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Chapter 20
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Ryan insisted to drive me home 'til Whale Bay. Even after dropping me at the entryway of the beach, he also decided to walk me to my house.
He was known by everyone so having him walk beside me gathered all the attention and interest of my neighbors. I could already imagine the conclusions and made-up stories they'll be telling everyone about this.
"Thanks again, Ryan. I owe you a lot for today..."
He smirked wickedly at me. "I'll ask you to pay one of these days."
"Oh, please. Could you wait until payday?"
"Nah, I'm not interested with money," he scooted closer to me and knocked my shoulder playfully. "Maybe a date or two will do?"
"H-huh?" an incredulous expression appeared on my face. A date? Maybe a friendly date is what he meant, right? It's impossible he'd ask me out to an actual date. He's rich and handsome! What would he want to do w
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Forever & Always Chapter 21
An hour after I lay down beside Florian, I was about to completely doze off to sleep but I was woken up by his silent groans. I shifted around to look at him but he remained lying in prone position. His silent groans slowly turn into loud whimpers. He sounded like he's in so much pain so I hastily sat down on the bed and pat him gently on the back. He must be having a bad nightmare. "Florian, wake up..." I continued caressing his bare back, feeling his warm temperature. "Wake up..." Though, my voice wasn't enough to stir him up from his nightmare. I started worrying when his whimpers got louder. His voice cracked painfully, as if he's hanging on the precipice shouting for help. "Hey!" I tried shaking his shoulder vehemently. With all the remaining strength in my arms, I grabbed his shoulder and pulled him away in his current sleeping position. I was successful! His back finally fe
Forever & Always Chapter 22
Ryan was oddly silent throughout our drive to her mother’s café. There’s an obvious frown on his face and his grip on the steering wheel was a bit forceful so I didn’t bother to open my mouth. The atmosphere inside the car felt pretty thick, I almost asked him to drop me by on the sidewalk and volunteer to go to the café on my own. Whatever did Florian told him? That jackass! We’re gonna have words later once I’m back. I cleared my throat and glanced at him nervously. “Uhm… is there a problem?” His face immediately calmed. He looked back at me with a forced smile. “I’m sorry. Just having a bad day…” “Hmm… may I know why?” Ryan grinned; he looked back at the road and didn’t answer my question. “You didn’t tell me you have a boyfriend,” he chuckled humorlessly. “I made a fool out of myself asking you out on a date.”
Forever & Always Chapter 23
An hour before the fireworks show begins, Florian and I were seated side by side on the couch with the laptop in front of us. We were supposed to watch a horror film but ended up seeing a rom-com Korean show. It’s a pretty long season with almost ten episodes. I’m not sure if Florian was enjoying this kind of film but he didn’t complain anyway when I chose to play this one.I rested my back comfortably on the sofa while hugging my pillow tightly. A giggle escaped my mouth as I watched the couples get flustered after an accidental kiss. I squealed on my seat. The Korean actor is so handsome and attractive! And their skin! So radiant and flawless! How is that possible? Was it a camera trick? They need to drop their skin-care routine!“You like films like this?” Florian butted in beside me. I nodded shyly, my eyes fixated still on the screen.“I enjoy every genre as long as the plot is superb. What about you? You do
Forever & Always Chapter 24
We both held each other’s gazes as the fireworks show begins. The explosion was loud and clear since our house isn’t even that far from the beach. I looked at Florian, waiting for any reaction. He remained silent while staring back at me but I knew his whole attention was directed on the blasting fireworks outside. I grabbed his hand and guided him back to the couch. The movie was still playing on the laptop so I paused it quickly before I settled beside him. “How are you feeling?” I asked worriedly. He shook his head and concentrated even more on the sound. I was worried that he might hurt his head again and faint if the fireworks trigger his memories. However, he remained still and silent on his seat. The explosion lasted for at least fifteen minutes. I was waiting to see any reaction from Florian but there was nothing. And that got me even more worried.
