Confusion filled Ellie’s face as she stared at the man before her. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’ve met you before.”
“Yes, we have. In Paris,” he answered, his voice full of conviction.
Her eyebrows furrowed further from his answer. “We met in Paris? Why don’t I remember him?” Feeling intrigued, Ellie pulled the chair across from him and sat.
She cupped her face with her hands and inspected the person sitting across her. She tilted her head from left to right as she tried to recall where she had seen him. The more she looked at him, the more convinced was that she had not seen this handsome man before.
He reached for his cellphone in his pocket. He then tapped on his cellphone, and without a word, handed it to her. She looked at him with confusion. The groves on her wrinkled forehead deepened as she stared on the mobile phone.
She clicked the play button on the video displayed on the screen. It started with a montage of the scenic spots of Paris, in particular, Champ de Mars. The video was in Japanese, which she hardly understood. There were also no subtitles to guide her. She lifted her head and her confused eyes to Ryo but he did not offer any help. His arms crossed in front of his chest as he lazily sat across her. His lips curled into a smirk.
She continued to watch the video, unsure how this would answer her questions. After a few minutes, the video showed a man walking around the park like a headless chicken. He looked familiar, but she could not put a finger where she saw him. He seemed to ask people, but got turned down by everyone. One even hit him with her bag.
After a while, Ellie’s head snapped. Her confused eyes stared at him for clarification, but he offered none. He continued to look at her with a smug look on his face.
She cannot be mistaken. It was her in the video and the person she was talking to was Takumi, the stranger she helped in Paris.
She pressed pause on the video and placed it on the table. She looked at the man before her, waiting for an answer.
He savored the look on her face. Her eyes were so big she looked like an anime. Her surprise and confusion were all painted on her face. She looked like her head was going to explode from trying to make sense of what she watched.
“Explain.” She demanded when she finally found her voice.
“I’m Ryo Matsuda,” he extended his hand. When she did not bother to shake it, he took it back, then cleared his throat. “Didn’t I tell you I’m an actor?” He cocked his brow at her. He looked so arrogant. When she did not say a word, he added, “I was a guest in the reality show you watched.” He continued. She noticed he spoke perfect English, unlike “Takumi” who can tardy string words to make a sentence.
“What?” His explanation made little sense at all.
“We have a reality show in Japan that does social experiments. For that episode, they wanted to know if somebody will be selfless and help a stranger.” His eyes never left her face. His deep voice was soothing, but it was not enough to ease her mind.
Ellie looked flabbergasted. She opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water. Her mind froze and cannot find words to say. She looked at him, unsure of what to feel.
She’s definitely surprised by what she learned, but she also felt violated. She felt like she got tricked. She wanted to be angry and vent on Ryo but she couldn’t. Indeed, Takumi told her he was an actor, but she did not believe him. And since he was an actor, and was acting for a show, how can she be angry at him for doing his job?
She felt so aggrieved that she wanted to cry. She wanted to vent her anger to somebody, but she did not have anybody to vent on.
She felt her good intentions got mocked. She got up from her chair and said, “the cake is on the house. Excuse me for being rude, but it’s already past our store hours.”
She turned around and gave instructions to Beth and Maya. After which she locked herself in the kitchen.
She did not know how long she sat in the kitchen staring at the oven, but when she got out, the cafe was already empty. The chairs tucked under the tables; the lights were off, and the doors closed. Beth and Maya have also left.
Her feet took the stairs that lead to her living space. She felt weak from the exhaustion and from frustration. She plopped herself onto the bed and stared at the ceiling and recalled the man she helped in Paris.
She remembered how they ate a meal and watched a movie together. She recalled the sound of his voice and his laughter and how warm his kind eyes were. It was still hard for her to believe that the warm and endearing Takumi and the snooty Ryo were the same person. He must be a great actor to act so convincingly.
Ryo. She sighed at the recollection. He’s handsome, yes. He had a playful vibe around him. She remembered his smug look. It would look very unappealing if other people did the same look, but it suited him.
