Don't Want to See Her

*Stuart's POV*

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have just landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and we are now taxing to the NAIA Centennial Terminal 2. Welcome to Manila! For your safety, please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened until the fasten seatbelt sign has been switched off."

I sighed realizing that I was finally back in the Philippines. Two years have passed since the last time I left the country but two years seems to be not enough for me to forget everything that happened. If I had a choice, I would never return to this place which reminded me of the fool I was but my father needed me. He is sick and can no longer take care of our family's business. As his only son and the only heir to his business empire, I have no choice but to come home and take over his businesses.

"Stop moving around, Patricia!" I was startled when I heard her name so I looked over to see a woman trying to calm her daughter.

"I am sorry," she apologized to me, "I did not mean to disturb you."

I was not actually bothered about the noise she and her daughter created. I was just simply bothered about the name she called her daughter. It was a name I vowed never to utter and if there is one thing I would never do, that is to make our lives cross again.

It took me some time before I could finally get out of the plane but I was not surprised to see my friends waiting for me at the arrival area.

"Hey, bro!" Marco first came near me and we had a close fist and shoulder bump.

"Haha! You obviously missed me," I joked.

"Why wouldn't we? You just disappeared without a trace. Did you know that your wi –"

"Ex-wife, Kaz," I corrected my friend, "and please, let's not talk about her."

"Wooow! You sounded like you're the victim."

I did not make any further comment but I glared at him. I know Kaz is trying to piss me off so I decided to keep my silence. It was a big mistake that I gave her false hopes. If I just had the strength to fight for the love that I felt, I would not need to suffer this much.

*Flashback*

"Sandra..."

"Stuart, don't" she tried to look away from me.

"I love you, Sandra," I finally dared to confess to her.

"Stuart, this is not right! This shouldn't be," she turned her back on me.

I am determined to get what I want so I went to her front and kneeled, "Why is this wrong? I love you and I see nothing wrong about it."

"My cousin loves you, Stuart," her teary eyes met mine, "I can't bear to betray her."

"How about us? How about what I feel? Is her feelings more important than ours?" I tried to convince her.

"I love my cousin, Stuart," she tried to hold back her tears, "I do not want to hurt her."

"How about what we feel for each other? How about what this feels for you?" I pointed my chest, "Isn't our love more important?"

"Patricia was kind to me. Her family were with me when my parents died," she explained.

"Are you willing to give up our love just because of the favor that her family gave you?" I wanted to stay calm but I couldn't help but feel mad about her willingness to give me away like I was just a toy that she could just lend me to her cousin.

"Stuart, please understand," she tried to explain, "I was the one who encouraged her to love you. She is crazy in love with you because I encouraged her."

"It was still her choice but I never set eyes on her, not even once," I said, "I love you, Sandra. Please don't give me away."

"I-I am sorry, Stuart," she took a step away from me, "I can't bear to hurt my cousin."

"No! No! No!" I tried to follow her, "Sandra, please," I held her hand and lightly brushed her skin, "tell me what I can do so we can give ourselves a chance to love each other."

She looked straight at me. I tried to find hope in her eyes but I couldn't find what I was looking for. I am not even sure if it is pain or anger that I saw in her eyes.

"If Patricia stops loving you, and if by then I am still available," she started speaking, "that will be the time," she said.

Slim but still considered a chance. I will hold on to her words. I will make Patricia hate me. If that is what it takes for Sandra and me to end up together, I will do whatever it takes.

*End of Flashback*

"Hey! You're spacing out, man," Kaz placed his arms over my shoulder, "was that because of Patricia or someone else?"

"Stop it, Kaz, "I warned him, "or I'll break your neck."

"Then pay attention and stop daydreaming," he continued to chuckle.

"Sorry, this is probably just a jet lag," I reasoned, "so what are you talking about?"

"Janine and I will be celebrating our anniversary next week," Marco started, "I want the group to be complete."

"I think I'll pass," I said.

"I won't take no for an answer, Stuart," Marco insisted.

"You know I am trying to avoid her," I tried to explain, "she is Janine's friend. She'd probably attend the party. I do not want to make our worlds cross again."

"Too late, Stuart," Marco interrupted me, "Patricia and Janine were together today. Janine has probably informed Patricia about your arrival today."

"D*mn it! Why did you tell Janine about my arrival?" now I think I am doomed.

"Janine kept on asking about where I was going. She wanted to me accompany her and since I needed a good excuse why I should not go shopping with her, I told her we were going to meet," Marco explained.

"Fine," I sighed in defeat, "but just like what we used to do, help me avoid her."

"Don't you want to know what happened to your ex-wife?" Kaz interrupted.

"I told you! I – DON'T – F*CKING – CARE!" I grabbed him by his collar.

"Take it easy, man!" Mago tried to stop me so I let Kaz go.

I noticed the exchange of looks between Kaz and Marco but I decided not to mind about it. I know they just pitied Patricia but they also need to understand how I feel. I lost my chance to be with someone I truly love because of Patricia and because of that, I will never let her be part of this life which I am now currently fixing.

"I will go but make sure Patricia will never get anywhere near me," I conceded, "I have to go. I'll see you all next week."