“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 throat cleaning. Maybe because they also felt the unusually awkward situation surrounding us.I have no idea why Loren brought our boss here. Seriously, Loren and Mr. Sol aren’t even that close either.“Oh… now that your friends are here, then it’s our cue to go and give other people time to have a chat with the bride. Aren’t we?” Uncle Joe uttered with a soft chuckle. “While we wait outside, shouldn’t it be also the perfect time to meet the man you’ll marry? You know Catt, you’re already like a daughter to us. We can’t wait to see you finally walking down the aisle, looking at your future husband with a sweet smile on your lips.” He added before gently helping Aunt Marie and Linda walk out the door.Mr. Sol cleared his throat to get my attention.“So,” he said, “if it wasn’t because of your best friend, I probably wouldn’t know that you are getting married today. Like, damn? You were this secretive?” A sarcastic smirk flashes on his lips.My eye caught the movement that Loren made on his lower lip that seemed to be fake crying.“Uh– I’m so sorry to not inform or invite you sir. It's just that everything happened real fast that I couldn’t even think of finding the right time to go on DeepBlue and explain.” I averted my gaze as conscience ran on me, but still tried to see his reaction to my peripheral vision.Actually, I came to realize that what I did was not right. He’s right. He is my boss and by giving me money before means that he is concerned about me so he has the right to be informed about this wedding.My brow slowly raised as I caught a glimpse of him suppressing his laugh before finally letting it out, filling the room with his giggles.“Anyway, where’s the lucky guy? It never really came to my mind that you got a boyfriend all this time. I thought you hate men.”My eyes went to Loren with both of my brows raised.Don’t tell me that this girl didn’t even mentioned to Mr. Sol who is this guy that I will marry.I am pretty sure that he will recognize Jaxson’s face as they already met at the nightclub before. He even somehow stood for me that night.“U-Uh…” I muttered. I couldn’t find the right words to say. “He’s uhm… outside? Or maybe in his room? I don’t know, really. I have no idea where that guy is.”“That guy?” He repeated my words in a confused tone.I let out an awkward laugh. “You know that beliefs where the bride and the groom must not see each other before the wedding because as they say, it will bring very bad luck. So, I have literally no idea where he is now, not until our wedding ceremony.” I tried to divert the topic after letting out another awkward laugh that could eat me alive. “Uh… Loren? This has been bothering me for hours now, could you please do me a favor and help me pick a color of the lipstick that will match on me? That would be a great help, seriously.”I pulled her away from Mr. Sol as I tried to give her an eye signal. Loren slightly lost her balance, giggling. I want to pinch her cheeks to stop laughing because I don’t want our boss to notice my awkwardness.“Hmm. Mr. Sol? As much as I want you to stay here and have a little chat, I really need to go and get ready by now. I don’t want to make everyone wait for so long just to see me in this dress walking on the aisle!” My voice raised as uneasiness crept on me.Both his hands move up as if he’s surrendering to me.“Well, alright. You really have to calm down, beautiful bride. I know you’re excited and your heart’s probably throbbing like hell today. But better composed yourself so you won’t puke in front of everyone. Ain’t that good advice?” Mr. Sol chuckled before sighing. “I guess I better see the groom instead and do a man check.” He uttered as he started walking backwards without removing his gaze on me.I quickly shut the door as my former boss finally got out of the room.I let out a deep sigh before averting my eyes to Loren who is currently giving me a very captious look with her arms crossed over her chest. “Oh, Catt. We both know that you can never hide your fiance from anyone. So, what’s the point of not telling it directly to Mr. Sol?”I walked past her and sat on a chair in front of the vanity mirror. My hand crawled on the tissue box to get one and wiped my lips.“I just am not comfortable blabbing it to him with my own tongue, Loren. Besides, no matter what I say he’ll still see Jaxson later, right? And for me, that would be a lot better if he sees him with his eyes rather than hearing it directly from me. I’m more comfortable that way...” I uttered. “No matter how many times I deny it or any defensive words that I’ll make out, I know deep inside me that I feel ashamed of him because I left the night club so suddenly without even saying anything to him. Or anyone in that club. Even just a simple goodbye… —And then after being gone for a while, the first thing they heard of me was that I am getting married. And to whom? To the famous Jaxson Madrigal! It’s crazy! You know it is.”“Okay, okay! Relax… Hmm?” Loren voiced. “As your best friend, I will try to understand you. No matter… how weird… and uncanny your mind works.” She let out a loud series of sighs as she gently played with my hair. “Catt..? You know what? I have been thinking lately that Mr. Sol might have a crush on you. Don’t you think so?”A soft giggle slipped out of my lips. It's a good thing that Isabella went out with the makeup artist for a while because otherwise they would have heard what this woman was saying.“He’s just naturally a good guy, Loren. Nothing more on that. Mr. Sol is trying to be friendly to almost everyone, and not just me.” I said with a feebleness because I really think that she is being hilarious.