3

LEXI'S POV

It was only six in the evening when I arrived at the restaurant. I made sure to come early. Linda was really worried about me, but I reassured her that I was fine. I still hadn’t told Savina what I had found out because I knew she would rush to confront James. I wanted to talk to James first. I wanted us to clear things up.

I still made an effort to prepare for this dinner. I wore a peach-colored dress that was above the knee. I let my long hair down and applied a bit of makeup. I had planned to wear contact lenses, so I wouldn’t look like a nerd, but I was sure I would cry later. So I opted for my thick glasses instead. I’m still the nerd that everyone bullied back in high school. I guess I was just a fool to believe that James truly loved me.

My thoughts were interrupted when my phone suddenly rang. It was Papa calling, so I quickly answered.

“Hija, where are you?” he asked.

“I’m just handling something, Papa,” I replied.

“If you can make it to our dinner, please come. I’d rather meet that family when we’re all complete,” he reminded me.

I smiled bitterly. How could I have been so stupid? I gave up the chance to be with Papa again, all because of James. Because I thought he loved me, I set aside the invitation Papa gave me to join the family gathering.

“Sorry, Papa,” I said, trying not to let my voice crack, knowing he would notice if I started to cry.

“It’s okay, Lexi. Just finish what you need to do, then come here, okay?”

“Yes, Papa,” I answered.

I ended the call. I didn’t think I could make it to that family dinner, especially with the woman I once considered a sister, Shiela, there. I couldn’t face her after everything she did to me. I never thought she could do something like that.

“Lexi.”

I quickly straightened myself up when I heard James' voice. I wore my sweetest smile as I turned to look at him. He was as handsome as ever, wearing a plain blue polo shirt with pants and sneakers. His scent was calming, temporarily soothing my nerves.

“Have you been here long? Sorry, I’m a bit late,” he said awkwardly.

I simply nodded. He and Shiela must’ve left our house earlier, and I’m sure he went with her to the salon. Knowing Shiela, she probably planned everything carefully for that family dinner. And now I wonder if she wants to meet the heir of the TAC Group of Companies, and yet, she has already promised to be with the man sitting in front of me.

“It’s okay,” I answered him briefly.

“Let’s order?” he asked, as if nothing was wrong.

“I already ordered,” I replied, smiling.

James nodded, but I could see his disappointment in his face. After knowing him for so many years, I knew how much he hated being led. I’ve only had the courage to do it now after all the times we went out to eat.

“Happy birthday!” he said, handing me a paper bag. “I didn’t get you flowers this time because I know someone already sent them to you,” he added.

I chuckled softly. I thought he had been jealous last year when someone sent me flowers, but now I realize that it worked in his favor since he didn’t have to give me flowers anymore.

“Actually, you didn’t need to give me a gift either. It’s just a normal day,” I said seriously.

“Because they didn’t remember your birthday?” he asked, concerned.

I nodded. Since James was also my friend, he was aware of how Papa’s wife and daughter treated me. It was a huge slap to me to realize that the one James truly loved was Shiela, the one who always treated me horribly.

“James, what if we get married?” I asked bluntly.

He almost choked on the water he was drinking. I could clearly see the color draining from his face. I wanted to laugh but chose not to show any emotion.

“Lexi, you haven’t even answered me yet,” he said, trying to joke, but his voice showed panic.

“Then what if I say yes now? Can we get married tomorrow?” I asked.

James immediately avoided my gaze, just as I expected. He didn’t say anything, as the food I ordered was now on the table. His eyes widened when he saw what was laid out.

“Lexi, I’m allergic to seafood,” he said firmly once the waiter had left.

“I know,” I replied, without emotion.

His face softened from the frown. “Lexi, is something wrong? Did I do something wrong?”

I gave a small smile. I leaned back in my chair and looked directly at James, who seemed to be getting more uncomfortable by the second.

“You still haven’t answered my question. Will you marry me?” I repeated.

James swallowed hard, and sweat began to form on his forehead. He was so different from the James who had patiently courted me these past few months.

“You can’t, because of Shiela,” I said coldly, which only shocked him further.

“Lexi…”

“James, before you courted me, we were friends. You know about what happened to me with my first love. You knew how they played with me. And yet, you did the same thing.”

James lowered his head, his fists clenching. “I’m sorry, Lexi.”

I laughed bitterly as tears welled up in my eyes. “That’s exactly what my ex said,” I murmured in disbelief.

James tried to reach for my hand, but I quickly pulled it away. He averted his gaze, as I kept mine fixed on him.

“I am really sorry, Lexi. I loved Shiela so much that I followed her orders. It was the only way I could prove to her how much I loved her,” James explained desperately.

I shook my head slowly. I wiped away my tears because I shouldn’t be crying for someone who only cared about himself.

“Do you know they’re having a dinner meeting with the TAC Group of Companies?” I asked him.

“I know. She told me it was a business meeting,” he answered softly.

“Do you know that Shiela wants to be matched with the heir of that company?”

James' eyes widened in alarm. “No! Shiela wouldn’t do that. You’re just trying to cause trouble between us. Are you that desperate?”

I smiled. I never thought James would show this side of himself. He was so manipulative, but when it came to Shiela, he acted like a dog following its master’s commands.

“You know the truth, don’t you? Yes, I pretended to love you, I courted you so you’d fall for me. And isn’t it true that you were planning to accept me now? You love me, Lexi. But I’m sorry, I don’t truly love you.”

I smiled again.

"Actually, I’m thankful to you. At least now I know who you really are. And now I know I don’t deserve someone like you. I don’t deserve this."