He simply nodded to me in response. I felt my jaw drop as my eyes widened.
“So… If that’s the case… Then I don’t have to pretend in front of you just like whenever I am with Finn?” I exclaimed gladly as I felt like another rope on my neck was untangled. “It’s a good thing that you are aware of it.”
I really thought that I messed up letting those words slip through my mouth. Even though I feel completely upset with Jaxson, the agreement that we signed will never change.
“And, you have all the rights to feel emotions because you are a person. You have a heart, and a brain that controls it to feel love. Sometimes, we just have to accept that the person we love could never love us back the same way that we do.”
“Hmmm,” I grinned. “Where in the depth of your heart are you pulling those words, huh?” I teased him with a laugh as I poked his shoulders. “Do you already have someone you love?” I asked in curiosity.
“I do, but you know what? I can only be her lover. Just like you. She’s already into someone.” Gunther’s eyes were drawn into me and it seemed as if for a moment, our gazes locked. “And she's so madly in love with someone that is not me.”
We were jolted back to reality when Gunther withdrew his gaze. “Once the sun goes down, we have no choice but to go there. He may be looking for you.”
I cackled sarcastically. “I am a hundred percent sure that he won’t do that. I guess he never even thinks about me, and instead spends some quality time with his ex-pregnant-girlfriend, Daniella.” My eyes rolled in annoyance. “Though, I should care less. I’m not the one he really is in love with. So,” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Adorable.”
I winced because of what he uttered.
“—I mean, lover’s quarrels before the wedding? Phew, normal.” He added. “If you didn’t really wanna face him today, would you like to go somewhere else? You know, just to have a little escape before your wedding tomorrow.”
My nose scrunched as I backed away from him a little bit. “Why do you sound like one of my classmates? Where are you taking me if I ever come with you?”
“DeepBlue?” He asked as his lower lip rose a little with one of his brow lifted.
“You know that place?” I exclaimed in a high pitched voice. “That’s where I used to work!” My pique gradually dwindled just by hearing those words. “I will surely come with you! It’s great because I also promised Loren earlier that I will pay her a visit in DeepBlue.”
“Awesome.” He uttered. “And you don’t want to worry about going home by the way. I will not let you drink any alcoholic beverages. I just want to bring you there to where you used to be before your wedding tomorrow.”
I feel like the smiles on my face could tear my lips apart as it lifted to my ears.
I remember Charles to Gunther, he also does things like this to make me happy.
“Wipe your face once again before we go down there, alright?”
I gladly nodded, quickly taking the handkerchief from him.
“— If you resent seeing his face tonight then I’ll do you a favor. I’ll check the doors and hallway before you walk so we can make sure you won’t bump with him tonight.”
I nodded again with a deep sigh. “Let’s go…”
“No, wait.”
I was about to stand up when Gunther pulled my arm, making me back to my seat. I followed his hand with my eyes as it drew to my hand and took the handkerchief away from me.
“Right here…” His hand lifted to me as he gently dab it to the side of my face.
I was stricken dumb just staring at his face when his eyes wandered to my lips. I feel like we were stuck in this position for a moment and none of us could let each other go.
“So this is what’s keeping you busy to ditch the meeting with the coordinators down in my office?”
Jaxson’s voice resonated across the room, nudging us back to our senses.
I watched as Gunther stood straight immediately, giving him a polite bow of respect.
When my eyes hoist to him, I felt as if all the anger came back to me and boiled my blood, making my entire body heat up.
I could feel my eyes narrowing as my feet deliberately walked past him without saying any word.
“Giving me this attitude when I should be the one scolding you? How can you ditch an important meeting and the only reason you can give me is that you are up here, spending some romantic quality time with your bodyguard!?” He yelled with frigid timber.
My feet halted, I really want to face him right now and shout everything that I am feeling inside me.
But I can’t.
I can’t let him know how I feel.
I gritted my teeth as I clenched my fist to contain my emotion. My steps were heavy as I continued walking without looking back at him.
If Charle’s life didn't depend on the relationship between the two of us, I could really break up with him right now.
