MAYBE that was the reason why Gareth hated being around her. Aside from the fact that he could not forget Celine, he also thought she was a cheap hostess at the pub, who was sleeping with everyone.
“Vivian, are you all right?” Vanessa asked behind her. Her sister had already entered her room while she was crying her heart out on her bed.
“I-I’m fine. I just need to be alone.”
“What happened?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Why not? I’m your sister. Did you meet with Gareth? Did he reject you again?”
“N-no, no, it’s not that.” Vivian sniffed. “Gaspar tried to harass me back at the market. Gareth only saved me.”
“Then, why are you crying?”
“Because I just realized that maybe the reason why Gareth did not want me was because he thinks I’m cheap like Gaspar did.”
“That’s not true!” Vanessa protested. “You were simply looking for a potential husband, and you did not sleep with those men. Do you want me to talk to Gareth?”
Vivian suddenly turned to Vanessa.
“No, don’t do that. That would only make me more pathetic.”
“Maybe you thought wrong.”
“It doesn’t matter. I have no face to show him.”
“I’ll make sure that Gaspar learns his lesson, though.”
“What are you trying to do?”
“Not me. But Father,” Vanessa replied with a smile.
“VANESSA said Vivian is fine. She just doesn’t want to talk to anyone at the moment. She wants to be alone for a while,” Miguel said.
Gareth nodded.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
They were having coffee inside his shop. Miguel became his close friend when he returned to Villa Verde. If there was someone who could understand his grief, it was him. They lost a person who both meant so much to them.
“Everyone in the village knew that she was so into you,” he said.
“Miguel—”
“I know. Celine is still in your heart and mind. She would still be around if I was not a little too late.”
“There’s no point in blaming yourself. It was not your fault.” He sighed. “The truth is I wanted to let her go and move on with my life.”
“Really?” Miguel said in amusement. “I’m… I’m glad to hear that.”
“I plan to make a huge portrait of her to remind us that she was a great person and not just someone who left a huge gap in our hearts. I wanted to remember her only as a happy memory that made people who knew her happy.”
“I think that’s a great idea,” Miguel said with a smile.
“So, I’ll go back to my cave. I’ll only show up once it’s done.” Gareth chuckled.
Miguel tapped his shoulder.
“I wish you all the luck, then. I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“GARETH had not showed up at the pub. What do you think he was up to?” Vivian asked, pouting like a kid as she sat on the counter.
“I heard he was working on a portrait of Celine.”
Vivian stared at Vanessa.
“What?”
“Well, he said that would be the last time he would make her as a subject.”
Vivian felt like something shot her heart. So, his absence did not mean anything to Gareth at all. While there she was, miserable for the past few days because she missed him so much.
“Do you think he was eating and sleeping on time?” she uttered.
“I’m sure he does. He could ask anyone to do things for him.” Vanessa stroked her back. “Don’t worry too much about him. He’s a grownup man.”
“Does he even miss me even a little?”
“Well…” Vanessa shrugged. “Only Gareth could answer that. By the way, one customer over there wanted to get to know you. He said he finds you extremely pretty. He’s rich. He sells jewelry, he said.”
“I’m not interested! Tell him I’m already married!” Vivian marched back to the kitchen.
“IT’S SPECTACULAR. Celine looked so full of life and beautiful here,” Vanessa said matter-of-factly as she gazed at the huge painting of Celine hanging from across the room of Miguel’s shop.
Gareth painted it as a ‘closure.’ He said he wanted to move on because he knew that was what Celine wanted. After that, he would try his best to reclaim his passion. Miguel decided to purchase it to display.
“I’m glad you gave me your blessing to do this,” Miguel said as he put an arm over her shoulder.
“Why not? Celine was a big part of your life. And if it’s the least you could do for her, who am I to stop you?”
“I was hoping you would get a little jealous,” he teased.
“What?” Vanessa giggled. “And why should I?”
“So, I could make it up to you and tell you that you’re the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me when I thought I had already lost everything. Then we’d end up making love in bed.”
Vanessa flinched when Miguel’s hand slid down to her waist. She could not help giggling as he brought his lips on the curve of her neck.
