Chapter 4

" Five years ago "

Ysabelle's POV

"This place is breathtaking!" I couldn’t contain my amazement .There were beautiful wild flowers everywhere including those orchids clinging on branches. I saw many butterflies and lots of fruit bearing trees . I just didn’t know their names and if their fruits are edible.

I was so engrossed to everything I saw that I kept on walking following a small trail. It might be going to the other side of the island. So I was expecting that I will end up on a beach. I’m not scared at all because the cleaner that I asked earlier told me that it only takes few hours of walking to go around the island. That’s why I decided to organized a little tour for myself before the whole team get busy. I don’t want also to waste every single opportunity to enjoy. Afterall, my purpose of coming here in the Philippines is to have vacation, it’s only secondary to help my Aunt.

I stopped in the middle of those towering trees when I noticed that the trail ended there. I looked around to see another trail or perhaps any sign that I’m close to the shore. “Hello!”

I listened to any response but I only heard chirping of birds and followed by a deafening silence. I was a bit worried so I just thought of going back following the same trail. At first everything turned out fine until I reached a spot where there’s two more trails connected. I didn’t know anymore of which one I went through earlier. After few seconds of mind deliberation, I decided to take the right route.

I glanced my watch. It’s almost 12 noon and until now I am still following the route that I chose. I began to admit that I was lost. Because if I picked the right path, as far as I remember it only takes 30 minutes going back to the main building. I was contemplating again if I go back or not when I heard burbling sound of water from a distance.

“A waterfall!” All my worries suddenly disappeared. Even though I was still far but I can already see the multiple cascades which were falling freely into a basin-like pool hidden in the lush jungle. My excitement doubled as I was running closer. I can’t wait to submerge myself into the cold water. Good thing that I had my swimsuit on underneath my loosed shirt and shorts. I was really planning to swim on the beach but finding this waterfall thrilled me much more.

I abruptly stopped and my smile turned agape when I saw a naked man standing on top of a big rock in the middle of the basin-like pool. I hid and covered my mouth to suppress my gasp. I wanted to turn-away but I don’t know why I can’t take away my eyes off him. His gorgeous built was perfection. He made a smooth, swift dive and climb back on. He’s like a Greek god in flesh.

I recoiled when he turned to where I was hiding. Which was a wrong move because the ground where I was standing on was uneven. My foot slipped which caused me to tumble.

"You're tresspassing Miss!" I haven’t recovered yet when I heard his deep musculine voice behind me. “What are you doing here?"

"Ahh..ahh.. " I stuttered. I couldn’t meet his gaze due to embarassment. I'm just thankful he's already on his jeans and white shirt. I collected enough courage to look at him which I succeeded. “Geez! If his physique was mouthwatering from a distance, I don’t know what kind of adjective to use now that will give accurate justice to his appearance. His face,,,, those expressive blue eyes, his nose…, those kissable lips… I was speechless!

"Did I pass to your liking Miss?" It’s like cold water has been poured on me. He was even smirking. I wanted to pinch myself for my craziness. I looked down and didn’t answered him on purpose. Gathering my strength, I attempted to stand up.

"Ouch!!!!!" I cried. I think my left ankle was twitched. I leaped using my right foot. When I looked back at him, his expression already soften. He quickly move near me.

"Are you okay ?” His concern seemed real.

"Yeah, I think I'm fine". I groaned in total discomfort when I tried to step my left foot.

I gasped when he kneel in front of me and inspect my left ankle and slightly massage it. His masculine scent awakened my senses. I felt a tingling sensation the moment he hold my foot. I tried to maintain my balance to avoid more skin contact with him.

I felt a lesser pain after what he did. He was really good at it. "Thank you, I feel much better now".

"That's good. But avoid stepping with your left foot. It might get worse if you force that. Anyway, I can carry you if you like". He suggested showing me his bone-melting smile.

"Oh! no need, thank you", I replied quickly. My body might betray me if that will happen. I hopped away from him. I should keep our distance. He's even a stranger to me. I looked around looking for anything that can be a walking stick.

"By the way, I'm Zandro, and you are?"

