Chapter 15

Chantria

I think I've been balding the grass in my yard all morning because of that man. How can I understand what he wants to say if he doesn't speak? I'm not a fortune teller!

His behavior is irritating. Very different from the behavior of his mother and father. Just a little more and I’m going to be convinced that he’s adopted.

After having lunch, Aling Tryna knocked and brought me food. I shyly accepted a bowl of pickles before letting her into my house.

"You shouldn't have bothered anymore, Aling Tryna." I made her sit on the sofa. "I can survive on the canned goods I bought earlier at the store. I'm not picky with foods.”

"What are you saying? You should not get used to eating those preservatives. It’s not good for your health. And then Iwatani actually cooked a lot to give some to you. Even if he doesn't say it, I know it's for you."

Something kicked in my stomach because of what I heard. "Iwatani cooked for me?"

“Yes. Sorry for my son. He is really rude even when he was just a child, but he is kind. He just doesn't really like to show his true feelings."

I wanted to tell her that Iwatani himself said that he hates me but I just kept my mouth shut. Tryna doesn't have to know about that. That is between me and her son. It seems that he didn't mention his annoyance to his mother either.

"That's okay. I'm used to people like him. I also have a friend in Canada who is so rude that I can handle his behavior." My chest almost tightened when I remembered Joaquin.

"Oh hey, I'm going back so you can eat. You finish the dish and I’ll just return the container."

I thanked her again before heading to the kitchen to eat. In fairness, Iwatani is really good at cooking. He can get married. But I wonder about that. It seems no one can stand his attitude.

I just laughed at the thought.

"Is my cooking that good that it made you lose your mind?"

I almost fainted because someone spoke suddenly. I immediately reached for the water next to me and sipped it then coughed.

"What the h-ll?" I exclaimed. "Don't scare me like that! I thought I was going to have a heart attack."

"I didn’t scare you. You didn't close the door of your house, so I saw you right away." I didn't answer because he was right, my door was wide open. "You live alone in this house, so if you need to lock the door, do it."

I just snorted before rolling my eyes. "Why do I have to when I have a bodyguard?"

"I'm not always by your side. I can only watch you outside your house. But by the time you're inside, you'll be alone."

I raised my eyebrows. "You can't enter my house?"

"That's what your dad ordered so I have to obey."

I nodded my head. "What if I invite you in?"

His jaw darkened again because of what I said but he didn't speak. I just sighed because it looked like he will really obey dad more.

But on the brighter side, it's even better. At least I still have my privacy even here inside the house. I've given it up before because I know I'll be better protected if he's always around. But anyway, this is better.

"What are you doing here?" I will ask.

"I just want to say that we are going to school tomorrow at two o'clock to give you a tour." He pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to me, but since he couldn't get in, I had to come closer to him. "Type your number so you can be contacted easily."

I winced. "Honestly, I don't have a phone yet. I mean, Seanne doesn't have a phone yet because I left my phone in Canada to prevent them from tracking me.”

He sighed before putting the phone back in his pocket. “Then, we'll buy you a new one. I'm only outside when you're ready."

I looked at the wall clock and saw that I still had an hour to attend to. It's more than enough. After all, I'm almost done eating. I also took a shower earlier after cleaning, so I'll just get dressed.

I made sure the house was locked before turning to leave. I didn’t want my bodyguard to scold me for being reckless and not careful.

I saw him waiting for me while leaning on his car. He was still frowning while staring at me, so I was a little surprised. Why is he staring like that? And why is it that every time I look at him, he would immediately look at me?

Oh, come on, Chantria. Obviously, he is your bodyguard. You should always have that in mind. You're being watched, aren't you?

He opened the door for me, so I immediately entered. I just looked at the contents of my bag again because I might have forgotten something.

"We will buy your phone first before going straight to school," he said.

I just nodded because I didn't know how to respond to what he said. And what else can he expect from the person he hates? Of course, it's better to keep quiet.

We got to the phone shop quickly, so I got off right away. He followed me inside and eyed me like an eagle. I shouldn't feel awkward. I know he's just doing his job, but I can't help it.

I just had a bodyguard who was my age or almost my age. And yeah, a bodyguard is this handsome. I didn't know if anyone in my situation wouldn't be nervous.

I was able to choose a phone quickly because I don't change brands. Using his credit card, he paid for it without saying anything. I didn't have my cards here in the Philippines and I knew dad had no intention of giving them to me.

He really believed in my living here as an average person. No cards, no fancy cars, and no big houses. Not that I was complaining, but at least he should have given me enough pocket money. This Iwatani is like my sugar daddy right now.

"Didn't dad leave anything that I can spend on? You know, so I don't have to ask you anymore."

He just looked straight at the road when he spoke. "Sir Philippio strictly forbids me to give you an allowance more than what he gives you. Except for things like buying a phone and the essentials you need.”

I just snorted. If that's what dad ordered, I couldn't do anything. It was no use if I get angry with him because he was just doing his job. I just couldn't help but be annoyed.

When we got to the school, the guard let him in without saying a word. I guess his car was known here. He studied here from high school. I couldn't imagine what he looked like when he was young. Maybe he was grumpy even then.

I got out when he parked. He walked ahead of me, so I just followed him. He was going to be my tour this afternoon and I had to put up with his rudeness for that long. As long as he doesn't tease me and scold me, I won't punish him.

"This is the activity center of the school. There are many things that can be done here such as sports events.” He continued to speak while pointing to every corner of the school. The campus is also wide, so I sweated quite a bit. It was a good thing because the sun was not glaring at us.

“Here.” He handed me a bottle of water and a white towel.

I accepted it without hesitation. I forgot my bottled water and I didn't expect it to be this hot today to bring a towel. Fortunately, he had something with him.

While I was drinking, I almost spilled it when Iwatani suddenly blocked my view. My mouth banged on the muzzle of the bottle because it hit his back.

“What the hell, Iwatani? What are you doing? My clothes got wet all over."

"I'm sorry, P're," said the person in front of him.

Iwatani didn't pay attention to me and just focused his angry gaze on the person in front of him. "Be careful next time," he said coldly.

I peeked to see whom he was talking to, and I could hardly believe what I was seeing. "You?!" I exclaimed.

The man stared at me for a while and his eyes widened slightly while looking at me before pointing at me. “Gold digger?”

My nose stung because of what he said. “I'm not a gold digger!”

The man was unable to answer when Iwatani gripped his finger firmly before lowering it violently.

"You're rude," he said while still looking seriously at the man. It seemed that this one was really rude to anyone. Somehow, I breathed a sigh of relief.

He just grinned. “Oh, and who are you? I didn't know that your bodyguard is different now. Where is the girl who punched me then? He is no longer your bodyguard?”

I bit my lower lip as I remembered Carleigh. No one would hit this man anymore by chance. But it didn't matter. I would punch him this time.

"She’s not here anymore," I told him. "And please, if you are going to accuse me again, stop it. I have said my side and I have no intention of repeating it. If you don't want to believe me, that's up to you. Be angry as long as you want."

He stopped as if he wanted to say something but closed his mouth again.

I pulled Iwatani's hand. "Let's go!"

I was still seething with anger when we got out of there. That man was wearing a school uniform so there was a good chance that we would meet again inside the campus. And how small was the world now and even here in the Philippines I could see his aloof expression.