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Chapter 30 part 1 Boyfriend We silently went to our respective rooms to rest that night. But drowsiness did not visit me immediately. The amount that bothered my mind that I should have fallen asleep early in the morning. So the next day at six -thirty I woke up. I hurried to take a shower and get dressed because Jared and I talked about pushing towards the hotel at seven in the morning. He, to check the first day of the project and I, there was the meeting place of Engineer Roque and Mang Jobel, the foreman. The two of us will ride with Engineer to the warehouse. I wore a natural white ruffled sleeve blouse and a khaki co-ord cropped pants. I paired it with a nude color closed shoes. I tied my hair in a high ponytail so that I'd be comfortable later. I grabbed my handbag in which I would put my belongings. Down the stairs I was in trouble again. Another day of encounter with Jared, huh? I really shoud get used to him. When I was on the last floor I could smell the fragrance of the dish coming from the kitchen. Of course, I haven't had breakfast yet. I shifted a bit when I remembered what Jared said yesterday that he would get personnel from La Sirene to be with us here. That means we won't be alone here anymore! With that recollection I smiled broadly as I headed to the kitchen. For sure he took the woman. I should be friends with her! To my horror, Jared Arevalo, in a gray polo shirt and a faded jeans pants is facing the stove, with a laddle on hand, and acts like an enslaved king in the kitchen! My face grew cold and I was staggered to my feet. He turned to me. "Morning," He said in a low baritone. I closed my parted lips. "M-morning," I averted my gaze. Why does he look good even in the morning? I simply looked around, hoping someone else was in the kitchen but nothing! Where are you saying he is ?! "The cook won't be able to come here today. They're doing a lot right now at the hotel because there's an event there. He's still coming tomorrow," He explained when he noticed what I'm doing. I turned to him but immediately averted my eyes then nodded weakly. What can I do? It's okay, isn't it? I was able to just be together yesterday, right now? Besides, he was at work all day! You are not together here! C'mon, Thalia, that's okay! I wonder if Miara knows that Jared is living with a girl right now? And if he knew, how would he react? Is it okay with him? If it's fine for her, then that proves that they have a mature relationship. And I am sure that Jared is as loyal as hell to her. Damn. He sneezed then turned back to cooking. "Soon to be cooked, 'to. Just sit there and wait for this." I returned to my trance. I turned Jared's back to me while cooking. I was suddenly struck with shame. No cook came so he who owns the house cooks while I who live is princess-like life waking up at the right time. Embarrassing! "Uh …" I pressed my fingers. He turned to me again with serious eyes. "S-sorry, I didn't know that … you're still cooking. I just have to," I said in a small voice. Puyat pa more kasi, Thalia! "It's fine." He said coldly and turned to the pan again. I bit my lower lip. "I'll just fix the cutlery and wash the dishes later," He nodded without looking at me. That's what I did. But while arranging the cutlery I couldn't help but look at Jared in front of the stove. The way his biceps flex whenever he moves the laddle takes my sanity away from me. The fact that a massive man like him is cooking in this small kitchen holding that small laddle makes me shiver. It doesn't matter to him what is in the kitchen. She looks like a model paid to pose in front of the stove for a photoshoot! He turns to me occasionally and even faster than lightning I avert my gaze. Gaga, Thalia! Did I think to move on? Why do you seem even more crazy about him? Don't judge him! There's that girlfriend! At the table we ate quietly. I could hardly eat because of the fact I was facing him. I think it's just food too. I don't want him to see my eyes. I don't want him to notice that I am uneasy towards him. The food he cooked is so good that despite my consciousness for him, I am forcing myself to eat more. Delicious! It was just an omelet and bacon and fried rice but … Chapter 30 part 2 Is there nothing he can't do? "What time did you talk to Engineer?" he suddenly asked. "Seven thirty …" I answered without looking at him. He glanced at his watch. "Hmm. Seven twenty already." My eyes widened. Dead! I turned to him. He's done eating too! Before I could tell him that I'm done eating so we can already go, he preceded me. "Finish your food first." he ordered. "I-I'm done," I turned my plate half full. He sneered. "You call that done? Your plate's almost full." He pointed out. I was swallowed. "But we're going to be late …" His jaw clenched. "They can wait." "You? You might be late for work. Let's go," I said softly. Damn. It sounded like I'm so concerned with him. I just don't want to be a burden! Amusement passed through his face but it didn't last. His dark and serious expression returned immediately. "My work can wait. Now, finish your food or we're not going there. I worked hard to cook that and then you won't finish it?" his brows shot up and his lips twitched. I sneezed. My heart hammered painfully against my chest. Shaking my hands, I picked up the spoon and fork to swallow the food again. He smirked. "Good girl." He watched me eat. I keep eating even more because of nervousness and consciousness. It still doesn't help that he talks to me a bit while eating. He patiently waited for me to finish eating before he stood up and went outside to his car. My plan to wash the dishes was canceled because I was ashamed to wait. I'll be home later. Chapter 30 part 