"Ysabelle". I stammered. "Keep your cool Belle", I reminded myself.

"What a lovely name", he smiled. I felt my heart tightened of that sight. This man really know how to use his charm. “So are we friends now?"

"Yes..,yes..,ofcourse " I quickly replied.

"So are you from here?" He asked.

"Nope, honestly I was lost. I was fascinated by this place. Too late to notice that I lost my way back to Fontanella building", I explained. "Mind to tell me if where are we exactly?”

"Oh! this area is still part of the island. As a matter of fact, the falls is only 15 minutes away from the villa if you know the shortcut".

"Oh!! too bad, I was walking almost an hour", I uttered in disbelief. I preferred not to elaborate what I’ve been through before I find him here.

He just smiled. "I think we need something to eat. It's past 12 now. I'm starving and I'm sure you too. “Let's go”.

"Is it still far?" I impatiently asked while he act as my cane while walking. I was trying hard not to let him carry my weight. As a result it falls directly to my right foot and now it starting to ache. I also felt so tired and even sweating all over.

"I'm over with this". He said impatiently which I didn’t mind to react but I was alarmed when he scooped me and carried me bridal style.

"Put me down Zandro! Now!" I started panicking. He’s too close that I can even smell his manly scent and feel his body heat despite our clothes on. I felt so confused of this strange feeling I had for him. It feel so good but scary.

"Stop that nonsense Belle!" he groaned. "Look, I just want to help you. I know you're tired and if I let you walk that slow, our lunch will be an afternoon snack time. So please cooperate". I turned silent when I sense his irritation. I realized how inconsiderate I was.

I asked him to put me down when we reached the back of the main building.

"I'm so sorry to what I did a while ago. I'm so insensitive", I said it feeling guilty.

"Apology accepted" he smiled. "But you owe me this Belle". I threw him a questioning look.

"You already knew what I'm talking about right?" He atractively smile revealing his perfect set of teeth.

This guy is impossible. "But you like him a lot" my inner self teased me.

"Let's have a date tomorrow. Be ready by 10 am". He said firmly without even asking my approval. My mood turned sour. No one can dictate me of what to do. I looked at him rebelliously with disbelief.

"Belle,saan ka galing? Kanina pa ako naghahanap sa’yong bata ka", Aunt Lilian in her worried tone. She's asking where I came from and that she's looking for me. I understand tagalog but I can't speak fluently.

" At sino naman yang kasama mo?" Her eyes settled on Zandro's left hand on my waist. She's asking about him.

"He, he is Zandro by the way. Zandro this is my Aunt Lilian. She’s incharge for Mrs. Fontanella's birthday party tomorrow". I introduced them as I secretly removed Zandro's hand and move a bit away from him.

"It's my pleasure to meet you Lilian" . He smiled and extended his hand. "I'm happy that you are here to organize my Mom’s party".

" The pleasure is mine Mr. Fontanella". My Aunt smiled with formality.

I was shocked when I overheard what he said. "Oh my, it never cross my mind". I was very preoccupied of my body responses that his identity never crossed my mind. Damn! I cussed my stupidity. I saw them looked at me. "Did they really heard me swearing?"

"Ahmm, my sprained ankle", I uttered defensively.

I saw Zandro nodded his head while Aunt Lilian come near me.

"She has sprained ankle. She accidentally twisted it. But it’s not that bad. Just apply ointment on it and let her rest. Tomorrow, she will do fine", he explained to my Aunt.

Aunt Lillian examined my sprain and looked back to him. “Thank you Zandro. I will take note of that”.

"I need to go”. He said giving me a meaningful gaze before leaving. I know it's about that date thing.

Aunt Lillian brought me to our room and left. When she's back, she had a food tray with her. I felt my stomach growled when I smell the delicious food.

"Anong nangyari? Paano kayo nagkakilala?"She was asking what happened and how we met while studying me.

"Hmmm, I decided to take a short walk when we arrived. I was fascinated by this island. I accidentally bumped on him". I lied with my eyes on my plate. I sensed her eyes on me intently. I just continued eating and thankful that she didn't ask more question.