Lucian and I met in a very sweet way. I can still remember that day, it was raining so hard. The weather was so bad, lashing lightning everywhere.
It was the middle of the semester, and it was the first time I had experience going home so late.
I decided to stay longer in the classroom, scribble some notes, and just savor the moment of being a real student.
I never spend this late in school before. Mostly, Dad was ready to pick me up after my last subject. However, there would just be times like this where you want a space of your own.
Then a thunder echoed around the vast hallways, startling my inner peace. I began packing my things but I remember that Dad had some urgent appointments, I don't want to trouble him so an idea popped into my mind.
Why don't I try taking a cab as normal people do? With that thought, I texted him that I will be late because of a school project.
Little did he know that I walked from my building to the gate of our University to hail a taxi.
I was holding on tightly to my umbrella however a sudden blow of wind flipped it and the last thing I knew I was soaked and cold in the middle of the road.
Just great, now what do I do? I tried saving my umbrella but there was no hope. I sighed in annoyance until a red Mustang suddenly stopped at my side.
I was hugging myself when the driver suddenly emerged from the driver's seat and I was so shocked that it was him. It was Lucian.
"Hey come on, I'll drive you home," he called and gently grab my arm. He opened the passenger seat and I was greeted by his manly scent occupying most of his car.
It was warm and cozy inside his car but I was hesitant to sit since I'm all wet and I don't want to ruin it.
He seems to figure out my little dilemma that is why he flashed a warm smile and assured me everything was fine.
It was so sweet of him.
"So, Justine Elle right?" He asked when we were finally settled on his car.
I blushed right away. Why did he know my name?
It is unbelievable for the likes of him to know me. He was the captain of the basketball team and a consistent deans lister, he had enough girls in his circle to pay me such attention.
While biting my lips, I nodded in response. My arms instantly curled to cover my body which was pretty much soaked and cold at the same time.
"Uh sorry, my bad. Let me turn on the heater." He said shyly when he noticed me cold and freezing. He adjusted the temperature of the car, which helped a lot to ease that feeling.
His eyes began to trail down to my body creating an obvious panic visible to his wolf eyes.
He cleared his throat, scratching his thick brows while looking away. Both his ears were red as he was rummaging something on the back seat.
My eyes locked into his every move, watching him handling this awkward situation. Finally, he got what seems to be a gym bag, pulled a pair of jerseys, and handed them to me.
"I didn't use this so I think you can wear this temporarily... Just so you won't get sick"
I bit my lips, looking more embarrassed at my wet self as his statement was finally processed by my brain.
My black brassiere was discernible from his eyes, I wrapped my arm covering the cleavage peeking unto my wet baby blue blouse.
His ears turned red as mine did and I immediately grab the shirt from him.
"You can just change. I won't look, I promise. Besides, it's dark in here" he said in a low voice.
All I wanted was to cover my face and scream.
Goodness, is this happening? I did not even undress in front of my girl cousins before. They never even see me with just an undergarment on.
But this guy had seen my body unexpectedly. And it wasn't his fault. I can see that he was trying to control himself and knowing that eases my worry.
He is not the same as other men after all.
However, my wet clothes are starting to get uncomfortable and he is right that I could catch some colds out of it.
"Thanks, I think I really do need to change"
He nodded his head.
"Yeah, of course, I'll be looking this way then," he said, quickly shifting his position in a way that his broad back was now facing me.
Yet, he suddenly turned around as if he remembered something. His ears were a bit reddish still.
"I could just go outside," he said, motioning his hand outside the dark vicinity of the campus.
"What?"
My eyes widened, stunned at his sudden statement. I looked outside the window.
It was fogging. Though there was minimum visibility, I can't make him leave his car. It is a bad idea.
I shook my head immediately.
"No, it's okay. You can just stay here"
I puffed a sigh.
Obviously, he was being considerate. He must have figured out my restlessness which I believe was unnecessary.
He was just concern about me and I shouldn't make this a big deal.
After all, if he'd do something bad, he would have done it right away.
He chuckled and I looked at him. He smiled thereafter, releasing some tension between us.
"The longer you are on your wet clothes the more chance you'll get sick" he pointed out then unlocked the car door on his side and was about to leave.
"Wait!" I blurted out quickly which made him stop and turn around.
"It is raining so badly, trust me when I say it is fine"
He stared at me for a while, hinting at a dose of incredulity in his gray eyes. Then he leaned back from his seat, covering his eyes using his bulky arms.
"Okay, I trust you," he said under his breath. He looks troubled.
However, it was good enough for me that he understands my point. I asked him to wait as I searched for my handkerchief in my purse.
"What are you doing?"
