Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

MYCA'S POV

"Maybe you want me to give you a mic so everyone can hear your loud and irritating laugh?" I was annoyed when Ian didn't even stop laughing.

I don't know why I'm getting mad and mad at him. I am not like this before. It was only today that we were able to talk in person because we are not close and I was only stalking his I*******m before. I had a crush on him before when we didn't talk in person. But now that he has ruined my mood twice, I don't want to see his face again. Maybe I'm just like this because of stress. Maybe it's on him that I heap my anger and annoyance on the world.

I first saw him on Allison and Aamon's wedding day. My eyes instinctively went to him at that time. I didn't know Aamon's cousins ​​before so I didn't know at that time that he was one of Allison's husband's cousins. He is very attentive when the preacher starts the reading. His deep eyes are mesmerizing to look at when serious. That's why when we were inside the mansion for the guests to eat, I couldn't find him in the sea of ​​people. He can stun anyone with his serious look. But maybe one thing that I immediately liked about him is that he is a smiling and happy person. Later on, I found out that he is a playboy because Allison told me about it. She warned me about Frencillio Ian Tessimond. But I never lost my admiration for him.

I just don't know anymore...

"You have a hot head, Miss. That's why you shouldn't always be focused on your work. They also say that being too stressed because of working without a break makes you fat and small," said Ian.

I am very sure he even tried to scan me from head to foot. Even though it was dark in this part, I could see his movements a little because of the light of the moon.

I hit my forehead. Now I know why I am like this when he is around. His mouth has no filter!

How dare he! Is that an indirect way to say that I am a short woman?! I'm tall compared to other girls! He's just so tall that he thinks I'm short!

"Shut up! You're talking nonsense!" I said annoyed and marched towards the hotel again.

When I arrived at the hotel, I went straight to my room to rest. I took a hot shower to relax from this exhausting day. That's why I immediately fell asleep when I laid down in bed. The next day I didn't go out. The weather was clear and the snorkeling and diving were good but I didn't feel like doing any activity today. Especially because I just received a call from mom reminding me about our big family gathering next month.

I am asking myself if I should go or not. Or if I will follow them or I will stand my ground. Either way, I don't think I will find peace. Because thinking that my parents will be disappointed with my decisions in life makes me sad. If I follow their decision to disobey them, I know that I will also be sad because mom and dad will surely be angry with me. When I followed them I knew to myself that I would never be happy. I don't know what to do anymore.

I cried and cried and fell asleep again. I just woke up at lunchtime. I just ordered food and ask someone to bring me the food. I don't have the strength to go out anymore. I also took a shower to feel better.

"Ms. Fortezo, you have a visitor. He's waiting in the lobby right now," Gigi said on the intercom.

"Who? I don't remember anyone visiting me today."

"The name is Jilo Valenciaga."

That's unusual. I always go to Jilo when I want to talk to him. He is a busy person too. He came here for the first time.

"Ma'am, shall I tell him to wait in your office?" Gigi.

"No. Take him up here to my room."

"I-Is that all right w-with you, ma'am?" Gigi asked a little hesitantly.

"Yes please."

I also waited for Jilo while I waited for the food that I had the hotel chef cook. I opened the door for him and immediately let him in when he arrived.

"Sit down." I pointed to the sofa.

Jilo is well dressed. He seems to have an errand to run now. He sat quietly on the other side of the sofa. I sat on the other side so that we faced each other.

"What's ours?" I immediately asked him.

"Nothing so special. I'm just letting you know that I'm leaving the Philippines."

I was alerted immediately. It was never Jilo's intention to leave the country because their main headquarters is here. Jilo Valenciaga is my second cousin from the paternal side. Out of all my cousins, he was the only one I could get along with because he understood me. Otherwise, he will try to understand me no matter what. We are that close to each other. He is a private investigator and was trained by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. When we were kids we were close to each other because I admired what he wanted to grow up to be. He is two years older than me.

"Where are you going?" I asked a little sadly.

"Only in America. Someone offered me a good job. I thought that this is a good opportunity because I can learn a lot and I can help a lot of people."

I avoided looking at him. It seems that this news has discouraged me even more. I still plan to tell dad that I don't plan to follow our tradition. I also thought last night to call Jilo and ask him for help, but it looks like his flight is today.

"Why are you quiet, Myca? Are you thinking about something else? Speaking of that, I remember that you need to pick someone to marry you who is from a distant relative. Did you pick anyone from what your dad referred to you?"

I shook my head. I bit my lower lip and looked at him again.

"Jilo, can I just marry you?" I said seriously.

He was a little surprised but he just laughed when he recovered from it.

"Now that is absurd. I support you in your plans but it is not mine to get married to you. I know that you will find the true meaning of happiness even if marriage is not involved. I know that you are struggling but I can only advise you to follow what your heart tells you. Because not every time our parents make the right decision for us. You are a smart woman, I know that. And I respect you a lot so I don't think it is right to take advantage of your weakness in this kind of situation. Even if I say that I love you, I will not be able to force you if I know that you will not be happy with me. I love you as a true sister and nothing else."

