31

Chapter 31 part 1 Call I woke up feeling satisfied with my long sleep last night. Compared yesterday, I feel so light today. Maybe because I think I will be more comfortable with Jared now compared with the past days? Last night, during our dinner, we were already talking casually or should I say … civilly? I'm not sure. I still stammer, I still feel nervous, I still feel awkward, I still feel uneasy towards him but that is still a development - to be able to face and talk to him. That's a good sign. I will be more comfortable with my stay in her powder for two months. Above all, his forgiveness for me is now possible. I can already imagine that. Next step, forgetting him. That's only possible if I will avoid him. But, how? Well, I shouldn't worry about that. I'm certain I can do that. I took a shower and got dressed. Wearing my cozy but fine working clothes, I graced the stairs for the dining area. As soon as I opened it, I could smell the scent of roasted onion and garlic from the kitchen. I rubbed my forehead. Jared is cooking again! How useless, Thalia! I immediately went there hoping that he's not yet done cooking so that I can still help but instead of Jared, a woman I caught was cooking there. My face lit up with realization. We're not alone in this house anymore! We have a roommate! The woman turned to me and smiled. "Good morning, Ma'am," She lively greeted. I widely smiled back at the chubby, short, and morena woman with a boyish haircut. I think she's in her early 40s. "Good morning. Are you the cook that Jared says?" "Yes, Ma'am! I'm Tess," He wiped his hand and presented it to me. "Thalia please," I firmly shook her hand. "It's good that you're here. We'll have someone to be with," I merrily said. Her face contorted. "Oh, Ma'am, not either. I'll stay out, eh. I'll just come here in the morning, noon, and night to cook for you," The smile on my lips gradually disappeared. "Why?" She chuckled. "Because I work at La Sirene, e. I can't stay here full time. It's forbidden, e. Sir Jared didn't even request it," "Oh." I was suddenly struck with shame. Jared actually just requested a cook for me so that we could have someone with us here at home. I was even bothered because of my sensitivity. And I can't blame him now that he found nothing to stay in. If he insisted, it'd would harm their operations. I was weak. I mean, we're really stuck here all alone till the end of my work. I can also move to the hotel because I'm sure it's not fully booked now but that'd be an insult for Jared. He didn't do anything bad to me and then I suddenly ran away from here. I feel so hopeless, darn. Well, it's okay with me especially since we're civil to each other. All I care about is what people will think, especially Miara. Anyway, we're not doing bad here, anyway so … whatever. Speaking of Jared, where is he? "Uh, is it Jared?" I hesitantly asked. "Oh, bathing in the sea, Ma'am. He's telling you that he'll be right back." I nodded. Envy. I haven't bathed in the sea yet. Yesterday when I arrived here, I fell asleep immediately due to being very awake. It was afternoon when I woke up and the high tide was so scary. "How many years have you been engaged to Sir Jared, Ma'am? Sorry, ha, Ma'am. Just curious," She chuckled. I winced at his question. "Uh … h-we're not in love," Her lips parted for a moment and her expression was shocked. "Is that so? I'm sorry. I don't know what, eh …" He laughed to hide his embarrassment. "K-he's my friend and our parents are also friends k-so he let me stay here," I lied, trying to cover up the bad image of our set up. He nodded. "Ah. Okay …" I bit my lower lip and felt guilty for no reason. I suddenly feared the succeeding days. What if more people ask me why am I living with him then they won't buy my reason? Should I keep this a secret, then? What if they find sout? Damn. Stop overthinking, girl! Your skins don't stick anymore, eh! We talked about something else then. I watch her cook and maybe I can learn more. I know how to cook the basics but sometimes, I still suck at it. In the middle of our story Jared appeared in front of us, no top clothes and soaking wet. We looked at each other as she wiped her hair with a white towel. I immediately averted my gaze. My unsaid words right now are, "Jared, get dressed!" Darn. I'm guilty of it, eh! "Morning," He said huskily. "Good morning, Sir," Sister Tess casually greeted. I didn't greet him, though. I don't want to open my mouth to say a word. It's just a pity for sure. I was just silent as the two of them talked. I feel uneasy. It's as trendy as getting dressed before chatting! When I can't take it anymore, my shameless eyes already drifted to his body. I was swallowed. His barreled chest got firmer than ever. The crack between it accented his masculinity more. One look at it then you're done. Drops of water from her hair flowed there. Then my eyes drifted to his abdomen highlighted with perfectly sculpted abs. I looked there for a while, not wanting my eyes to drift at his V-line