“Hello.” I tried greeting our wedding coordinators with a feigned smile, which both of them just reciprocated with a smile.
I saw Jaxson out of the corner of my eye, silently sitting on the chair next to me.
“So, as I promised yesterday Ms. Cattleya. I brought you more options of the-”
“No need.” I uttered in a flat tone. “Everything you showed yesterday to me was good and you don’t have to change any of it.”
“A-Are you sure, Ms. Cattleya?” She stammered as she lifted the papers on the table. “You can take a look at what we have here and—”
“I said it’s all good.” I slashed her words.
I know they have nothing to do with whatever it is that is happening to me right now. But, I just really don’t feel like talking to someone right now and my social battery is drained at the fullest. So even if I feel sorry to both of these ladies, I can’t do anything.
“O-Okay, Ms. Cattleya. What about the gowns that you want? We have few more options for you to see-”
“Which do you think is the prettiest among them?” I asked,
Compared to yesterday, I don’t feel any excitement about this preparation at all.
“I would say, this number 3 is perfect.”
“I liked it. Let’s go with that.” I quickly ordered without even looking at the papers she had laid out.
I just want everything to get done so I can come with Gunther and visit Loren at the DeepBlue which he promised. And also, I am starting to get lazy choosing all this to make our fake wedding perfect when Jaxson doesn't even give any interest to it.
Now that it is crystal clear to me how Jaxson never really cares about us and only to get the name of the Ruegold and his ex- pregnant- love affair, I think I’ll be able to do my job properly this time and work on myself more than watering my feelings to him and let it grow bigger.
Because in the end, only I will lose the battle.
“Cattleya, Hija!” Uncle Joe’s voice reverberated across the dressing room. I saw the beaming smiles of the people from our apartment that also shouted my name at the same time. “Come in, come in,” I said politely, before Gunther let them walk inside the room reserved for me. “Uncle Joe, Aunt Marie. Thank you guys for coming!” I was relieved when I finally let my bottom breathe by standing from the chair. I was sitting for almost three hours for hair and make up preparation. It feels flatter now than it used to be from too much sitting here while I have been staring at myself in the vanity mirror where I can see my face being doll-up.“Wow, Catt. You look spectacular! Ha-ha! That wedding gown is amazing, and I just want to mention how obvious it looks that this is expensive and only rich people like you can afford it!” Aunt Marie exclaimed as she ran her hand on the gown that I will wear. “Take a look at its fabric as well as the stones and diamonds attached to it. You’ll be a million
“Hey, how many times do I have to tell you that you can call me Richard?” I let out an awkward laugh because of what he said as my gaze slowly moved back and forth to Loren and Mr. Sol, trying to digest the situation. An uncomfortable silence enveloped us for a moment.I don’t think that it will ever be normal to me to call him by his first name. Besides, we are not that close either, considering that he is my manager and the owner of the club. Not to mention how I didn’t last for a year working under him. So, even if he tells me so many times to call him by his name, it seems like my lips couldn’t utter it because of the invisible wall between us. However, him helping me and the very first person to approach me when he found out about my overdue bills and tuition fee is what I am really thankful for. He allowed me to get an advance payment to save my education so easily, which never happened to me with my previous bosses. The ice broke in our midst because of Uncle Joe’s fake thro
[Cattleya]I was overwhelmed as the big door of the church opened in front of my eyes. I was met by so many people and all their attention was on me. At the same time, a romantic instrumental tune that I requested from Charlotte as the theme song for my walk down the aisle.I slowly took a small step, holding the pink with tinge of gold bouquet in my hand. I can now feel people's eyes on me, but I couldn't give them a look because my eyes are only fixed on one person.As I watched the man at the end of the aisle, it still hadn't sunk in to me that the day had come when we would marry each other. That the wedding that I have been dreaming about since I was a child is really happening today. It feels like last night that I just met him and now I am getting married to that man named Jaxson Madrigal. Though we met in only three days, it doesn’t really feel like a very short time. It's almost like years of getting to know him as a person. A lot had happened between us, and if they’ll ask me