“We can end up anywhere,” she suggested.
VIVIAN gripped the bottle of wine in her hand as she stared at Celine’s portrait hanging inside Miguel’s shop after she sneaked in. She had some large gulps because she felt miserable at the moment. She stole the liquor from the pub, and if Virgil found out, he would surely kill her. But Vivian wanted to see for herself if drinking would really make the pain go away.
She was staring at the face of the woman, who was the reason why Gareth could not move on.
“I thought you were that pretty. Well, you’re pretty. But I’m prettier than you!” she spat as tears sprang from her eyes. “Why can’t Gareth forget you? You’re dead already! Let him move on! He deserves to be happy! Let him move on, Celine. Let me make him happy. Please…” She took a swig once again. “Well, I’ll make him happy even if it’s against your will. I’ll make him smile again. You’ll see, he’ll forget about you, and you will just be a memory.” Vivian wiped her tears with the back of her hand. “I’ll stay by his side. I’ll never leave him just like you did. I’ll take care of him, I swear! You’re gone, but I’m still here. I’m going to love him forever! Why does my heart still hurt? This wine only made it worse!” She sobbed as she continued to wipe her tears even though it was useless. “Why can’t it be me, Gareth? I’m beautiful. I’ll serve you all my life. Why can’t you choose me? I’m always here for you. Please be fair…”
GARETH could not help staring at one of the sketches he made for Celine once again. He had decided to keep them all away. He knew he was never ready to let her go, but he had to. With a sigh, he put the sketch inside the box. He was going to bury or burn them when he was done. He just had to get rid of it.
And there was a knock on the door. He would not be surprised if it was Vivian. She was one determined woman. Ever since he came back to Villa Verde, Vivian was constantly there. She would bring him food even though he was not asking for it. She would cheer him up for whatever he was working on. She was that interested in him.
And Gareth would be a fool to say he did not find Vivian attractive. But he wanted to take a break from relationships if he could. He was not sure if he was the right man. He had been through a lot of heartaches. He did not want Vivian to suffer in the end.
Gareth opened the door. It was Vivian, but he was surprised. Vivian was very red in the face, and her eyes were drowsy. He could smell the wine from her.
“Good evening. I’m bothering you again, I know,” she said with a giggle.
“Vivian, are you drunk?”
“No, no, I’m not drunk. I’m just, um, well, I had one glass. That’s all.”
Gareth grabbed her arm.
“You should not be here. I’m taking you home.”
“No, please, Gareth.” She pushed him inside, almost staggering. “I can’t go home with this… you know. My father is going to kill me. I know I’m old, but Father does not care. He will scold me all day if he wishes.”
Gareth sighed impatiently and made her sit on his bed.
“What do you want this time?”
“I just wanted to see you. And let me make this clear; I’m not drunk.”
Gareth nodded nonchalantly.
“I saw the painting of a woman you made at Miguel’s shop. She was beautiful. But I’m more beautiful, don’t you think, Gareth?”
He raised an eyebrow.
“I want to be your muse, too,” Vivian said, biting her lip. “I want you to draw me as you did to her. Is it too much to ask? That would be an honor. Tell me what to do. I’ll do everything you say.”
Gareth suddenly turned his back.
“Stop saying that, Vivian. I’m trying to forget Celine.”
“Gareth…” Vivian stood up and hugged him from behind. “Please give me a chance. I’m crazy for you.”
“I don’t want to take advantage of you. You really should not be here.” Gareth shifted and brushed her hands away, but Vivian caught his face and pressed her lips into him.
For a moment, he was stunned. Vivian’s lips were soft and tempting, and he could taste the wine. He groaned as he pulled away.
“Vivian!”
Her lips trembled, and tears rolled down her beautiful, sad face as she looked away.
“I’ve been wanting to do that to you, to kiss you and serve you. I just wish you would let me be. And I’m sorry that it felt like a burden to you. I’m sorry, Gareth.” She hastily wiped the tears from her eyes. “I did not mean to put you in this situation.”
“It’s too late now, Vivian.”
“I-I know.”
Gareth cupped her face and caught her eyes.
“Don’t cry.”