and torso anymore. I swallowed again. I thought, as the body grows older, it becomes less muscular. But then, Jared proved me wrong. He matured and so does his body. I had the right thoughts when I first saw him again at the coffee shop. This alpha male equipped with strong and firm muscles in their right places is so surreal. I looked up at his face as he folded his arms. I almost collapsed in my seat when I saw his expression. My face seemed to be bleeding. Jared Arevalo is leering at me! His lips twitched sexily and his brow arched. The way he looked at me is full of mockery. Darn! He caught me gawking at his body! I averted my eyes and sneezed, pretending not to covet her body even though it was obvious. You're really surprised, Thalia! You still have not changed! You're still spitting on his body! You have no delicacy! I was waiting for him to mock me and thankfully, it didn't come. Maybe I'd rather just sink when he's still pissed! Chapter 31 part 2 "Ma'am, Sir, your breakfast is cooked," Tess whispered. I breathed a sigh of relief. We turned to him at once. "All right, Manang. I'll just get dressed for a moment." Jared. "All right, Sir. I'll be leaving soon, too," "Huh? You're not going to eat here, sister?" I asked, confused. He turned to me. "Oh, not anymore, Ma'am. I'm busy, eh," "Oh." I fail to nod. That means I am left alone with him again. Even now I have done something shameful! "In that case, Manang, just take what you cooked and eat it at the hotel when you arrive. Your head might scold you." Jared said and leered at me. He then turned his back to us for the stairs. My jaw dropped there. What was that? As Aunt Tess said, she left a while ago. I was the one who offered to fix the cutlery because he would be late for work. I am busy arranging the utensils when Jared went back to the dining table. He is already wearing his working clothes. She was just rolling up the sleeves of her dress. "Manang has left?" He asked in the middle of doing so. "Yes," He turned to me but said nothing. We were quiet again at the table. I am thankful for that. Until he speaks. "What will you do after work?" He asked. "I don't know. Go home?" I answered without looking at him. "What will you do here for the rest of the day, then?" I turned to her but also immediately averted my gaze when our eyes met. "Uhm …" "I bet you don't have something in mind to do here," He raised his brows. I sighed. "Taking a dip in the sea looks like a good idea … but I'm not in the mood," "And I won't allow you to swim alone, too. The waves are quite big due to the season." I laughed there. "Tss. I know how to swim," "Even though," He let go of the cutlery he was holding and focused his full attention on me. He intertwined his fingers together. "Hmm. What if it's like this, we'll take our lunch outside then after, I'll take you here. You'll take a nap or stay here for an hour or two. Then, I'll be home by three to accompany you in the sea- " "No! Don't," I snapped. It's too much time for me to take him in the morning and then he comes home early to accompany me? No! His forehead creased. "Why? You don't want me here?" My cheeks flushed. "No, no. That's not what I meant …" His brow arched. "You'll just be bothered," I said softly. "Uh-huh," I sighed. "Don't mind me here. I-it's not your responsibility to keep my company. Besides, I'm fine here. I can just uh … call my friends in Manila-" "Like who? Aldrin?" He said bluntly. I blinked. "Uh … Maybe-" He hissed a curse. I was surprised there. He clenched his jaw and looked at me darkly. "I'll just take you to the hotel every day, then." He said with a tone marked with finality. Chapter 31 part 3 My eyes rolled. "What am I going to do there?" He shifted on his seat and looked at me in an annoyed way. "Spa, gym, eat, swim, anything you want." Oh. Right. It sounds like a good idea. "If I do that everyday, maybe I'll beg?" I laughed. "Everything will be free for you." My jaw dropped. I blinked. "I-I don't think that's possible-" I just covered my lips when he looked up at me with his ultimately dangerous black orbs. "Okay. I just said so. Now, you will come with me in the hotel every after your work. You can do everything you want there. You will wait for me till I finish my work. We will go home together. That's final . " I was stunned for a moment before nodding weakly. There is something in his air that will force you to follow all of his commands. He really changed. From that boy who's willing to be your slave to the man who will get anything he wants in any way he wants. If anything, his offer is also good. "Thanks for the ride. Are you doing anything here?" I asked Jared as he turned off the car engine. "Yup." He said. I nodded and got out of the car. Here we are now in the warehouse. Like what we have agreed, he brought me here and he will bring me here every day. That's why I'm thinking about whether I should visit here at least four times a week so that he won't deliver anything. Nothing is going to waste his time. I'm sure he's