3 Quietly we headed to La Sirene again. Like yesterday, I hardly breathe in the car again. Upon opening the hotel I could see two men talking in front of the lobby. The other one is wearing a blue button down longsleeves and a black slacks while the other one is wearing a t-shirt and a cargo pants. I immediately recognized them as Engineer Roque and Mang Jobel, both in their 40s and both have families already. I bit my lip and was immediately guilty of being late. I immediately got out of the car when it stopped in front of them. "I'm sorry, I'm late," I said shyly to them. "It's fine, Ms. Villegas. Jared has already explained to us the reason." Engineer replied smiling. "Yes?" "Jared!" Before my question was answered, the Engineer turned his back on me. "Engineer," Jared said formally then leaned over me. "I'm sorry we took so long," He turned to me. I was swallowed. I should be the one asking for an apology. I was the one who really lasted, eh! Engineer chuckled. "No, it's fine. And at least we had time for Mang Jobel to have coffee." He turned to me. "Ms. Villegas, where is your warehouse again?" "Just in the other barangay, Engineer." I answered. "Oh. Then, I think we should go there now?" "It's still good," I smiled. "Who's with you, Engineer?" Jared groaned. "The three of us Jobel, Jared." "You don't have a woman with you?" His voice raised a bit. "There is. Thalia. Why?" I turned to Jared. He shifted uneasily. My forehead furrowed. "Come on, Ms. Villegas?" Engineer yelled at me again. I nodded. The three of us were about to leave when Jared spoke. "I'll come with you," He said. We all looked at him. "Oh. I thought you're going to visit the construction site today?" Si Engineer. "I can do that later." He simply said. Engineer nodded. "If you say so. What are you going to do there?" His eyes narrowed then he turned to me. He gave me a meaningful look. My eyes widened at his accusing stare. Jared averted his eyes. "I wanna check the items, too," Engineer raised his brows then nodded slowly and maliciously. "Okay, then. So, let's go?" Jared turned to me. "Come with me." My heart skipped a beat. Even without malice, my shameless heart cursed! Engineer chuckled. "So, I guess, you two go first? Thalia knows the way, eh," That is exactly what we did. Jared's car headed to the warehouse. I was almost disappointed again. I thought I could escape Jared's presence but I still couldn't. If I had only had time to refuse his offer to him earlier, I would have ridden again. But that'd make me immature and obvious … Why is he so meticulous and he really wants to check the items that are for them. They can only be engineers then, eh! 'Besides, he'll see that later in La Sirene! It will be delivered! He can complain to me later if something is wrong and you haven't come with him yet! I closed my eyes and forced myself to calm down. It's okay for him to come along. For when he sees that our firm is properly performing its role in their project, he will find it worth it for me to forgive him. My plan, after I team up with the Engineer to check the items in the warehouse for the La Sirene project and after instructing our staff on the deliveries that they will make in La Sirene and in various parts of Luzon, to I will inventory at least a little. Then I will go home. Maybe I'll send the staff or ride a tricycle back to the rest house. I am not obligated to watch the La Sirene project because we are just a supplier. It really means I only have about half a day to work every day. Does that also mean I have half a day to do nothing? I can also hang out in the warehouse all day but that'd just bore my being. Chapter 30 part 6 He turned to me. It was as if I was out of breath when he stood up and approached me. "You done?" He asked. "Y-yes …" I immediately avoided looking at him and pretended to be looking around. "S-they're Engineers?" I asked, still not looking at him. "Go back to the hotel." I turned to him. "H-huh?" His brows furrowed. "They left earlier, along with your trailers," I bit my lower lip. So, it's just the two of us here again, then? I looked up at him again with realization. "I-you? Why are you still here?" I said in a small voice. It's like I just want to be swallowed by the earth. I sounded so rude on my question! Maybe someone will pull the trailer truck here again for La Sirene so he's not leaving yet? His brows shot up. "I'm waiting for you." My lips parted and my breathing hitched. My cheeks also got really hot. "Uh …" Why do I seem to be thrilled? This is not possible! "H-you don't have to wait for me, e. M-there are tricycles …" I laughed a bit to hide my shaking voice. I averted my eyes again. He tilted his head. "Are you saying that I should just leave instead?" My eyes rolled. "No! That's not what I meant!" His brows shot up and he gave me a mocking look. I sighed. "What I mean is that … I hope you don't just wait for me because I'm still bothering you …" I said softly. And I don't want to ride with him again today, no! That's enough two or once a day! I'm getting used to it too! His jaw clenched. "You're not. I initiated it. Don't feel guilty." He averted his gaze. My heart was pounding. We stayed silent for a while until he spoke again. "Let's go," "Uh … I think I'm really just going to ride a tricycle. That's another time you'll waste if you take me back to the rest house," I said as a matter of fact. That's really embarrassing! His thick brows met. "After waiting for you here, you're suggesting that? I thought we're done with that argument?" I bit my lower lip. Why does he hate what I say? It's for his own good, too! I took a deep breath then. "S-sorry …" He clenched his jaw again. "You keep on saying sorry. If you really are sorry, then stop insisting to ride with damn tricycles and get into my car. I'll take you home." And once again, I found myself trapped with him in his car. "What did you do a while ago?" He suddenly asked. I stopped wiping the sweat. "I did some inventories," I said. I feel so proud of myself. I feel like I'm getting used to talking casually to him! "Of all the items there?" He asked in surprise and then turned to me. "No. Only on the first floor. 