CHAPTER 5

They were seen by Grandpa, holding hands as they left the library. Grandpa’s smile was huge as he looked at them. Clarissa seemed to be just going along with everything. 

Reed was incredibly happy... he had even planned to find the woman he had been with the previous night, he couldn't get her out of his mind. Fortunately, fate was kind to him; who would have thought that his destined bride would be her? He promised himself he would make her happy if she agreed to marry him.

He had fallen in love with her the first time he saw her at the bar, and to top it off, he was the first man she had been with. Ahhh, Reed groaned as he remembered how Clarissa begged him last night. He recalled how tight she was, how soft her curves were, perfectly fitting in his hands… ahhh, he must be going crazy.

If she would agree to be his wife, she won’t need to beg anymore... he'll make her happy every day... Reed grinned at his thoughts.

"Red, Clarissa, the food is ready... let's eat." the old man said. "Have you all discussed what I said about marrying each other?"

"Grandpa, let’s not rush Clarissa. She might be overwhelmed. I’ll court her first," Reed said with a smile.

“Hahaha. That’s my boy!” said Don Miguel. “Good decision, Reed. Treat her well... Clarissa has never had a boyfriend before. Courting her is the right thing to do, she deserves it!"

Clarissa frowned.... It felt like the grandfather and grandson were conspiring against her. They were gossiping about her right in front of her!

But deep inside, she felt thrilled. Reed was going to court her! She had already noticed how handsome he was since last night... She had watched him while he slept beside her.

He was about 6’2", with a prominent nose and mestizo features—like a model. She grimaced again when she remembered how she had begged Reed to claim her... she wanted to melt right then and there.

She noticed Reed watching her while she was lost in thought, he was sitting right in front of her. He winked at her and offered a sweet smile. She felt like she was drowning whenever she looked into Reed’s eyes. His gaze was so captivating. She was thrilled by Reed’s actions but tried not to show it... she looked down and continued eating.

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REED'S POV:

Reed Villaruel is chasing after a woman??? This isn’t like me!!! He said to himmself. But Clarissa is different... she’s so special. She wouldn’t just agree to marry me even though our family is one of the wealthiest in San Sebastian—she doesn’t care about that.

This means she isn’t dazzled by our wealth, which makes me even more in love with her! She even might have run away and left me! I won’t waste this opportunity, I wont let her go!... he said to himself!

"Reed, take Clarissa home. It’s getting dark." Ask Don Miguel. 

"My dear, tomorrow I’ll have your things taken from your house... You should move into the mansion."

"N-no, Grandpa. I don’t want to live here!" Don Miguel suddenly clutched his chest and grimaced. Panicking, she rushed to his destination. "Grandpa, what happened? Does your chest hurt?"

"My chest pains are becoming more frequent, dear. Could you please stay here to keep an eye on me?"

"B-but Grandpa…"

"Please, dear. I might not have much time left…"

"Okay, Grandpa. I’ll take care of you. You’ll get better, and I’ll take care of you!" Clarissa said tearfully.

Don Miguel looked at Reed and winked when Clarissa wasn’t looking. Reed grinned, realizing that Don Miguel was just pretending to be ill. He laughed to himself, thinking he must have inherited his mischievousness from his grandfather.

"Reed, take Clarissa home."

"Let’s go, sweetheart." He took Clarissa by the wrist. She shrugged off his hand and walked ahead. Reed shook his head and laughed... If only I didn’t have a crush on you...

“Don’t bother to see me off. I can go home on my own.”

“No, I’m taking you home whether you like it or not. What if something happens to you?”

Clarissa suddenly became scared of the possibility of something happening to her again. She clung to Reed, apparently developing a phobia.

Reed saw the fear in Clarissa’s face. He recalled last night and thought that if he hadn’t helped her, she might have been raped or worse, killed! He clenched his jaw. He noticed that Clarissa was now in tears. She was probably recalling what happened last night as well. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. From now on, I will take care of you.”

Clarissa didn’t fully understand, but she felt a sense of relief when Reed said he would take care of her. She tightened her grip on Reed’s arm. Reed took her hand that was holding onto him, turned Clarissa to face him, held her by the shoulders, and kissed her.

Clarissa was startled by his actions. She stood there like a statue, not knowing how to react to the kiss. He was even more inspired to kiss her, wanting to be the one to teach her how to kiss. In his mind, he thought, "You’re mine, Clarissa."

Suddenly, Clarissa pulled away, seeming startled by what had happened. She stepped back. “A-ahm, let’s go... take me home…”

“Okay…” He opened the passenger seat for Clarissa, helped her in, and then settled into the driver’s seat.

Once Clarissa was in the car and she immediately smelled Reed’s cologne inside his Ferrari Red sports car. The scent was so pleasant and not overwhelming. She wanted to breathe it all in but was worried Reed might notice. They traveled home in silence.