Forever & Always Chapter 25
Good thing Regina was there to make the mood lighter for us. We didn't say anything about it. We didn't mention how she already revealed Agatha's gender to me without the girl's permission."I'll see you girls tomorrow," I waved good bye at them since we decided to part ways after our lunch. Agatha smiled. Though, it didn't reach her eyes."See you! I can't wait to work with you," she said, waving back at me. Regina kissed my cheek again before they drove off.Now I was left on my own. I couldn't help but think about Agatha since this was the first time somebody has taken an interest on me in the opposite gender. I'm used to having boys flocking my way when I was in college. But girls? I giggled silently. Agatha is so pretty, who would have thought, right?I arrived home around two in the noon. The house was empty and silent, like I expected. Florian probably went to work at
Forever & Always Chapter 26
One hour or two, I'm not really certain how long I have been waiting at the sand in utter fear. The night only got darker and what alarmed me was the sudden change of the waves' movement. The wind blew colder too, making me tremble in my thin sleeveless top.Florian's gentle kisses flashed in my head. How he caresses me softly last night and how we cuddled me in his arms was etched bitterly in my mind. I couldn't help but think it could be the last time I'd be able to touch him like that. My heart ached painfully at that thought.How I could I not notice? I wasn't even aware of his absence while I was peacefully working out at home? Why has nobody suspected their missing presence? They should've been here before afternoon but nobody actually noticed? Everyone just got alarmed after the sunset?I expelled a deep frustrated sigh. When I heard something on the water, my head immediately turned up to look for that noise. My eyes widened whe
Forever & Always Chapter 27
Although, I admonished him again for wanting to attend his shift at the inn today, he was firmed with his decision to go out and work. I still am worried after what happened yesterday. His sunburns looked pretty bad and I am not comfortable that he'll be working in that condition."I've been absent for a straight two-day, Nina. My salary deduction won't fit for the next days anymore if I won't attend my shift today," he reasoned out and I frowned deeply at him.I wanted to say that he doesn't need to worry that much about money anymore since I already got a high-paying job, but I feel like it'll be offensive to him. Knowing Florian, he's pretty much prideful and he has such a strong sense of obligation in our home. He enjoys paying the bill and the groceries. Sometimes, I even felt like he wanted to protest when I'm handing my share as if we didn't had an agreement about it before.One of these days, I'll put a sash over his chest to acknowledge hi
Forever & Always Chapter 28
After a short briefing with Andrew about his job, he finally left the café while I proceeded to entertain the other applicants.On the other hand, Regina and Agatha has yet to show up together in my office. I wonder what's keeping them busy upstairs?"Thank you so much, Miss Nina. I'll do my best in this job! I swear, you won't regret choosing me!"I laughed at the final applicant who completed the staff list. Ella is nineteen years old and she's the youngest among us. She's a working student, she mentioned that her parents already passed away and her grandmother is the only family left to her. Somehow, I remember my life in her."I'll expect that, then. But still, I want you to prioritize your study first. Send me a copy of your class schedule so we can do something about your work shift here."Ella nodded quickly. She seemed to be pretty clumsy and I got a little bothered for our kitchen utensils. Maybe the
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Forever & Always Epilogue
Forever doesn't exist. But with you, I'm willing to prove them wrong."After all this time?" Dumbledore asked, stupefied as Snape's memories and buried feelings slowly unfold right in front of his eyes."Always," he answered.Always. Constant. Never changing. Like my feelings for you."Angelus! Follow me to my office." Sister Anna had said, her eyes as stern as always, as if telling me that I'd be dead if I fail to set foot inside her office in ten seconds. And so, I gladly followed. But of course, right after I excused myself to my fellow orphan friends. Especially to Gaston whom I was the closest with.A man, and I presumed his wife, were seated side by side in front of Sister Anna's desk. The old man smiled warmly at me while the beautiful, elegant lady remained silent and expressionless. Her eyes mirrored the chief nun's strictness. I couldn't lock eyes with her for too long 'cause I felt as if she's judgin
Forever & Always Chapter 40
I remembered fainting right after I set foot inside the café, but I didn’t expect to wake up on the hospital bed with Ryan sitting on the small bench across the white alcohol-scented room. His eyes sparkled in relief when he saw my conscious state. But before he could even walk towards me, the door creaked open and Regina got into me first. “Nina! You’re awake. Thank goodness! How are you feeling?” She cried out, gripping onto my cold palms tightly. I forced out a weak smile. “I feel a lot better now compared to when I woke up this morning. Thanks for bringing me here.” Her face scrunched up in a chastising manner. “Why did you even go to work today when you’re perfectly aware that you’re sick?! You’re lucky Mom wasn’t there or you’d hear an earful from her!” She said furiously. “Nina, more than anything, we prioritize our employees’ health first. A simple text or email would do, you know?” My lips curled up into a smile. I do not have
Forever & Always Chapter 39