She remembered his handsome features, especially his soft lips, but she also cannot whisk away from her memory how much he looked like Naruto. She smiled, then she fell asleep.
“Finally, it’s Sunday!” Ellie thought as she snuggled into her blanket. Her shop closed on Sundays. She bolted from her sleep when she remembered that today is her grandma’s birthday. She got out of bed, took a bath, and went down to her kitchen.宋体; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: ini
Ellie glared at her best friend as she wiped her mouth. Her face red as a tomato from too much coughing and embarrassment. “What bullshit are you talking about, Naomi?” her voice hitched. “Language, Elizabeth.” The deep voice of Ellie’s father warned her. “He’s not my boyfriend. What made you think he is?” Ellie’s voice was still indignant as she challenged Naya. Naya shrugged her shoulders. “This is the first time you brought a guy home, and it’s even on Nana’s Birthday.” Ryo cannot help but feel surprised by the revelation. “Wow, I’m the first guy she brought home. No wonder they’d think I’m her boyfriend.” Ellie’s face cannot be any redder. She stole a glance at Ryo, who sat beside her, grinning. “Sorr
The blaring sound of her alarm woke Elizabeth. With eyes half opened, she looked at it then pressed snooze and snuggled on her blanket. It was chilly and her warm blanket felt so good. “10 more minutes, please”, she internally pleaded. She had no choice but to pull herself out of the bed when her alarm sounded 10 minutes later. She braved the icy water and took a shower. After her shower, she looked at today’s tall order and put on her clothes. She opted for a clean white t-shirt and denim shorts and paired it with a white sneaker for comfort. After tying her hair in a bun, she went down to her store kitchen to bake. She had already prepped all the batter she needed when she heard knocking on the store’s front door. She furrowed her brows. It’s only 6 AM, Maya rarely comes in before 8. She tried to ignore the knocking and prepared her frostings. But as minutes passed, the knocking only intensified. E
It was only 4:00 in the afternoon, but they already had to close the shop. Elizabeth cannot help but to stretch her lips into a smile as she looked at her display counter. They sold all her cakes and cupcakes. They even had to apologize to some customers because they ran out of cakes. Ellie looked at the paper that Maya handed her. It’s a list of advanced orders from the customers they could not accommodate. This is the first time they had to do something like this! She cannot help but swallow as she mentally calculated the time she needed to meet these orders, their scheduled orders, and tomorrow’s stock. Looks like I won’t be sleeping tonight, Ellie thought. It’s a happy problem, she consoled herself. After she finished cleaning up her oven and mopping her kitchen floor, she went out to the store. Like her, Maya and Ryo were busy. He concentrated on counting the money in the till and comparing it with the t
She looked at him as he walked away from her. Like a child, he stomped his feet rather than walked, showing his anger. He hailed a taxi after walking a short distance. His taxi had long gone, but Ellie still continued to look in the direction it took. She didn’t know how long she stood rooted at her place. But a tear rolling down her cheek brought her back to the present. She wiped the solitary tear with the back of her hand, then went back inside her shop. After making sure that she locked up, her feeble feet walked up to her flat. After taking a quick bath, she flopped herself onto the bed. She felt exhausted, physically and mentally. What happened between her and Ryo played back in her mind. She recalled the roller coaster of emotion she rode earlier. Ryo felt so good. Their bodies naturally fit one another. She remembered how wonderful he tasted and how marvelous he made her feel.