just doing this as a matter of duty. That since I didn't get a room at La Sirene, he was now responsible for me, as well as my transportation. Some of our workers greeted me so I greeted them back. I turned to Jared afterwards. "Uh, as far as I know we've had our deliveries at La Sirene twice more so I'm wondering if … what are you going to do here?" I hesitantly asked. His brows shot up. He put his hands on the pockets of his jeans. Chapter 31 part 4 "P-Pero if you came here to check for the items again, I will ask Jason to accompany you …" He remained silent and just stared at me. I can't decipher his expression. It was like he wants to be serious but mockery is still escaping his face. I looked away. "I'll call Jason now-" Before I could leave, he grabbed my wrist. My heart pounded. "No need. I didn't come here for those things." I was dazed there. "Uh, so … what are you going to do here?" He licked his lower lip. I looked over there and swallowed. "Start your work now. I'll wait till you're finished." He declared. "What?" My question startled me. "Where is the chair here yesterday? Ah, don't. I'll just go to the guard house-" "Jared!" He turned to me. "Seriously? You're going to wait for me here? Why?" He averted his gaze. "I just want to. Don't mind me. Get inside now. I'll talk to the guards first-" "No!" I said, shocked. What the hell? I thought he was going to do something here, that's right, will he watch over me? "W-What's your job? I'll be here for a long time!" He shrugged. "I don't care. My work can wait." He said nonchalantly. My jaw dropped dramatically. I was just shaken. "I-I'm fine here. Our workers won't do anything bad to me, i-if that's your concern …" I said shyly. He turned to me. His brow arched and his lips twitched sexily. My cheeks got hot. You're too assuming, Thalia! "You never know, Thalia," Natameme ako. So this is all about me again, huh? This is wrong but why do I feel butterflies feasting in my stomach? Damn it! He groaned. "Don't mind me, I said. Just … Go," He said in a strained voice. I stared at him while he's massaging the bridge of his nose, eyes closed. I swallowed then he turned away. I know I should convince him more but I am just too amused to do it. You're the type who would rather just leave and follow what he wants even if it's wrong than talk and insist on what he wants because you're already so abusive. Shit. "And don't you dare rush your work. I initiated to do this. Don't feel guilty about me. Do your work properly." He warned like he really knows what I'm going to do next. And of course, I didn't follow his order. Knowing that he's sacrificing his time to ensure my 'safety', I hurried to take inventory. Fortunately, compared to last year, I have a smaller job. If Jared is really serious that he'd wait for me until I finish my work everyday, then I should really just go here four times a week or less! I know him. He decides firmly. Damn, Jared! Accusing eyes greeted me when I arrived at the guard house after nearly two hours of work. "You done?" Jared inquired. "Yeah …" I averted my eyes. He cocked his head to the side. "I-I'm done, promise. Come on?" He did not speak for a moment before deciding to stand up. I quietly followed him. "We'll eat first outside before we go to the hotel," Jared said when we were in his Jaguar. I glanced at my watch. It's already past eleven in the morning. I just nodded, I haven't protested yet. I wonder, why don't we just eat at La Sirene? Maybe he doesn't want the people there, especially their employees to see us eating together. Because, even if we really ate at the same time, if there are people who can be issued, they might report something to Manila and get to Miara. Of course, Jared didn't want Miara and him to fight. So he was careful. So we eat outside. My heart hurt at that thought. We ate at an expensive resto inside a mall. He takes a different kind of precaution and we eat in a crowded place. After all, no one knows us very well here. Or that's what I thought. The crowd talking to his businessmen who will also eat at that resto while we eat. I was confused by the precautions he was taking. As expected, he paid for our bill. I didn't howl there anymore. I remembered, I should also go to the grocery store for his rest house without being greedy. I'll do that during one of my free time, only I can know because Jared will definitely not allow me to spend on groceries. Rich, e. Chapter 31 part 5 We sailed to the hotel after we ate. When we got there I saw on the left side of the hotel the construction site. Jared stopped the Jaguar in front of the lobby as usual. We went down together. A valet took the key from him. He turned to me as we entered the office. "Where are you?" He asked me. I turned to the grand couch "There first, read magazines," I pointed to the couch. He glanced at it then turned back to me with balanced eyes. "You don't want to try our spa?" I shook. "Later maybe," He eyed me. I averted my gaze. "You sure?" "Yeah. I'm fine here. I'm not in the