"I know that but I don't know what to do, Jilo. Even if I hate Farish, I know they will force me to choose someone else. I don't want to... I don't want to marry someone I don't love and worst if he is from a distant relative." Tears fell down my cheeks.

He gave me his apologetic look. "I don't know how I can help you escape this problem but if you have a solution just call me and I will help you."

I held my breath. I wiped my tears away and nodded my head. I will surely find my way out of this nightmare.

"Two thirty is my flight. I still have six hours left. I guess I'll spend all of my time here to help you think within those hours. Do you have any option in mind?" Jilo said.

"None…"

"Why don't you date someone and try to introduce him to tito and tita? If nothing can change their decision, tell them how you feel," he suggested.

I thought about it. Even though I know that I only have a small chance to convince mom and dad, the real outcome will not be known if I don't try.

"But Jilo, I don't know anyone I can date," I said shyly.

He chuckled. "I know. But don't you know someone who wouldn't be embarrassed if you two went out?"

I stared at him. Someone came to my mind so I was suddenly irritated. There is no way I am gonna date Ian Tessimond! Maybe I won't see him again because I'm too mad at him. If someone else can I would choose him rather than Ian!

"Looks like nothing either. Perks of being a man-hater since birth?" he teased.

"Only for playboys!"

Jilo laughed out loud. He took out his cell phone and focused on it for a few minutes. Later he showed me the profile pieces of information of various men. I even saw some famous artists!

"Why do you have something like that? That's not allowed, right?" I'm nervous about the question because the placement of information on each person I see is too detailed!

He scrolled down to let me see more of them. "Those are purely single. They are people I know who are also looking for someone to date. Don't worry, I asked permission from them and they agreed."

"Is there someone who isn't awkward to talk to? I'm always running out of things to say, so we might as well be flies if no one talks to the two of us."

I can't believe that I am doing this. It's not a bad thing to try but I also think about half of the possibility of what will happen if I introduce the man I'm going to date to mom and dad.

"Do you have other preferences?"

"That's all..."

I would like to add that I also want someone kind and smiling. But Jilo might still have a hard time. My cell phone rang in the middle of our conversation. It's a video call from my only best friend, Tatiana Allison. I waved as soon as the video call came in.

"Oh my! Hello, baby Aziel," I greeted my godchild.

"He is sleepy. Tired of playing with Aamon," said Allison.

I smiled. I hope they are here so I can relax even if I am bombarded by problems in life. Allison handed her son to a maid so she could talk to me properly.

"I am with Jilo," I informed her.

I angled my cellphone camera so she can see Jilo. My cousin waved and smiled at her.

"Running some errand? It looks like what you're talking about is important," Allison said.

"You must not miss this one. It's good that you called. Myca is looking for a date. Maybe you can fix something?" Jilo asked with a hint of joking in his tone after mentioning his last words.

I rolled my eyes. "There are many choices here, so don't," I immediately appealed.

Allison's eyes widened. I immediately knew what was on her mind.

"Myca, you're asking Jilo for help?! You know I've been wanting to tell you something for a long time!" Allison blurted out.

Jilo and I looked at each other. He gave me that knowing look. I heaved a sigh to ease myself a little. My friend seems to think the same. I am not really into dating someone. I was a young woman with no interest in men. Simply because I find it very awkward whenever I imagine that we will be sweet to each other. I kind of cringe every time I think about us kissing or maybe exchanging sweet words! It doesn't fit the picture I am trying to build in my mind. Maybe I'll be like this until I'm old.

"Spill the name of that person you are talking about, Allison. Maybe that is the most suitable man that Myca can date," Jilo said happily and convincingly.

Allison giggled. He seems to be thrilled right away.

"Because they both like to manage resorts and hotels. Ace is a nice man and he is so kind! Not a playboy too! And the good news is that he is now in the Philippines for a vacation!" My friend said very excitedly.

"Ah, so the name of the man you want for Myca is Ace. So why don't you give it a try? It seems that Alli is talking about a good man," Jilo turned to me.

I tucked my hair to fix it and fanned myself. "He already has a girlfriend!"

Jilo raised an eyebrow at me. "How can you tell? You stalked him?"

I immediately shook my head. "No!"

I was suddenly taken advantage of. I don't want to admit that I kind of checked his I*******m account a month after Allison told me about him. Because that's Ian's cousin. And compared to Ian, it's true that he looks kind and not a cheater. But I can't seem to see myself with him and treating each other well while dating…

"I gave your number to Ace and told him to stay at your resort. He said yes and I know that Wallace Tessimond does not lie. He is alone, by the way. Please do accompany him, okay?" Allison said with a smile and winked at me.

My eyes widened. What the...