eyes immediately searched for Lawrence as I entered. “For reservation, Ma’am?” the waiter politely asked me. “Yes, with Mr. Saavedra,” I replied as the nervousness was still in my body. “Ah, this way, please.” He guided me up the stairs, where there were very few people. “Thank you!” I said as he pointed me to our table. My chest tightened immediately when I saw
“HERE’S YOUR COFFEE!” I put the coffee in front of him and then decided to sit down. “Thanks.” He met my gaze, so I slowly bowed to the food. I swallowed a few times before speaking again. “Any plans for today?” he asked as he sipped a coffee. “Hmm, I don’t have any plans today.” “May I ask you out on a date?” he instantly said while looking directly at me. I pursed my lips. I did not immediately respond to his offer. “How about shopping? Or movies?” he suggested and laid his back against the chair. Maybe I’ll do the baking of the cake later. “I’m not busy, so let’s go,” I agree. After we ate, we went to the mall. He left me for a while to buy a ticket while I bought popcorn and drinks. From here, I can see how some women look at him. I have to admit that he’s attractive and definitely a head-turner. I can’t help but wonder if the women’s necks were not clenched as they look at him. He ca
THE THINGS I will take with me when Lawrence and I leave are ready. While waiting for him to arrive, I glanced in the mirror many times since the anxiety in my chest didn’t go away. I almost jumped in shock when I heard a series of doorbell rings. “Just a moment!” I yelled and glanced again at the mirror to check my reddish-orange dress and tiptoe shoes again. “Hi!” I greeted him warmly when I opened the door. I seemed to be burned by the way he looked at me. Nor did I escape his gentle look at my whole being. “Ah, come in first. I’ll just get my things,” I said before turning around. As he walked inside, I glanced at him. My heart flushed as I noticed the strength behind his stunning features. He was wearing a simple white T-shirt and faded denim jeans and his Nike shoes that matched his brown leather jacket. My eyes were wondering when his eyes met mine. “Let me help you with that,” he said, then took my bag from me.
I WAS SO annoyed that I stabbed the steak in front of me so hard that I caught their attention and stopped talking. “Sorry! The steak is a bit tough,” I explain. Lawrence frowned at my reaction. He struggles to read what’s in my eyes. In the end, he is the first one to give up and look down before averted his gaze. He quickly motioned for the waiter to approach us immediately. “Please change Ms. Collins’ food. Make sure the steak you serve is tender,” he ordered and looked at me seriously. “Immediately, Mr. President!” the waiter politely said before taking my plate from me. “No, I’m good.” I gently wiped my lips before standing up. “I’ll go take some rest. It looks like you have more to talk about,” I emphasized something to them. “Oh, right,” said Elliesse, then shrugged. Lawrence looked me in the eyes, so I decided to just look away. “Just enjoy your moment together. I’ll be upstairs,” I added before I walked away. W
FEELING TIRED, I decided to go upstairs. I went straight to the umbrella tree where my ordered pasta and coconut juice arrived. After drying up, I leaned back in the lounge and put on my sunglasses. But even before I sat down, I noticed a couple running towards the sea. I took off my sunglasses and frowned at them. My lovely mouth opened with astonishment. The woman with smooth and silky hair quickly ran into the water. I frowned even more when I saw the man next to her. He’s wearing a pair of blue boxer shorts and a white shirt. It was as if I were watching a movie when they met in the water. It was painful to watch them laughing at each other. My heart feels like it’s been stabbed. I shook my head. I should not feel this pain. I should be happy for them because it looks like they are together again. I bit my lower lip. But why does my system seem unwilling to accept that? Suddenly, my vision became blurred. My tears fell on my cheeks