'I can't, eh," I pursed my lips. Don't be so casual around him, Thalia. You are not friends! "So, you'll go there again?" "Yes. That's what I'll do during my stay here. After all, we only deliver twice a week to you and other places," Damn. Why so talkative, Thalia? He nodded. "What day are you going?" I turned to him. He looked at the road seriously and directly as I parted my lips, amused on this conversation. What happened to the cold Jared these past days? I feel happy, though. He turned to me. I immediately averted my eyes and sneezed. "Every day maybe … I'll just reconcile with our staff," I said remembering that no tricycles were passing by their rest house. He might even drive me every day because he would think I was his obligation. His brows met. "Why else? I'm here." I sneeze slowly. I remember him saying that to Aldrin days ago, too. "La Sirene's way is different from our warehouse …" I trailed off, pointing out that he would be wasting his time if he even delivered me, like today. And duh, it would make me treat him like my driver! His arms corded. "So? It's not as if I can't drive you there." Chapter 30 part 7 I swallowed and just kept quiet. I don't know what to add to what he said. "Who are you with there?" He asked after a long stretch of silence. "Where?" I innocently asked. "If I drop you on your warehouse tomorrow, who will be with you?" He turned to me. "Uh, it's just me, and maybe Jason and the other workers-" "Pure men?" I was surprised when he suddenly raised his voice. "Uh … o-oo," She moaned. He muttered some words I didn't understand. We were silent again for a while. Jared seemed to be thinking deeply. The silence was disturbed when my phone rang. Multiple curses ran through my mind because of the noise it created. Jared kept looking at me! I'm confused you answered. It was too late when I realized it was Aldrin who was calling. "Hello …" I opened my eyes. I turned to Jared. His expression was normal. I rested there. Most likely, Thalia! Even if he knows Aldrin is your name, he doesn't care anymore! Assuming! "Hi! What are you doing?" Aldrin. "Uh … I'm coming home from the warehouse," Jared turned to me with his brows furrowed. I got nervous. "Oh. Aga pa, ah," He chuckled. "Hmm, yeah. It's over early, eh …" I said almost in a whisper. I feel guilty talking to Aldrin while in Jared's car even though I know he doesn't care! "Are you okay? Why are you whispering?" "H-huh? Ah, what's the matter … uh … I'm peeling, eh," I bit my lower lip. I could see Jared's insulting grin. I just closed my eyes. "Is that so? You should drink your meds, then," "Yes, yes, I will. Thanks for the concern, Aldrin." My breathing halted when I mentioned his name. What the fuck, Thalia? I slowly and nervously turned to Jared, hoping that I wouldn't get any reaction from him but I was wrong. His car slowed down because his eyes were already all on me. We looked at each other. He clenched his jaw repeatedly as his brooding eyes looked at me with so much indignation. I immediately looked away. If anyone looks deadly, that's what he thought before. "U-uhm, I-I need to go now. I-I'll call you again later …" Without hearing what he's going to say next, I ended the call. Fuck. Why are you nervous, Thalia? What would he do if you and Aldrin called? Damn. Why would he look like that ?! "Oh, why did you cut off the call?" He asked mockingly after. I did not answer. I hate him. I hate myself! "Is he your boyfriend?" He spat. I don't know if I'm right but I sensed disgust in his tone when he said the last word. "Huh?" I said without looking at him, my tone sounding so guilty. I feel like a criminal being questioned by an officer! "Is he your boyfriend?" He reiterated, his voice is now laced with something I can't figure out. "Who?" I asked, hoping that he isn't asking about Aldrin. He muttered a curse. "Is Aldrin your boyfriend?" Damn. "No," I said softly. Even if I could say 'yes' as Aldrin says, I wouldn't do that. I just proved that I was bitter with them Miara when I did that. "Liar." He accused. My eyes widened and my mouth ran dry. It was a while before I recovered. "It's true … b-but it's up to you if you don't believe it." I don't want to insist the truth. For what else, right? His jaw clenched. He was silent for a moment before speaking again. "What are you two, then?" I turned to him. Our eyes met and my heart boomed. "F-friends," I averted my gaze. Chapter 30 part 8 He muttered a word I didn't understand and licked his lower lip after. "If you were only friends, then why'd you let him be so territorial of you?" I was surprised by his question. I blinked before answering. "H-he's not territorial," I partially laughed to hide my nervousness. "H-he just cares for me a lot …" His jaw tensed and his arms corded. His grip on the stirring wheel tightened. "What happened to your engagement back then?" I seemed to catch my breath at his question. Why is he suddenly asking me that? Aldrin and I are still a bit sensitive on that topic. Well, for him, of course not. He's long done with that issue. "It got canceled." I simply said, not wanting him to know the details of it, especially the part when Aldrin called it off. "Why?" "Just …" I seriously don't wannna talk about this! He sneered and murmurred some words that I am not sure if I heard right. I think he said, 'Aldrin is stupid.'