He had removed his arms and was looking down at me with curiosity. Finally, I found my blue handkerchief and handed it to him.
"Here. It's not that I don't trust you okay, but I'd be less self-conscious if you wear this on your eyes."
I don't know if he was offended but he just nodded taking the handkerchief from my hand.
"I couldn't take it if you got cold out of my expense" I reasoned out as he began to fold it.
He suppressed a grin and didn't say a thing instead he placed the handkerchief on his eyes.
After making sure that he isn't seeing anything, I asked him to turn around.
I quickly change into his shirt, placing my wet clothes on the car floor. As expected, his clothes were all too big for me.
"You done?"
I struggled to remove my tight pants since it was so soaked.
"Just a minute"
I finally removed it, however, the shorts were too big. Lest, I just pulled the shirt, covering some skin showing on the side of my body. The shirt was good enough to make a dress.
I just put his shorts away and adjusted the length of his shirt to cover my knees.
"Okay, I'm all good"
He uncovered his eyes and looked at me. There was a glint of amusement in his eyes. It was as if he liked what he is seeing.
"You still look beautiful" he supplied my thoughts.
I blushed in embarrassment. Why is this man so quick to give unexpected compliments?
"Don't be creeped out, I just never thought you'd look good in my shirt" he added which made me laugh.
He was appalled by his comment and was scratching his brows.
"You are a smooth talker Mister"
He shook his head in disapproval.
"No it's true Elle, you always look like this. Ethereal." He said and scratched his brows again, earning a good laugh from me.
This guy is unbelievably frank. He speaks whatever is on his mind.
"Well thank you for the compliment. But please, I think I couldn't handle more" I replied.
"It's okay, seeing you laugh just made my day"
I ran my fingers through my hair, shaking my head as if this man has no hope at all.
"You know, we need to get going. This rain is affecting our rationality" I kidded.
"You are right. But first, I'd like to introduce myself." He extended his hand and flashed a smile.
"Lucian Monteblanco."
I took his hand and returned a warm smile.
"Justine Elle Pollo" I answered.
"Yeah, I know. Such a lovely name. It fits you" he whispered.
We stared at each other, getting acquainted with each other's presence.
"Elle, do you mind if I take you for a coffee sometime?" He asked out of nowhere. My hand was still in his grip. Yet my mind is already screaming.
I bit my lips to suppress my delight and excitement.
"Yes, but not with these clothes please" I replied.
Since then, Lucian and I became friends. It was the start of our rollercoaster relationship.
Well, more of us becoming exclusive since Dad didn't want me to have a boyfriend yet until I graduated college.
However, I was able to bargain with Dad and allowed me to be with Lucian once I turn 18.
I hid that news to Cian to surprise him. I know he will be more than happy once he knew about this.
He is a good man and it is not that hard to fall for him.
Not when he made me feel as if I was the most important woman in his life. And until now, nothing changed.
"There are a lot of predators here Princess" Dad whispered through my ear while scrutinizing the crowd in front of us.I laughed at Daddy who sounded so worried. His head was everywhere, being conscious of his surroundings.The party had started and the host was still giving his speech so we were waiting on the side of the stage."Daddy, you make it sound as if I am a food."He chuckled at my comment and looked at me."Well you are a fresh bloom Princess, no one can resist that. Let me tell you something, everyone owns a different idea about you...Good and bad are just some examples of it. The mind is vast, it could formulate anything... even trick you"I raised an eyebrow, amused as to where this conversation is leading to.Maria told me that Dad had been into sci-fi movies recently. When he doesn't go to work, he spends it with Netflix.I just pretended to be interested in the topic and listened attentively."If you ju
Uh.oh. This man is not friendly alright.I looked away yet I can still feel the cold stare from his side. My breathing hitched at the thought, trying my best to calm myself.My Dad was already looking at me, gesturing for me to come."Now meet my only daughter, the heir to JPollo's Hotel and Restaurant, Justine Elle Pollo." Daddy called my attention. He guided me to the center which I am thankful that he did because I was completely weakened by that man's unexpected reaction.I erased the weird thoughts about Cian's brother and went to give my message.Dad gave me the microphone and I quickly took it with a visibly trembling hand.I cleared my throat before starting my speech. Come on, don't embarrass yourself, Justine Elle."Hello everyone Good Evening, first I am so grateful to all of you who are here tonight. Thank you, that you chose to share your precious time to celebrate this memorable event with me. I am also gra
"Thank you for coming, I hope you guys enjoy this night" I sat next to Cian who was distracted by his phone. "Are you okay?" I asked, leaning closer so he could hear me. "Yeah" he answered, putting his phone away. He grabs a glass of Veuve Clicquot and drinks it smoothly. He looks agitated but controlled. It was as if he was annoyed. "Easy on that or you might get drunk," I said while putting my hand on top of his. He nodded in response. "Don't worry about me, Elle" I just shrugged my shoulder and left my hand on his palm. Samantha was eyeing me indistinctively, mouthing "flirt" which instantly made me disagree. I wouldn't want to indulge more in Samantha's naughty thoughts so I looked away and listened to Cian's older brother. Claven was talking about his line of work proudly, earning giggles from my cousins. By the looks of it, Claven is probably impressing them and my loosely tied cousins were already drawn t
Yours?" I asked astonished. "Yes, Elle. I've been meaning to ask you this... for a long time." He held my hands and looked closely into my eyes. "You are the only girl that caught my attention from the very start and I don't want to take it any longer" I bit my lips, still dazed by the sudden turn of events. I cannot decipher everything yet. I thought I will be confessing but Cian clearly ruined it. My eyes welled up with so much joy. I never know that this is what it feels like to be loved back. I mean, I was expecting this but it feels different when it is really happening. No words can explain the joy and excitement. "Hey, why are you crying? Was I so fast? L-let me formally cour--" "Shh, you are panicking." I whimpered, placing the tip of my finger in his mouth. "I'm just so happy. But... here I thought I will be the one confessing tonight... it would have been a blast" I added, pouting my lips in dismay.