The ring glided onto her ring finger, captivating her attention with its appearance. Cattleya found it to be quite lovely as well as unique. She took the ring next, resting it carefully on Jaxson's hand until it was finally on her finger.“I, Cattleya Santos, take you, Jaxson Madrigal, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.” Jaxson couldn’t help but to stare at her finger for a while, having a peculiar feeling. He lifted his gaze to Cattley after being lost for a moment.“In the name of the Holy Spirit, I now solemnly declare you husband and wife. Let no one put asunder those that have been joined together today in the presence of almighty God. You may now kiss the bride.”Upon hearing that, Jaxson's hand moved foray extending towards Cattleya to slowly lift the veil that she is wearing.Cattleya raised her eyes to Jaxson, and they finally locked eyes. The moment their e
[CATTLEYA]I went out of the venue to get some air and at least steal time to rest.I really can’t stand Emily’s presence. She just always has something to say that makes the heat all of my body run quickly to my head, and makes me want to blow fire right to her face.“Aagh…” I breathe out. “So nice to be alone and get a rest from everyone…”It was a good thing that people are enjoying themselves, talking nonstop business, and having a buffet.Well, I don’t even know if I can call it sharing the food. Because as Emily said, it seems to be only Uncle Joe and my other neighbors eating and sharing the food together. Of course, I won’t stop them from what they’re doing. Those rich people don’t even move their plates. There would be so much food waste if not because of people like Uncle Joe. They should thank them. Actually.My knees are worn out and I could already feel my body screaming for bed because of how low my social battery is right now. Even if I charge it for three consecutive da
“What are you doing here?”“Joining my wife in his little party, I think?”I jolted from the couch, blown at how I didn’t realize Jaxson was here and he found me here in the balcony.“Well, you shouldn't be here!” I couldn’t help but to slightly raise my voice because I’m still in a state of shock.He answered by raising both his brows, pinning his eyes on me.“Come on, Jax. Look around! No people could possibly see us here. You can now drop the act, okay? Don’t push yourself too much.” I said with a tone of annoyance as I gently shoved his chest away from me.Jaxson shouldn’t pretend in front of me the way he does to others. He should be content at fooling other people and not include me.I know he’s been dying to mingle with Daniella at this time. Well, too bad for them because I don’t think that people are gonna leave any time soon now. “What do you mean pretending?”“Oh please,” My eyes rolled up as I turned my stance, so I won’t be facing him. [“Catcat? Hello? Who are you talkin
“You are seriously so immersed by your acting, aren't you?” I pushed Jaxson as hard as I could, giving all the strength left in my body making him stumble.“I am.” He said with a giggle. “Why are you being so cheeky to me suddenly?” Jaxson asked before moving next to my stance. We were only a few inches away from each other so I quickly moved back a little to catch my breath.I can’t answer Jaxson’s question directly right into his face. And I guess he pretty sure knew the reason why I am so distant to him ever since I saw Daniella in his office. I just don’t want myself to meddle with whatever it is that they are into. If they are still having an affair behind all of this marriage act that we are doing, sure they can. Who am I, really? Even if I completely dislike them for doing that, I don’t think I should care more.“What’s running through your mind?”I drew my eyes to Jaxson as he gently lay down next to me while I remained seated.“Come on, Cattleya. You can tell me.”My eyebrows
“Hey, Catt! Where are you going?” I heard Loren call to me as I just kept walking and passed them.I am pretty sure that I couldn’t afford to sleep and stay in one room with Jaxson because if that happens then I’ll be devoured by extreme embarrassment that might cause my death. I swiftly descended the stairs without even saying my goodbyes to the guest.I'd better spend the night in the apartment.“Mrs. Madrigal.” Simultaneously, men dressed in black uniforms called to me.I was a bit unused to what they called me.I’m assuming that these men belong to the Madrigal security. So without even uttering any words, I proceeded to the car parked in front of the hotel where the reception took place. I don’t know if the guests already noticed that I am gone. But if so, I’ll just explain to them that I am just tired and wanted to have a rest. Rather than covering up my stupidity.I began leaning my back on the car seat after telling the driver where my destination woulf be.“I am so crazy…”