Chapter 9: Honeymoon

“It’s been a while, Jake,” Leo stated plainly as soon as he came near us.

Then, he grabbed me by my waist and pulled me closer to him. Another surprising gesture from him.

“Right. It’s been a while,” Jake responded with a thin smile and patted Leo on his arm. Then, he glanced again at me.

“So, when did you return?” Leo asked.

I didn’t know but I could feel the tension between the two of them in the way they converse.

Jake’s smile widened. “I just came back yesterday. You know, when I received the invitation from your mom, I didn’t hesitate to come. Anyway, congratulations.” He said, throwing me a quick look before his eyes darted again at Leo.

Consequently, I felt uncomfortable with his gaze so I looked away.

“I see,” Leo uttered, looking down at me. Then, he cleared his throat before he added, “So, we have to go. Everyone outside is waiting for my wife.”

I suddenly raised my head at Leo as he emphasized the words ‘my wife’. I couldn’t understand but it brought a fluttery sensation in my heart.

“Yeah, I was about to say it as well.” Jake replied with a soft smile as he turned to me, “Nice meeting you, Angela.”

Afterward, he walked away. However, after a few steps, he halted as he looked back at us.

“Oh, right!” He expressed as he snapped his fingers. Then, he continued, “I’ve been trying to recall earlier and I just remembered it now. I think we’ve met before, Angela. It was last year somewhere in Spain, right?” He asked, creasing his forehead.

My heart skipped a beat as I instantly glanced at Leo. I had a hunch that it was Angela whom he met as I had never been to Spain.

And that’s what I was afraid of - to meet someone who knew my twin sister.

But it’s a small world!

Hence, I prepared the safest response just in case it happened.

So, managing an innocent smile, I answered, “Sorry, but I don’t think we’ve met before.”

Jake’s brows furrowed.

“I can’t be wrong. I remember it well when– Anyway, never mind.” He gasped.

But he gave us a mysterious smirk before he turned and left.

I was glad Jake didn’t insist that we’d met before. But the way he smirked earlier, I knew I should be cautious of him and that I should avoid him in the future.

Nevertheless, I breathed a sigh of relief when he completely disappeared from my sight.

But I noticed Leo’s doubtful gaze at me as we walked towards the garden.

Or was I only feeling guilty?

“Do you really not know him?” Leo suddenly asked as he stopped me from walking.

I was startled.

Looking up at him, I replied straight into his eyes. “Yes.”

He stared deeply at me as though studying my face if I was telling the truth.

Nonetheless, I was confident as I was really telling the truth. I really didn’t know that man. Hence, I didn't take my eyes off him.

“Good. Don’t dare to know him.” He mumbled meaningfully.

Creasing my forehead, I inquired curiously. “Why?”

Leo frowned. It seemed that he didn’t like my question.

“Just do what I said. Let’s go.” He muttered coldly before he walked away and left me.

Gone was the sweet Leo earlier.

Shaking my head, I followed him. Although I had many questions in my head, I didn’t ask any more as I was worried that Leo might think I was interested in that man.

And so, we came back to the garden together as though nothing happened. And as I saw the visitors, I couldn’t help but be anxious again.

But thinking that I should face them for Angela, my nervousness slowly faded away.

And soon after, Sarah introduced me to their friends and close relatives. Leo was just silently following us. 

“She’s indeed beautiful and amiable, Sarah.” I heard Mrs. Lopez say.

I just smiled at her to show my appreciation.

“Yes, and she’s really a nice woman,” Sarah responded sweetly as she glimpsed at me.

I felt warm in my heart as I could sense the sincerity in Sarah’s words. But I knew I should not feel this way. I insisted to myself that I was only doing it for Angela.

Thus, I smiled softly at them as I mumbled, “That’s very kind of you. Thank you.”

“I would not be surprised if Leo will fall in love with you soon.” Mrs. Lopez remarked.

Hearing her words, I wanted to laugh as I thought that it was impossible. But my eyes slightly bulged when Sarah replied. 

“I agree with you. Let’s wait until they return from their honeymoon.” She announced before she chuckled.

I threw Leo a questioning look like I was asking him, ‘What honeymoon are they talking about?’

However, Leo ignored me and just looked at his mom.

Then, it seemed Sarah noticed my expression.

“Oh sorry, dear. We’re yet to inform you that you will go on your honeymoon in Northland after this event.”

I was too stunned to react.

‘Honeymoon?’ I anxiously thought.

My throat suddenly felt dry. ‘It couldn’t be.’

Eventually, the event ended. The visitors left one by one.

And as the time approaches, my heart beat wilder and wilder.

I was in deep thought, thinking of ways how I could avoid going on the honeymoon.

‘But what should I do?’ I asked myself worriedly while staring into space.

‘Should I pretend to be sick? No, they might notice I was lying.’

Sigh. I still couldn’t think of an excuse how to postpone our honeymoon.

Good thing, Leo and Sarah got busy accompanying the guests leaving the venue.

Subsequently, my eyes darted to the round bar table for cocktails. I recalled my plan earlier of drinking beer.

So, I immediately stood up and went to the bar table. I decided to drink some to calm myself down while thinking of an excuse.

I asked for a glass of cocktail and drank it in one gulp.

“It tastes great, huh?” I remarked. Then I asked for another glass.

Suddenly, a bright idea popped into my mind.

‘Why not?’ I beamed as I thought of getting drunk. That way, our honeymoon would be canceled.

I already drank five glasses of cocktail when I saw Leo and his mom coming my way.

Then, I heard the sound of a chopper. It was getting louder and louder while the wind blew stronger to where I was standing.

A little dizzy, I turned my head. I looked at the chopper in awe. It seemed that it would land on the vacant lot near the garden.

However, I suddenly held my forehead as I felt like my head was spinning.

Shortly after, I shut my eyes as I felt like I was falling.

“Angela!”

I heard Leo call my name. But I wasn't able to look at him as I couldn’t stand my dizziness.

Then I just felt a pair of masculine arms holding me.

I forced my eyes to open.

And there, I saw Leo gazing down at me.

I managed a faint smile, thinking I succeed. I got drunk.

Then, everything turned dark.