"I think your time is up young man," Dad noted in a stern voice which made me raise a brow. "Dad," I said sharply, wiggling my brows at him. "It's okay Elle" Cian interrupted and loosen his hold on my waist. He faced Dad with a nervous smile yet with brave eyes. "Uh, sir, sorry if I'd ask you this without notice but, will you spare me a minute after the party? I'd like to talk to you about your daughter" he asked calmly but his sweaty hands said otherwise, he was nervous. My Dad maintained his stoic expression on the other corner, trying to illicit an intimidating aura to my nervous boyfriend. "I agree that we should talk young man but let me dance with my daughter first" he replied arrogantly to which Cian agreed, nodding his head automatically. Thereafter, Cian placed my hand in Dad's palm. "Later Elle" he bid, leaving me alone with Dad on the dancefloor. I stared at his broad back as he went his way to their table.
As the heightened part of the sonata reaches its end, my body moved to respond to the clash of enigmatic melodies, jiving to the music until it reached its final note. I slowly open my eyes, hitting for the last musical key and giving my final emotion. I was beyond satisfied. I didn't know there was a wet streak trying to escape from my eyes. Then, I caught my Dad drying his tears which brought a sad smile to my face. Every time he hears this piece, it makes him tear up. It was as if this song reminded him of his unfinished love for my Mom. And I never met my mother physically, but this musical piece felt as if she is with me... us. Maybe this is the reason why this melody had an important place in Dad's heart. Because it connects us as a family. "What a wonderful performance you did here ladies. Am I right folks?" The host went beside me and gestured for Belle to join us in front of the stage. I quickly dried my tears an
I looked around the venue. The hall was still full-packed. There are still a lot of people, mostly businessmen, influencers, high-profiled guests, and tons of sexy girls like Marga. Godness, I sounded so different. Why do I suddenly sound bitter? Unconsciously, I massage my temple. My mind is in chaos. "Hey, are you okay?" Flora grabbed my arm. I looked at her and mouthed to evacuate the table. Why did I even sit in here? Oh yeah, because of Cian, but Cian is not here. Ahh, whatever. "Uhm, excuse me for a while," I excused politely, feeling kind of dizzy about the things that are starting to trouble in my head. Pierre gently raised his head upon hearing my voice. Those pair of beautiful coal-black eyes are mysteriously staring at me again, and I can't help but become more nervous than ever. I quickly stood up on my chair and they all looked at me. "Uhm yeah... excuse me for a while, I need to entertain other guests. Enj
"Babe, we need to stop," Cian said as we were both gasping for air. Yet his eyes were still on fire."It is time to go back to the house or I would not able to control myself anytime now" he whispered."Then don't Cian," I said, shushing his absurd thoughts away.He closed his eyes, equally mad as if I was so close to breaking off his control."Elle, don't torture me, baby. Come on let's get you up" he said exasperated.He easily carried me in bridal style and he walked us back to the mansion. He didn't even listen to what I needed to say, his ears were completely closed for me.The party had long ended, the maids were doing the aftercare and abruptly stop upon seeing us in mid-fight. They looked at us with headed eyes as if they were looking at some romantic movie. Young love.I stared at Cian. He is mad and serious, yet he is still oozing hot. And it didn't even help in my sanity as how his sexy adam's apple moved with his every swallow."Don't Elle,