Chapter 1: PROLOGUE
Under the cold night, the atmosphere on the rooftop is garden-fresh because of the plants surrounding it. The cocktail bar is quite simple, but the interior is stylish. Clay didn't expect how stunning the views were in Paris because the hotel where he stayed was less popular, but the area was spacious and clean. He also had a pleasant experience with the friendly staff there. He always visits the rooftop to forget his problem. Somehow he felt better when he watched the beautiful sight of the Eiffel Tower lit up at night that shone as if the steel materials used were gold. And especially, he catches a glimpse of the 360 degrees’ view of Paris.
He preferred quiet places. He never goes to nightclubs full of people who do nothing but party. He hated the noisy and chaotic places. That is why he left the country where he lives-- the Philippines, to find and know himself. He wanted to avoid the people around him. The woman he loved, his stepbrother, and his parents who never understood him.
While he was holding the glass filled with a cocktail that looked delicious, as he looked into the distance and enjoyed the sight of the peaceful sky, suddenly, a woman approached him. She placed a plate filled with chicken adobo and a sizzling plate with pork sisig on his table. These dishes are popular foods in the Philippines.
Clay was surprised. Not because it was familiar to him, but because he wondered why or how there was Filipino Food where he stayed. He quickly raised his head to look at the woman who gave him the food. She was beautiful, with her black braided hair resting on the side of her left shoulder. She is wearing a color black chef uniform. She was smiling at him. Clay's face seemed filled with questions which the woman noticed.
"I'm sorry! I overheard your conversation with your friend on the video call. You've been looking for home-cooked meals, so I cooked you two dishes from the ones you mentioned. Don’t worry! I won’t charge you," the woman said to him. Clay never thought he had met a fellow Filipino.
"T-Thank you!" Clay answered. He instantly felt ashamed because his cheek turned red. But again, the woman just smiled at him.
"Anyway, I've been observing you for a few nights. I noticed the sadness in your eyes every night you visited here. I mean, I don't want to interfere in your life either, but if you want someone to be with, talk to, and make friends with while you're in Paris, I can be with you," the woman answered.
The truth was he was bored being alone. Clay thought for a long time until he decided to accept the woman's offer. He waited for the woman. Then they decided to stay at the rooftop, drank wine, and talked all night. They were happy together. They seem to have known each other for a long time. And they did the intriguing romance that not only impressed Clay’s mind but also his heart.