Ryo’s warm kisses trailed her body. Each centimeter that his tongue grazed made her hair stand up on its end. She felt tiny currents of electrical tickle the skin his lips worshiped. His fingers elicited the same reaction. They awaken her every nerve. She felt him cup her breasts and his thumb brush on her nipples. They saluted the fingers that pleasured them. She squirmed in satisfaction. Tiny electric waves radiate on her body and congregated in her center. Ryo’s hand traveled down to her belly and stopped in the triangle between her legs. She had waited for him so long to touch her spring. Her legs part to welcome his exploring hand. His finger teased the folds of her lips, then rubbed her hardened knob. She arched her back as she felt herself tingle from his touch. The onslaught of sensation she felt was so strong she let out a loud moan. She writhed her body, arched her back and lifted her bottom. She al
Ryo woke up feeling his head splitting in half, adding to that his parched throat and languid body. “This is probably what death felt like,” he groaned. He sat up, his hands grabbing a handful of hair on each side of his head to suppress the searing pain he felt. “F*ck!” he cursed as the pain the intensity of the throbbing increased. His eyes swept around the room. The assortment of empty bottles scattered around the floor reminded him of how he drowned himself last night to numb the pain he felt. It’s been a long time since he drank this much alcohol. Heck, he did not even bother touching it when he caught Sofia cheating on him. But Ellie wrecked him so badly with just a single word. He could not help but sneer when he thought of Ellie. He searched for her soon as he got back from Paris. Upon learning her whereabouts, he immediately flew to see her.
Ryo woke up feeling his head splitting in half, adding to that his parched throat and languid body. “This is probably what death felt like,” he groaned.He sat up, his hands grabbing a handful of hair on each side of his head to suppress the searing pain he felt.“F*ck!” he cursed as the pain the intensity of the throbbing increased. His eyes swept around the room. The assortment of empty bottles scattered around the floor reminded him of how he drowned himself last night to numb the pain he felt.It’s been a long time since he drank this much alcohol. Heck, he did not even bother touching it when he caught Sofia cheating on him. But Ellie wrecked him so badly with just a single word.He could not help but sneer when he thought of Ellie.He searched for her soon as he got back from Paris. Upon learning her whereabouts, he imme
“One step back, and you’re back in your comfort zone, assured of what each day would bring you. One step forward, and take a gamble taking a path full of uncertainties. Not knowing if it would give you pain or happiness.” Ellie could not help but shake her head. She gave Ryo the same choices two months ago. Who would have thought it boomeranged to her? She looked at her father with her bright eyes. The tiny dimples at the corners of her mouth deepened as her lips stretched into a smile. She took her father’s arm and made one step forward. His father smiled at her and assisted her as they walked further down the stone path. It felt like her feet were stepping on clouds. She could not feel her feet at all. Her mother waited at the end of the path, behind a closed door. She handed her a bouquet of roses and gave each of her cheeks a peck. Her eyes looked at each of her facial features with such adoration. “You l
It’s been a couple of months since the Academy Awards and Ellie has not heard from Ryo. For each day she has received no message or phone call from him, the heavier her heart felt. But then, didn’t she give him a choice? His nonresponse must be him telling her his choice. She’s fine either way but she hoped to at least spend one more day with him. One more day to look at him, talk to him, and engrave his presence in her memory. Because that day is all she’d have.It’s hard to believe that Ryo was her “the one that got away” because for the life of her, she wanted him to be the one. That one person whom she’d share her morning coffees with. But then, her pride and fear pushed him out of her life. She’s been through many breakups but none felt as painful as Ryo’s. She loved him dearly, and she loves him still. It’s hard losing somebody when you do not see it comin
“I am me and you are you. We could not change it. I wouldn’t change it. Our paths were not meant to cross, but they did. That must mean something, right?Now, I am putting us at another crossroads. We could spend one unforgettable night today and have a lifetime of certainty apart. Or we could have a lifetime together, making each uncertain night unforgettable. Ryo Matsuda, what does your heart tell you?”The camera panned to Ryo, displaying his face. Everyone in the venue and those watching at home could see his shock. But none of them felt the nuclear bombs detonating inside him. What does his heart tell him? Does he need to answer that? He looked at the vacant seat beside him and read the name written on it. Diwa Malaya. He does not know the name. But the words Director Nakamura read connected with him. It spoke to him. His head throbbed from trying