Before Vivian could even say a word, Gareth had already claimed her lips for a kiss.
VIVIAN felt like dreaming. Gareth was kissing her as he had always wanted to do it to her. Sure, she had drunk an adequate amount of liquor, but the sensation of his kisses made her head spin faster. It’s like she was drowning, but she did not want to go back to the surface either.
She had long to taste his mouth this way ever since she realized his attraction toward him. But now, it was happening, and she was not simply dreaming.
“I’m giving you the chance to run away as fast as you can, Vivian,” Gareth uttered huskily. “If you don’t, I’ll lose my control and claim you every way that I can.”
Vivian sobbed.
“I’m not stupid, Gareth. I was not chasing you this whole time around Villa Verde only to run away from you and deprive myself of this opportunity to be loved by you. S-so, I’m not running away. In your dreams maybe.”
“Vivian…” Gareth caressed her cheek, chuckling. “I’ve never met a woman like you before. What have you done to me?”
“I should ask you the same question. What have you done to me? Why can’t I hate you even though you were always pushing me away?” Her voice began to break again.
“I’m sorry,” he uttered softly. “I promise I will never hurt your feelings again.”
“You’ll do that?” she asked in a childish tone.
“Yes. From now on, I’ll only make love to you.”
“G-Gareth…”
“We should go back to kissing.”
VIVIAN was already naked when her back felt the quilt. Gareth took off his clothes and joined her right after. His mouth found hers once again as his hands caressed her everywhere.
“Y-yes…” she moaned as Gareth’s mouth found the curve of her neck, and his hand grabbed her breast. She could not help writhing and jerking as he explored her secret places, leaving a feverish sensation wherever he touched. “O-oh!”
She felt his tongue on her other tip, licking and circling, making her lose her mind every time. Vivian was left wanting for more and gasping for air.
“Gareth! No!” she squealed when she felt Gareth’s hot breath between her thighs. “Don’t look at me there. I’m embarrassed.”
But Gareth only chuckled, leaving her more aroused than before.
“You’re beautiful, Vivian. I want to show my appreciation for this little beauty of yours, hmm?”
Vivian bit her lip as Gareth parted her legs wide.
“Oh!” She jumped at the touch of his warm tongue against her silky fold. Gareth went on. “Oh, oh, it’s so good!”
She grabbed the mattress beneath her as she fought hard to keep still as Gareth ravished her with his skillful mouth, leaving her panting in orgasm.
But he was not done yet, of course. He moved up to her side and positioned himself between her legs.
“Y-you’re so big,” she uttered as she gazed at the dangling, erect thing between his thighs.
“And it’s all yours, Vivian.”
Vivian grabbed him as he began to enter her.
“Oh, goodness… I feel you!”
Vivian felt her sensitive walls clinging to him every time he moved. It felt ethereal. She did not want it to end.
“You’re so tight,” he groaned as he mustered up his thrusts.
“Oh, Gareth!”
“Vivian!”
VIVIAN felt like she was floating on air. She had a wonderful night with Gareth, and there she was, humming as she made breakfast in his small kitchen.
Who would have thought that the proud Vivian was gone? She felt like a different person. She finally found someone whom she was willing to compromise for, and she had never been this happier before. It felt like this thing she had with Gareth was going somewhere wonderful. Her struggles had already paid off.
“Gareth!” she squealed when he suddenly caught her from behind.
His hand quickly slipped under her shirt and found her breasts, her tips instantly hardening against his palm.
“Good morning,” he whispered before biting her ear teasingly.
“Oh! You’re distracting me. I’m preparing our breakfast.”
“That can wait.” He slipped a hand between her thighs and stroked her silky folds.
Vivian grabbed the table and bent as she parted her thighs.
“So, this is the breakfast that you want.”
“And lunch and dinner… This is how I want to share every meal with you for the rest of our lives.” He grabbed her hips.
“A-am I hearing this right?” Vivian’s heart felt like exploding. That was a declaration of a lifetime commitment with her. Gareth wanted to take her seriously!
“Yes. Do you mind?” Gareth had already slipped his erect cock between her thighs, rubbing her entrance.