mood to do anything yet. Y-You can go to work now," "You can stay in my office if you just want to read magazines," I immediately shake. "I'm really fine here. I prefer seeing a lot of people, eh," I lied. We'll be issued when I hang out in his office, no! He stared at me for a moment before nodding. "Call me if you need anything, then. I'll just send my secretary to you to attend your needs." Just in the middle of his speech I was shaking. "No, no, no need, uh … there are staffs everywhere. I can just call them if I need anything." I assured him. He sighed. "Okay, then." When he left I let out a deep sigh. Still the same caring Jared, huh? I went to the couch with a few seated guests. The lobby is not too busy. It's good that I don't have to look for another place to hang out like Jared said. Now that he said he'll make all the hotel services free for me, the more I don't want to go to those. If I would, I'll make sure I'll pay with my own money. I spent my time there browsing the internet. When my phone was low, I focused on magazines. I'm in the middle of reading a fashion magazine when someone called me. Georgia, by the way. I stood up and smiled at the fair, tall, slender, and short-haired new friend of mine. "Finally, we meet again!" She said and kissed my cheeks. I chuckled. "Yeah. Finally," "Where's your room, by the way? It's a pity we don't share a room," I was silenced by his question. "I-I'm not staying here …" "Oh? That's why you're so wild! Where are you staying, then?" I blinked thrice. "Uh, to a f-friend …" Darn. Why didn't I want to tell Jared? I just don't want people to get the wrong idea! We can't convince everyone that we are not doing bad there! "Ah. By the way, what are you doing here then? No deliveries today from you, ha," "Uh … Just hanging out. Boring where I'm staying, eh." He nodded. "Hanging out but you're just sitting at the couch?" She chuckled. I laughed too. "Do the real hanging out, Thalia. It's okay and I'll break. I can accompany you. Wanna eat? My kind of hanging out," She laughed. My face lit up. "Sure!" Seems like I'll really come here often now. Chapter 31 part 6 We headed to the Italian resto of the hotel for a snack. Fortunately, the place was not renovated. I ordered a plate of Lasagna Bolognese while Georgia ordered a plate of Caprese Mac and Cheese. For our drinks, we ordered a bottle of Aperol Spritz. "You know, you should pay visit here often. I'm always here to accompany you," Georgia said in the middle of our meal. "I don't think so. You have work, you know," I laughed. She rolled her eyes. "Oh, don't think that way. We have a lot of engineers deployed here. My workload isn't heavy. You can seriously call me anytime!" "Well, if you say so. I'll invite you to my escapades till Engineer Roque finds out you've been skipping your work," I joked. "Oh. I changed my mind." We laughed. Georgia stopped laughing as she turned her back on me. "Mr. Arevalo!" She said merrily. Darn. I hope he doesn't come here! I feel like I feel guilty when other people see that we meet and talk! But I failed at my request. In a few moments, someone grabbed the backrest of my seat. Georgia turned her gaze to Jared's hand there. I was silenced. "Good afternoon, Engineer. You're just here," Jared said then turned to me. My heart pounded and my cheeks warmed. Shame on Georgia! Confused, Georgia turned to me and Jared. He looked at us again and again. "Uh … I'm sorry. We met in the lobby and then agreed to eat …" I said in a small voice. I don't think I can pretend I don't know him. That's unfair to him. Just take care of what Georgia thinks! It's really not malicious, eh! I'm the only one who thinks there is! What about now when other people find out we're going to meet, right? "It's fine. I'm just worried. You're not answering my calls," Damn. My cheeks flushed profusely. I could clearly see Georgia's suffocation. "D-Didn't know you two were close," She laughed awkwardly. My cheeks got even hotter. I can't look at them. I also don't want to comment on what Georgia said. But then Jared just smirked at her. That would be even better. "Uh … Are you done?" I hesitantly asked to Jared. "Yup." "Tara na ba?" I asked in a small voice. "It's up to you. Finish your food first," "A-ah, do you have a walk? We're done eating too, Mr. Arevalo. Right, Thalia?" Georgia's groin. Chapter 31 part 7 Darn. "Yes. We're done." I turned to Jared. He nodded. "If that's the case, then, let's go?" I nodded and shivered to my feet. We said goodbye to Georgia with a postscript poke and whisper to me. "You, ha. You'll tell me a lot tomorrow …" She warned while gritting her teeth and giving me an accusing look. I faintly walked out of the resto. If my friend Georgia was wondering how Jared and I treated each other, what about the other person? What are they going to say? Especially when they know Jared has a girlfriend and others are with him. But seriously, we're not doing anything wrong! Don't be guilty, Thalia! That is the usual scene everyday. Jared and I