Florian ring my phone nearly half an hour later but I was too drain to even answer him. I slumped down directly on the bed as I scroll through the messages he left after two missed calls.Florian :Sorry about that. Are you still up?Florian :Good night, baby. I'll call you again tomorrow, sleep tight."Good night, baby. I'll call you again tomorrow, sleep tight!" I mimicked in irritation. I threw the phone to my side before pulling the blanket over my hide with slight harshness. I was rolling my eyes heavenward underneath the thin sheet.The sun was up and the neighbor's chicken was already clucking loudly when I woke up from my long slumber. I was in a hurry since I only got an hour left before my work. I didn't even bother to dress up nicely anymore. After putting on a plain black shirt and a tight denim jeans, I hurriedly left the house and ran to the café.Agatha was already in there and en
Forever & Always Chapter 38
I wiped them off quickly. The last thing I wanted for my neighbors to see is me walking home wailing as if I'm a high schooler who got bullied at school.I blinked back my tears and gritted my teeth to force them back inside my lid.When I got back home, I immediately shut my door lock and dashed inside my room. I slumped down my bed as my tears started wetting my pillow. The only consolation I could think of in this situation is that at least, he's not dead. At least, it's not as painful as when I lost my mother and my dad.Maybe I'm just going to pretend that I'm a wife who's waiting for her husband to come back home from an overseas trip. I dramatically sniveled on my pillow. Yes, maybe tricking my head into thinking that way would help.I sluggishly got up from the bed and walked towards the mirror. The little amount of eyeliner I applied on my lashes earlier already smudged.I can't behave this way! Who th
Forever & Always Chapter 37
He didn't mention a specific time. Wether he's leaving straight after we eat, or he's staying at least one more hour to kiss and hug with me, I don't know. I'm not sure. And I wanted ask but I didn't want to ruin my mood at the same time.It's awfully agitating as I sat there across the two who's obviously enjoying their food with voraciousness. My eyes kept glancing back and forth to the big round wall clock hanging behind them, as if I'm guarding the time or I could do something to pause it.Florian brought us to a fast-food restaurant, as what Alicia wishes. He filled almost all the space in our big six-seater table. He ordered two buckets of chicken and doubled every meal for each one of us. It's as if it's our last supper as I'm gawking at the amount of foods on our table.Alicia clapped jovially as she started chewing on the chicken that she's been craving for. I shook my head before glancing at Florian. He's eating but his eyes were di
Forever & Always Chapter 36
I am engaged.I couldn't wrap my head around that fact just yet when a few months ago, I was just planning to raise a cat alone and be single forever.It's easier that way. And although, I am not someone who was raised inside a non affectionate household, I still believe marriage is not for me. I believe in love, yes, as I grew up witnessing my parents' unconditional love for each other. But I don't know... I just feel like I am not destined for that.But Florian came. And he managed to bend all of those silent thoughts I used to have without lifting a finger.I exhaled happily. The diamond ring wrapping around my finger never fails to precipitate serotonin cells from me whenever I would take a look at it. Or even when I would just accidentally had my gaze on it.We headed back to Whale Bay after spending two hours of our time at the cemetery. Florian was planning to pick up Alicia later for a fancy dinner. He's been
Forever & Always Chapter 35
"Based on a real event... huh?!" I stared wide-eyed at the screen as the movie ended. The names of the casts and production staff started rolling to herald its ending.Florian stood up to switch on the lights. We just finished watching a horror film and we had it done with the lights off to add up to the movie's eerie atmosphere. It was a good and superb movie! The plot and the acting was chef's kiss but knowing that something as disturbing as that was actually a real life event made my skin crawl."Florian..." I quickly shut off the laptop while he started cleaning up our mess. It was a fun movie night date! We bought so many snacks and he even ordered two boxes of pizza.I tugged his shirt and scooted closer to him. He raised his eyebrow at me."Sleep beside me," I pouted cutely, my grip on his shirt tightening as I move closer to him.He chuckled. "You look traumatized, Nina.""I am!" I crossed my arm
Forever & Always Chapter 34
"Florian! Are you serious?" I gasped in shock after seeing the many paper bags scattered all over our living room. I just got home that afternoon from the café. Ma'am Elizabeth stopped by at the shop today to check up on us. I had to remove Florian's name at the staff list immediately and instructed the guard to post the hiring poster again. We have yet to find a replacement for him. Florian quickly rushed towards me. I gawked at him after I noticed he's only wearing an apron without his shirt on! His biceps and chest were popping sensually! "What are these?" I gestured at the paper bags occupying half of our living room. Some of the logos plastered on them are familiar brands of expensive products I usually see on television! He smiled curtly at me. "I went shopping while you're gone for work. I bought you some dress and shoes, you can them out." I mentally face-palmed. Just how much did he spent on these? I d
Forever & Always Chapter 33
I looked at Florian in slight confusion when we stopped by at the waiting shed. He let go of my hand as we sauntered under the roof of the empty bus stop.“Sorry, can I borrow your phone for a bit? I just need to call my assistant for an update,” he said and I nodded in understanding before handing my phone to his waiting hand. I scooted a little farther to give him privacy.So Gaston is an assistant, huh? Is he like a secretary from their company? Like an executive assistant? Interesting.“Hello, Gaston…” his tone switched to being formal and stern. “Have you called the bank yet? I need an immediate access today… Alright, thank you so much. I’ll call again tomorrow. I need to go back home as soon as possible.”My heart sunk again as I mentally rolled my eyes at him. Why'd he have to mention that in front of me? As much as possible, I do not want to talk about his departure anymore. It'