Vivian gasped and moaned. “No, I don’t mind. I would love that. That’s the most beautiful thing I heard today.” She arched her back. “That would be awesome.”
“Thank you for giving me a chance, Vivian. I promise I’ll never break your heart from now on.”
“I know you won’t. G-Gareth—” She felt his tip entering her once again. “I’m—I’m so happy—oh—”
“I’m not a perfect man, but I’ll try to be the man that you need. I’ll do everything to deserve the love you give me.”
“Y-you know I’m not asking for too much, Gareth. I just want you to love me with all you heart…”
“And will all of my thing inside you.”
Vivian giggled. “Yes!”
VANESSA eyed Vivian suspiciously as she sneaked into the pub, later that morning. Her hair and clothes were a little messy. But other than that, Vivian was grinning like a fool.
“Where have you been?” she asked from the counter.
“Take a guest.”
“No way.” Vanessa folded her arms across her chest.
“As much as I want to tell every little detail to you, I promise Gareth that we would go outside for picnic today.” She winked.
Vanessa’s jaw dropped.
“You slept with him already?”
“Yes!” She tiptoed into her room. “Don’t worry. I did not use any force. You have nothing to worry.”
“You’re unbelievable!” Vanessa exclaimed. “But I’m happy for you!”
MARINEL took a deep breath as she admired her surroundings. Villa Verde looked and felt different. Or she would rather say that Villa Verde had returned to its original glory. Ever since Celine’s tragic death, it felt like the place she spent most of her life lost something, too. And when the truth was finally revealed that claimed Ernest’s sanity, it seemed like the invisible dark fog that surrounded the place was lifted.
Everyone learned to be happy again. Miguel found a new love in Vanessa, and Celine finally found her peace.
She could not help a smile when she finally spotted a man sitting under the tree, facing the field. She mustered up her steps.
“Did I make you wait?” Marinel called.
He glanced, noticing her only now. He seemed to be lost in thoughts.
He smiled shyly.
“A little.”
“Hungry?”
He nodded like a child.
“Is everything all right?” Marinel asked as she sat beside him, placing the huge basket between them.
“I want to give up now,” he said with a sigh.
“That’s so soon,” she remarked as she emptied the basket.
“I don’t think I can do this. This is a huge responsibility.”
Marinel could sense the frustration in his voice.
“So, you would rather go back to the spoiled brat that you are?”
He stared.
“I would never win you back if I remained a scum that I was, would I?”
She could not help a giggle.
“I’m glad you know that.”
“Mari…” He grabbed her hand. “Don’t ever turn your back on me again, please?”
“I thought you love hanging out with different women every night?”
He smirked. “I was just trying to make you jealous and make you regret leaving me.”
“But it turned out the opposite.”
“Yes, I was a fool.” He shifted and brought his face close to her.
“Earl—” Her words were cut off when he claimed her lips.
Earl and Marinel were from two opposite poles, but for some mysterious reasons, they were drawn to each other. Part of that was Miguel and Ernest’s friendship. But things happened, and Marinel had to choose. She gave up her affair with him to protect Miguel and his secret.
She thought Earl could easily find another woman who was more beautiful, more intelligent, and wealthy. She did not think they would ever reconcile. But Earl was stubborn and irresistible.
MARINEL was fixing the basket after their sumptuous meal. Then suddenly, Earl picked it up.
“What are you doing?” she asked in amusement as she glanced up.
“I’m taking you home, of course.”
“I thought you still have a lot of fieldwork to do.”
“I’m tired. I need a rest.”
She pursed her lips as she stood up.
“Well, of course. You’re just starting to take over, and you haven’t got used to it.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be.”
“I believe in you, Earl. Please don’t give up. A lot of people rely on you.”
Earl casually took her hand and laced their fingers.
“That’s so nice to hear, Mari.”
Marinel stared as her cheeks burnt.
“What are you doing?” she asked as they began to walk.
“Holding hands, obviously. You should get used to it.”
Marinel frowned when Earl winked.
“What would people think?”
“I think people would think that we don’t give a damn. And you are all that mattered to me.”
They beamed at each other. Right. Why would they give a damn? Everything was well in Villa Verde.