“Well, I don't think the same.”Loren muttered that made my eyes roll to the air.“Before you got into DeepBlue I was there ahead of you.” she added. “And I can tell straight into your eyes that he is no way that friendly. He barely even shows his face in the nightclub.”My brows quickly frowned, perplexed by what she just said.“What are you talking about? Mr. Sol goes to DeepBlue literally every single night!”“Yeah, ever since you got hired.” she said with no hesitation. “That’s why I got this idea that he might like you.” Loren’s eyes flashed a wink at me in the mirror.I answered her with a scrunch on my nose. Letting her know that I still don’t believe any words that she said.“I know why Mr. Sol is always in DeepBlue. He is such a responsible owner even at his very young age. And maybe, one of the reasons why he monitors his club is just to make sure that his sacred business is running very well and the staff is doing a great job.”“Ugh!” I took a glance at Loren as her eyes rolled up, having a seat beside me. “Do you really believe that a huge entrepreneur like him will go to his property every goddamn night just to make sure it’s not running out of money? Catt, Mr. Sol has more than ten DeepBlues in this whole county alone! And if you were him, would you really spend all of your time on a certain branch? If he really likes to monitor his business, and not someone, then he should be checking all of the DeepBlue branches he owns, don’t you think?”“He's always in our branch because it's closer to his house. That’s why.” I averted my gaze away from her.“Oh, come on. Why are you still in denial? It’s not like you are cheating on your second love at first sight, we’re just talking about how our manager has a hidden feeling for you. I should say, new manager. Because he wasn’t really a so-called manager not until you came. He was just a boss that was rarely seen not until a woman named Cattleya was hired. Then suddenly, he has to monitor the nightclub and staff so suddenly.” Loren giggled as she raised her brows to me, seemingly wanting to tease me. “Now tell me.”“I… I don’t want to feel uncomfortable around Mr. Sol, Loren. So please, stop making issues that never even happen. Okay?”“Oh please,” Loren answered. “It’s not like you’re still going to work as a bottle girl in the nightclub. I am pretty sure that you won’t have much of an interaction with Mr. Sol anymore. And also, it’s precise that our so-called manager will resign from his job and go back to where he really belongs because his favorite bottle girl is gone.”Loren withdrew from her seat after taking one of the lipsticks on the table. She softly walks behind me, running her hands on my shoulder, as her eyes meet me in the mirror.“Cattleya, your life is all brand new now. You are going to be married with the famous son of the entrepreneur and soon to be making a good family with him. You don't have to ever think about all the problems you used to have. You can now live comfortably and take a vacation anytime you want. How I wish it happened to me!” She chuckled. “I will absolutely make sure that I’ll look dazzling gorgeous every night I enter DeepBlue. I might meet my love at second sight there as well!”She nonstop blabbered with a laugh.I can’t help but to smile as I silently listen to her. How good life is to me that it gave me a very supportive friend like her that will love me no matter what happens. I am so lucky to have this person in my life.“Imagine going back to the nightclub, right? Not as a bottle girl, but one of our big time customers. Remember to always choose me as your bottle girl, Catt. You have to promise me that!!”I let out a giggle as I bobbed my head at her. “Of course!”[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…”
"An absolutely insane person. Jaxson, you are getting on my nerves. I mean, not negatively, you know. But today was too much already, and-” He didn't let me finish and went inside the unit, passing me.The bright side is, the person who knocked on our door in the middle of the night was not a bad person, and I did not commit a heinous crime. However, the downside is that I came here because I don't want to spend the night with Jaxson. And now he is here."So, where can I put all this?" He asked as his eyes roamed the entire space of our house."There, there is a table in front of you." I said slowly and then the door was closed again."Oh, this is the table.""Wouldn't it be better if you went back there and rested at the hotel? You know you don't belong in this place Jax. This is a simple house which you never use. See, you'll just have a hard time-" I couldn't finish what I was going to say when I noticed that he wasn't listening to me and just started putting his things inside the p
"So, what do you think if I model your brand too?"Both my brows raised as I waited for what Jaxson would say because his eyes just stared straight at me."That's not the reason why I told you my mother's past.""I know, but don't you think I can do it? You don't trust me too?" I uttered as I held my laugh trying to pull a joke on him.I don't think that Jaxson caught my joke as he just stared back at me as if wanting to pull my soul out of my body."I see your potential and I trust you too much that it's making me afraid of allowing you to be out there."I was taken back by Jaxson's words. I did not expect those words to come out of his mouth. It even feels like the Jaxson I am spending the night with is not the real one."T-Then... If you trust me, why don't you just let me try? You know, you can actually say straight to me that I'm not the one you are looking for your brand and you need someone that has experience.""No." He answered me quickly without wasting any second. "You are a