For the umpteenth time, Ryo surveyed his reflection on the full-length mirror before him. His stylists stood around looking at him, waiting for him to say something. The tailored tuxedo fit him like a second skin. The top half of his dark hair tied in a neat man bun at the back of his head while the rest brushed his shoulder. He looked fresh and gorgeous, like the true heartthrob that he is.Only when Ryo gave his smile and nod of approval did his stylists release their breaths. They’re already pressed on time and could not afford a wardrobe, makeup, or hairstyle change.As if on cue, Miyagi entered the room and signaled it’s time to leave. He turned around and walked out of his hotel room down to the parking where his team’s limousine waited. His eyes trained on the scenery outside the window. They’re on their way to the venue for the Academy Awards.The
Several months had passed, and Ellie’s life slowly returned to normal. Like every news in the country, a bigger news popped up and overtook Angelo’s death. The reporters who hounded her soon chased the bigger story and let her be. Social media bashers did the same. She and Diana had a talk months after the media frenzy. She’s still grieving, which mother wouldn’t but she chose to have her peace. After their long and heartfelt talk, Diana has forgiven Ellie. She also asked forgiveness for her son’s shortcomings. At first, it confused Ellie when Diana said the perpetrator’s family came forward and confessed. She said it was one of Angelo’s flings. The girl loved him so much and when he broke things with her; she committed suicide. The girl’s father could not accept her daughter’s fate and plotted revenge. Ellie kept her silence. It still amazed her how much influence Ryo’s family had. This time, they ma
“What do you plan to do, Ellie?” he asked as he stroked her back. They were lying on her bed, holding each other.“I don’t know, Ryo. Everything’s happening too fast. I’m overwhelmed.” She took a deep breath, then snuggled closer to him. “Part of me wanted to get away from all this. But another part of me forces me to stay, to face this. My conscience is clean, Ryo. It never crossed my mind to harm Angelo. I did not hire people to kill him. I couldn’t… I wouldn’t do that. And if I flee, it’s like I am saying I’m guilty of their accusations. I’m not.”Ryo felt her shuddering against him. Her tears wet his bare chest. The sobs she tried to suppress stabbed his heart. His jaws clenched, listening to her pain. How did things end up this way? Of everyone who has to suffer, why does it have to be her? She who had done nothing.
“Why are you here?” Ellie asked after crying her eyes out. Her icy hands cupped his face. Last time she checked his calendar, he’s booked solid.“I heard what happened. I have to be here.” His tender eyes scanned her face. His finger wiped her tears away. The way she looked broke her. Ellie’s not always made up. Her hair always seemed messy. Lip tint and a faint blush were the most makeup she wore. But she always wore her sunny disposition. It never failed to light up the room. But now, the sun did not seem to shine on her. Fear replaced the brilliance in her eyes.Ryo tugged her closer and brought his lips to her. He wanted to comfort her and he did not know how to do it with words. His lips touched on hers with such tenderness and longing. “I’m sorry, mahal ko.”Ellie, who felt so caught in a
“Let’s go to the old mansion,” Ryo said as he stood up from the couch. Still in costume, he strode out of the trailer and into the waiting Bentley. Since earning his own money, Ryo rarely visited the old mansion. It lacked the warmth of a home he experienced with Ellie’s and her family’s. Soji, his grandfather’s butler, opened the main door for him. They were expecting him. It only means they’re already aware of what’s happening with Ellie.“Young Master, Master is waiting for you at the Clan hall.” Soji stated as he bowed his head.With long and steady strides, Ryo walked towards the fourth basement of the mansion. Yellow fluorescent lights illuminated the cold corridors. A metal door was at the end of the hall. A man used to guard this door, but with technology, various biometric
Ellie had been busy with the preparation for moving to Japan. First thing she did was to inform her family about her decision. Like she predicted, although they did not stop her, they were sad she had to move far from home. She assured her family she’d keep her communication lines open and will call them regularly.She also informed Beth and Maya about her decision. Both were there to see hers and Ryo’s love story and supported the couple. But then they were both breadwinners of their families. The money they earned helped in their family expenses. So, facing the possibility of losing a job disheartened them. They did not need to say it, Ellie knew this.The universe seemed to work in Ellie’s favor. Her friend who helped her source her coffee beans has put up a coffee shop. As a regular customer of her shop, he is familiar with Beth and Maya. So Ellie did not need to say much. The ladies’ work ethics have spoken for them. They will star