would eat breakfast together in the house. Then, we will go to our warehouse. He will wait for me there till I finish my work. I let him stay in Dad's office but he prefers to talk to our staff. Then after, we'd go to their hotel and I'd also wait for him until four in the afternoon. It's like give and take is happening. While waiting for him, Georgia is always with me to keep my company. Is it weird that he's always vacant when I'm there or is it true that he's going to be absent for me? I don't know. Hopefully not. I am thankful she's not nosy. When he asked me if Jared and I would meet I answered him correctly. She asked me how and I answered her that we were schoolmates back in college. I didn't tell her about our arrangement. I really don't like telling everything about my life. That is why to this day my parents still do not know the whole thing that happened to Jared and me, e. He immediately believed me. Though, I can see her curious looks at Jared and me when we're talking but just look at it. She chooses to shut up and ignore her malicious ideas and I'm thankful for that. After that, Jared and I would go home. We catch up with Aunt Tess who is always cooking our dinner. Then she will go home without eating with us. Then, we'd go to our own rooms to sleep. Everything is going smoothly. I am genuinely happy. I never thought it would turn out like this. Only one thing bothers me. With us getting along well, I couldn't avoid him. He was talking to me. Of course I will talk him back. He's treating me well, of course, I would treat him well, too. It'd be rude if I ignore him, right? Plus, the fact that he's mad at me, I don't think I can be rude towards him. It's a big deal to me that he talks to me casually even though I'm at fault for him. Now, I'm wondering, do I really have to avoid him just so I'd forget him? That's what I think. But I really can't avoid him! I do not know. Bahala na. I got carried away with our setup that I almost forgot my goal not until one night when ate Tess is out and we have to cook our own dinner. "Stop laughing at me, Jared!" I exclaimed while stir-frying the onions and garlics for our dinner. "I'm not laughing," he said and let out a loud laugh. I turned to him and stared. He raised both hands but later laughed as well. I sniffed and turned my back on him. Is it my fault that I don't know how to cook? Is it my fault that I'm afraid the oil will spill so I wear a jacket and mask while cooking? Damn him! "Thank you for still helping us cook, eh!" I blurted out. "Because that's what you only knew. Saute garlic and onion," he said with a laugh. I turned around and didn't speak. I'm slightly pissed at the same time, I'm just laughing at myself. I just concentrated on what I was doing. Noticing my silence he approached me. "Hey … I'm just kidding," He crooned. I did not speak. He patted me but I still did not say a word. I am not angry. I just want to get even at him. So I want him to worry. I laughed at what I thought. He came even closer until I could feel his chest behind me. He placed his hands on both sides of the countertop, locking me in place. My heart pounded violently. It's like I want to push him! "Hey … sorry," I was swallowed. I braved my heart. I turned off the stove and turned him on with my sharp stare. But as he approached me, my courage melted away. I pushed him and faked a loud laugh. His forehead furrowed. "What do you think of me? Onion-skin?" I laughed fakely again. I seemed to convince him as the irritation passed through his face. He also recovered immediately. He let out an evil smirk and closed the distance between us. I stepped back while laughing so as not to be obviously nervous until I could feel the cold tiles of the sink behind me. "You're playing with me, huh," He said sexily. My mouth ran dry. I immediately regretted the plan. I pushed him but he caught my wrist. His touch sent shivers down my spine. My laugh vanished. That was replaced by the abomination of my heart. "I-I'm just kidding, too, you know," my voice trembled. "Hmm?" He brought the body even closer to me. His eyes drifted to my lips. He licked her lower lip which made it even redder. I was swallowed. My eyes slipped to his lips, too. My heart is pounding too much. My ribcage hurts. That's how we settled until his phone rang. I seem to be back in the right mood. I pushed him with full force so he backed away. Shit! What was that?! He hissed a curse then got his phone on his pocket. I averted my eyes. My cheeks are too hot. A glance on his phone and I felt my heart being torn into pieces. Miara's calling her. We looked at each other and I immediately averted my eyes again. I went to the sink to pretend to wash my hands. "I'm just gonna answer this fast," He said before leaving me alone in the kitchen for the living room. A lone tear then escaped from my eyes. I let it fall to the sink. If before my heart was abusive with joy and excitement, now it is broken because of the truth. Damn. Know your place, Thalia. Know your place.